While runDisney races are hugely popular for their fun atmosphere and unique experiences, they may not be for everyone. As an avid Disney runner, I can attest to the magic and fun that runDisney brings to each of their events. However, I also recognize several downsides which might make them less appealing depending on what you're looking for in a race experience.
Ultimately, while these races offer plenty of magic and a unique Disney experience, they may not provide the fulfilling or challenging race experience that some runners crave due to cost and crowds along with some other surprising reasons! Last week I already ranked the top 10 reasons to do a runDisney race. Now, we get to look at the downsides.
Below I will get into 10 reasons why you may not want to consider participating in a runDisney race.
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1. High Registration Costs
Registering for a runDisney race comes with a significantly higher cost compared to most traditional races. The entry fees for these events often cost a minimum of about $130 up to $200 or more, depending on the race distance, such as a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or marathon. The price increases even more if you're participating in multi-race challenges, like the Goofy or Dopey Challenge, which involve running multiple races across multiple days. This year, the Dopey Challenge cost $688 which included race fees for the 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon. These higher costs are largely due to the Disney brand and the unique experience the races offer, including character meet-and-greets, exclusive medals, race-day entertainment, and the opportunity to run through Disney theme parks.
Although you get to race through the Disney theme parks, the race registration does not include the cost of admission to any of the theme parks, nor does it give you any discounts or perks. It's simply the cost of the race experience, which is worth it to many, however can break the bank to others. Especially if you are traveling from out of town and need to pay for hotels, food, and park tickets, the high registration costs for a runDisney event is a big reason why many people never sign up. While many runners see it as a once-in-a-lifetime or bucket-list experience, the high price tag can be a deterrent for those looking for a more affordable running event.
One option to avoid the high cost of a Disney race is to raise money for a charity, who will then pay for your race fee. Although this can be a lot of work, you'll be able to run for a great cause while also avoiding the high cost of the race registration.
2. Stressful Registration Experience
Not only does the high cost of a runDisney race cause stress, so does the actual registration process itself. runDisney races have become so popular that they often sell out within minutes. You must decide which race, and when, you plan to run in order to be prepared for registration day. The most popular runDisney weekends include the Marathon, Princess, and Wine & Dine weekends at Disney World, as well as the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend.
Once you determine the race you want to register for, you need to figure out when registration takes place, including the time it opens. You must be online and ready to register as soon as it opens. Similar to other popular events such as the Oogie Boogie Bash, registration can be stressful, which may be one reason to avoid a runDisney race.
3. Crowded Courses
Another frustrating challenge of runDisney races is the crowded courses, which can make running at your desired pace difficult. With thousands of participants joining each event, the course can become congested, especially in the earlier miles. Narrow pathways, bottlenecks at certain turns, and runners stopping for character photo opportunities can all contribute to the traffic. For those who are focused on running a smooth race or achieving a personal best time, the crowded conditions can be frustrating, as weaving through large groups of runners or walkers can slow progress. Additionally, the combination of participants of all fitness levels, from competitive runners to casual walkers, creates a varied pace, making it hard to find open space to run freely.
If you're a fast runner and want to avoid congestion, I highly recommend submitting a proof of time (POT) prior to your runDisney event. If you can prove that you're a faster runner with results from another race, runDisney will put you in one of the earlier start groups. This prevents being behind lots of slower runners and can help prevent higher crowds on course.
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4. Early Start Times
The early start times of runDisney races can be a significant challenge for many participants. Most races begin at 5:00 a.m., requiring runners to wake up in the middle of the night to get ready and travel to the starting line. For those staying at Disney resorts, transportation to the race can begin as early as 2:30 a.m., adding to the already early wake-up time. This early start can disrupt sleep schedules, leaving runners feeling fatigued and groggy, especially for those who are not morning people. While the early start ensures that races can be completed before the parks open to the public, it also means that participants need to be prepared for a long day, often with limited rest before heading into the excitement of the parks afterward.
If you still want to participate in a runDisney event, I highly recommend trying to alter your sleep schedule in the days or weeks before your race to acclimate your body to the early wake up time. Although you'll likely be running on excitement and adrenaline, training your body to wake up early and run will significantly improve your runDisney race experience. There will also be a coffee truck in the starting area just in case you need an extra boost of caffeine!
