If you’re considering traveling for your next 5K or half marathon, there is only one set of races (at least that I know of) where donning a tutu or princess tiara is not only acceptable race gear — it’s downright encouraged. Of course, I’m talking about runDisney’s Disney Princess races at Walt Disney World Resort® near Orlando, Florida.
Consisting of three magical races, the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend includes the Disney Princess 5K, Disney Princess 10K, and Disney Princess Half Marathon.
Additionally, runners may register for the Disney Fairytale Challenge, which requires finishing both the Disney Princess 10K and Disney Princess Half Marathon for 19.3 miles in two consecutive days!
This Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend “racecation” guide shares advice based on my experience as a first-timer running the 2016 Disney Princess 5K.
Since I’m sure other first-time runDisney racers have questions like I did, I’m sharing all my Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend tips.
Disclosure: This Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend guide for first-time runDisney racers contains affiliate links. When you click on one of these links and then purchase an item or book a hotel, I will earn a small commission that helps to sustain this blog.
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Tips
From registering for your Disney Princess race to crossing the finish line, I’ll answer many of the questions you may have as a first-timer, including:
- When should I register for the Disney Princess 5K, 10K, or half marathon?
- How do I plan a magical “racecation” in Orlando, Florida?
- Which airport should I fly into for the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend?
- Do I need to rent a car?
- Where should I stay for Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend?
- How do I visit all four Disney Parks during Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend?
- How should I train for my Disney Princess race?
- What should I wear at my Disney Princess race?
- Which Disney songs should be on my race/training playlist?
- Where do I pick up my pre-race packet?
- Where can I eat a carbo-loaded dinner before my Disney Princess Half Marathon?
When Should I Register for My runDisney Princess Race?
The Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend usually falls in mid to late February, but registration opens months in advance.
Typically, the Disney Princess race registration opens in June or July. For example, I registered for the 2016 Disney Princess 5K in July 2015, and registration opened on June 20, 2023, for the February 2024 races.
Due to the popularity of these races, these are my tips for successfully registering for your race:
Register as Soon as Registration Opens
As I mentioned, the Disney Princess races, especially the Disney Princess 5K, are extremely popular. That is why they are very likely to quickly sell out within hours. Particularly for the Disney Princess 5K, you’ll want to register right when registration opens to secure your spot.
To ensure your slot, occasionally check the runDisney website for an announcement of next year’s race date and when registration will open.
Then, mark your calendar, jot it in your planner, or set an alert on your phone. Just do something to remind yourself to register for the race that day!
Recruit a Princess Race Squad
A race is much more fun with a squad or partner, so ask some friends to join you. Be sure to remind them to register the day registration opens, too.
Save and Budget for Your Registration Fee
As of 2024, the Disney Princess races’ registration costs were:
- $107.99 for the Disney Princess 5K
- $135 for the Disney Princess 10K
- $210 for the Disney Princess Half Marathon
- $355 for the Disney Fairytale Challenge
Know Your Mile Pace and Finishing Time
When you register, you’ll be prompted to input your estimated mile pace and finishing time. This will be used to determine your start group on race day.
Additionally, if you are registering for the half marathon and believe you will finish in under two hours, you will need to provide proof of time to be placed in that start group. Proof of time can be results from another 10K race, 10-mile race, half marathon, or full marathon.
Travel Tip: For the 5K and 10K, I recommend registering with the fastest mile pace selection available to be placed in the starting corral.
It’s exciting to be near the starting line on race day. Plus, this also gives you a cushion to stop for photos or to complete the race at a slower pace if you are a jogger, run/walker, or walker.
How Do I Plan a Magical Racecation for Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend?
Once you have registered for your race, it’s time to plan your Orlando vacation for Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend.
Book Your Flight to Orlando
For the most magical Disney Princess 5K experience, I recommend flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO) at least one day before your race.
I flew in two days before my race, which allowed me to check in, get organized, explore Disney Springs, and eat pre-race carbohydrates.
Rent a Car or Book an Airport Shuttle
A rental car is the best option for racers not staying on Disney World property.
However, I must say that visiting Disney World is the perfect time for a car-less vacation. If you plan to stay at one of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels, you can take a Mears Connect shuttle from the Orlando airport.
Stay on Walt Disney World Property
One perk of staying on the Walt Disney World Resort property is the complimentary shuttle from your hotel to the race.
Each race starts at 5 a.m., so it will be a very early morning. When I ran the Disney Princess 5K, runners had to board the buses by 4:45 a.m. (at the latest) on race day.
Complimentary shuttles run every 30 minutes to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, too. This is where you’ll go to pick up your race packet and bib in the days before your race.
Reserve Your Accommodations Early for Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
I strongly encourage you to make your Walt Disney World Resort lodging reservations as early as possible. Unfortunately, I waited until the month before my race and could only get into Disney’s All-Star Music Resort.
