First Time runDisney Registration Tips

Ready to sign up for a runDisney run? Congrats! I’m incredibly proud of you for taking this exciting step towards a new experience.

Signing up for your first run can be a whirlwind of emotions - from excitement to stress, triumph and even potential disappointment.

Having recently signed up for my inaugural run, I remember lots of questions swirling in my mind. Through my first registration, I learned some helpful information that I want to share with you.

My goal is to help you navigate the sign-up process and snag your first runDisney adventure.

Let’s do this!

Pick Your Run

Head over to the runDisney website to scope out the next available runs. Take your pick from Walt Disney World in Florida, Virtual Runs, or Disneyland in California. Brace yourself for a potential long wait for the next available adventure!

But hey, look on the bright side - more time to train and whip up the most fabulous costume ever!

Reminders & Alarms

Picked your perfect run? Now, set your calendar reminders! I like to sprinkle alerts a week before (money check!), the day before, and the morning of the big registration day.

Don't stop there - throw on an alarm the day itself, so you're ready to pounce on that keyboard ten minutes before the virtual gates swing open.

Remember to triple-check the date, time, and time zone - just like when I signed up for that Walt Disney World run at 10 AM Eastern time. Living in sunny California, I had to rise and shine at 7 AM for my registration.

You might be wondering, is all this necessary? the answer is YES!

During my first registration attempt, races were vanishing faster than Mickey waffles at breakfast while I impatiently waited in the virtual line.

In just a few short hours, all the spots were gobbled up. So…. If you ready to snag a spot on the starting line, you will need to bring your A-Game and don’t be late!

Tech Ready

Make sure your computer or phone is juiced up or plugged in because it could be a long ride. Also, find a Wi-Fi spot stronger than your favorite superhero!

The sign-up process took me an hour, while my friend waited for over 3 hours to secure a spot in a different race.

Registration Day

Hooray, it's registration day! The magical moment when your Disney dream starts to sparkle to life. To kick things off, have that event page ready 5-10 minutes early. Keep hitting refresh occasionally until that registration button pops up - I was able to get into the virtual line 5 minutes ahead!

Now, get comfy because it's waiting time in the queue!

Team Work

Running in a group? What a blast! This next tip is for you. It’s best to have as many participants waiting in the virtual line as possible. Whoever gets in first should take that opportunity to register the other participants.

For example - Kearsten and I both waiting in the line but I was able to get in first, register both of us and secure both of our spots!

Registration Info

When registering yourself or others be sure to have the following required information available for each participant. Name, address, phone number, birthday, email, shirt size, emergency contact name and phone number.

Grab a Hotel

Did you hit the jackpot and snag a spot? Woohoo! Now is a good time to secure your hotel, if you are going to need one. Hotels can fill up quick so it’s best to pay the deposit or secure that room soon after registration.

Subscribe!

We are eagerly anticipating our first Disney Marathon Weekend in January 2025. Make sure to subscribe for upcoming blog posts covering our costume reveal, expo experience, race merchandise, preparation, race experience, accommodation details, and dining choices! We are excited to share it all with you.

If you have any questions or found this information useful, let us know in the comments below.