5. Hot and Humid Weather
The hot and humid weather at runDisney events, at both Disney World and Disneyland, can be a significant challenge for participants. Some of these races are held during the warmer months, when temperatures can soar into the high 70s or 80s early in the morning, with humidity levels that make it feel even hotter. This combination of heat and moisture can lead to dehydration, exhaustion, and overall discomfort during the race. Even though the early start times aim to beat the heat of the day, the thick humidity can still take a toll, making it harder to maintain a steady pace and increasing the risk of heat-related issues. Runners need to be well-prepared, staying hydrated and adjusting expectations, as the weather can detract from the overall race experience, especially for those unaccustomed to such conditions.
If you're worried about temperature, I highly recommend the January events at Disney World and Disneyland. Although there has been higher temperatures during these events, it is typically very pleasant and perfect running weather. I would avoid races in the fall, such as Disneyland's Halloween Half Marathon or Disney World's Wine & Dine Weekend if you are particularly nervous about running in warm weather.
6. Long Lines for Photo Ops
One of the unique features of runDisney events is the opportunity to take photos with rare Disney characters along the race course. Although Disney runners do their best at taking a photo and moving on quickly, it can lead to long lines at some of the popular photo op locations. Depending on the timing and the popularity of the character, waiting in line for a picture can take up to 20 minutes or more, causing congestion and delays for those eager to keep moving. For participants aiming for a faster time or those who prefer to focus solely on the race, these extended waits can be a frustrating aspect of the experience.
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7. Parking and Transportation Challenges
Parking and transportation at runDisney events can be a source of stress for some participants, especially given the early start times and large number of runners. For those driving to the race, parking lots at Disney resorts and the event venues can fill up quickly, requiring early arrivals to secure a spot. Even with ample parking, runners often have to deal with long walks to the start line, adding extra time and effort to an already early morning.
Although Disney provides free and fairly seamless transportation for resort guests, it can still be somewhat stressful especially if you don't catch an early bus. This can lead to a rushed experience, as participants need to factor in extra time to ensure they don't miss the start of the race. Navigating these transportation challenges can add a layer of stress to the event, particularly when trying to maintain a smooth race-day experience.
8. Travel Costs
Unless you live near a Disney park, you'll likely need to account for additional travel expenses, park tickets, and accommodations, which can make the experience even more costly. As previously mentioned, the cost of runDisney races are already higher than normal. Therefore, the cost of travel in addition to the cost of registration can be a reason why you shouldn't participate in a runDisney race. Not only will you need a hotel on the night before and after the race itself, but you also need to grab your race packet the day before your race, meaning you need to be near Disney property the day before your race.
The travel costs associated with participating in a runDisney race can quickly add up, making it a significant investment. In addition to the race registration fees, participants often need to budget for travel to and from the Disney park, which may include flights, rental cars, or gas if driving. For many, staying at a Disney resort or nearby hotel is the most convenient option, but accommodation costs can be high, especially during peak race weekends. Additionally, participants may need to purchase park tickets if they plan to visit the theme parks before or after the race, further increasing the overall cost. When combined with meals, souvenirs, and other expenses, the total cost of attending a runDisney race can be much higher than the price of the race itself, making it another reason why you may not want to participate in a runDisney race.
9. Not Always Ideal for Serious Runners
As previously mentioned, the crowds and sheer number of runners at each runDisney event may be less than ideal for more serious runners. runDisney races are very beginner friendly, and sometimes this can be frustrating for serious runners who value race etiquette. As a long time runner myself, I have admittedly gotten frustrated several times during a runDisney event when there are groups of people not adhering to Disney's etiquette guide that is always distributed before each race.
Although I personally don't think this would ever stop me from participating in runDisney events, I can see why it would be another reason why some people shouldn't do a runDisney race. runDisney races are always focused more on fun than speed, which can be ideal for some people but frustrating for others. I never register for a runDisney race expecting to “PR” (gain a personal record time), and it shouldn't be expected for most runners either.
10. Pace Requirements
Although runDisney is very beginner friendly and focuses on fun, there are still pace requirements for every runner. The only races that aren't timed are the 5Ks, however all other runDisney races require that runners keep a 16 minute per mile pace. Although this is a pretty generous pace requirement, it still may be too fast for some. Given the heat and humidity I spoke about, along with wanting to stop for character photos and water stops, this pace requirement may be another reason why you shouldn't do a runDisney event.
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