RunDisney Questions?

I've done several 5ks with Disney but never anything longer. Unfortunately the TOT 10miler has been discontinued as have all of the Disneyland runs and the Expedition Everest Challenge.
You can stay at any Disney Resort and they will provide transportation to the Expo and to the race location. If you are a DVC Member or Annual Passholder, they do sometimes offer early registration or discounts on the race bibs. I'm both and can only recall the early registration times as of late. However if there is a discount that comes out for a package that is booked thru RunDisney, you can check to see if the discount applies to your booking (not guaranteed though as it's based on availability).

When we visit for a run, we try to be there at least a day prior to the start of the Expo since that is where you have to go in order to pick up your race bib and since we've only done 5ks, those are the first races that are run so we have to be there early. We enjoy going to the Parks so we of course try to stay for a few days after as well if our schedule allows. We were traveling home from another Disney trip on the Monday after the actual Marathon weekend and there were TONS of marathon runners heading home. How long you stay really depends on your schedule.

If you plan on visiting the Parks you will have to purchase tickets. The easiest way is to just buy a race bib, hotel, dining and ticket package.

At certain locations along the race route, there are character picture stops. There are long lines for these sometimes so if time is important to you, you may not want to stop. All of these pictures including the ones along the course, you will be able to access thru the DisneyPhotoPass.com website. On the back of the bib, there are codes that are tied to your bib number and race.

There are many runners that chose to do the run/walk method which is promoted by Jeff Galloway who is the "spokes-trainer". There is a certain pace you need to maintain in order to finish the race. After a certain time, they will pick runners up who haven't maintained the pace. This is because you do run through Parks and there is alot of equipment that needs to be picked up prior to Park open. At least for the 5k, it is suggested you maintain a 16 minute/mile. When my daughter and I ran the Disney Fall Feast 5k in November, we were in the last corrall and there were LOTS of people wearing jeans and just walking.

I hope that helps a bit!

Just to add a little to Kris's great information. All of the races have a 16 minute/mile but it is pretty easy to attain with some training. The RunDisney website has suggested training plans you can follow that call for only running/walking three days a week. I ran the Wine & Dine half marathon last November and it was my first race. I worried about my time and didn't stop at any characters which I now regret. I've done a few races but nothing like Disney. There is entertainment all through the course ranging from characters, movie trailers, cast members cheering for you, bands, DJ's and more. I never enjoyed running 13.1 miles more. I'm going back in April for the Star Wars races because of the experience. If you have any further questions let us know.

I'm "running" the 5k with my wife, my 9 year old daughter and her friend. None of them have ever raced nor are training. You won't have to worry about being last! Let us know where you will be prior to the race, would love to stop by and say hi. The Star Wars races look like a blast.