Though that family-friendly resort is a great option when visiting Disney World with kids, I, as a solo traveler in my late 20s at that time, would have preferred to stay at one of the upscale resorts, such as Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
If you aren’t an early riser, I recommend staying as close as possible to the race starting line at one of the EPCOT area resorts. From one of these resorts, you can drive yourself in less than 10 minutes, take the race shuttle, or even walk to EPCOT from some resorts.
Unfortunately, the Friendship boats typically don’t begin running until 45 minutes before the park opens — hours after these races start. However, if your EPCOT hotel is near a Friendship launch site, you can use Disney’s water transportation at other times to get from your accommodations to the theme parks.
The EPCOT area lodging includes:
- Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
- Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
- Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort & Villas
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Get Disney World Tickets to Explore All Four Parks in One Magical Weekend
While you are at Disney World for your race, you can eat and drink around the World Showcase at EPCOT, become a kid again at Magic Kingdom, go wild at Animal Kingdom, and journey through the galaxy like your favorite Star Wars characters at Hollywood Studios.
That is why I recommend adding the Park Hopper® option, which allows you to visit all four parks on the same day.
Disney World tickets are often cheaper when purchased through a third-party seller, but you should only purchase tickets from authorized ticket sellers. For Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, I recommend purchasing the 3-day Ticket with Park Hopper Option from CityPASS®.
You’ll likely save $35 or more per ticket off the gate price! This deal even beats Disney World’s online pricing, as you can see in the screenshots below from when I compared purchasing at the official Disney World website with purchasing through CityPASS.
Plan to See Orlando Beyond Disney World
If you are visiting Orlando only for the weekend, preparing for race day, running your Disney Princess race, and hopping between the Disney World theme parks will keep you plenty busy.
However, if you are planning to visit Orlando for longer than three days or simply want a break from all things Disney, you can sip butterbeer at Universal Orlando Resort’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter, see alligators on an airboat ride, or take in the bird’s-eye view from The Wheel at ICON Park.
Find more things to do in Orlando!
How Do I Train For My First Disney Princess Race?
Are the Disney Princess races ones you run for the speediest finishing time? No way! This is a race to enjoy taking Instagram-worthy photos and meeting your favorite Disney characters along the way.
However, though these Disney Princess races are beginner-friendly, you’ll still need to be cognizant of your mile pace.
This is especially true during the longer races. For the 10K and half marathon, runners must maintain a minimum 16-minute pace per mile. Unfortunately, if you fall behind this pace, you may be picked up and taken to the finish line.
Therefore, I recommend 10K and half marathon participants, as well as first-time 5K racers, train ahead of Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend.
If you are interested in training for your Disney Princess race, runDisney offers training program guides for both beginners and experienced runners from former Olympian Jeff Galloway.
These training programs focus on a run/walk interval technique and require (at minimum) a pre-race commitment of 12 weeks for the 5K, 17 weeks for the 10K, and 18 weeks for the half marathon.
I also recommend wearing a watch during your race and as you train. Apple Watch wearers can keep an eye on their mile pace with the fitness tracker. Another option, if you are looking for a lightweight smartwatch specifically designed for running with GPS tracking is the Garmin Forerunner 55.
What Should I Wear at My Disney Princess 5K?
Were you once a little girl who dreamed of becoming a princess? Well, here is your chance! Wear a sparkly tutu, tiara, or a full-on Disney-inspired costume, if you wish.
As you may know, Disney World does not usually allow adults to dress in costume at its parks, so this is one of the rare exceptions.
At the race, I saw couples dressed as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Ariel and Prince Eric, and many other famous Disney twosomes. Of course, I saw runners — including a number of fathers with their daughters — dressed as Disney princesses.
How To Find Your Perfect Princess Tutu
Most Disney Princesses wear floor-length dresses — not exactly running apparel, right?
So, to dress the part and be able to run like the wind, wearing a short yet fluffy tutu or sequin runner’s skirt is your best option.
Tip for Plus-size Princess Runners: If you are having trouble finding a plus-size running tutu, you can use this pattern for an adult tutu in sizes 14-22. Its similar to the pattern my mom used to make my adorable tutu. It turned out fabulous and glittery!
Sport Your Princess Pride With A Graphic Tank/T-shirt
If you fear a costume or tutu will affect your running but you still want to share your princess pride, wear a princess-themed graphic T-shirt or tank top.
Some of my favorites on Amazon are this “and she ran happily ever after” tank and this Cinderella-themed “run like it’s almost midnight” T-shirt.
You’ll also find princess-themed running apparel at the runDisney Health & Fitness expo during the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend.
However, I was disappointed in the complete lack of women’s plus-size apparel at the expo in 2016. I was only able to find shirts in straight sizes, and, even then, the selection in sizes larger than medium was extremely limited.
Which Disney Songs Should Be On My Race-Day Playlist?
If you have read over runDisney’s policies, you’ll note that headphones are discouraged during the race. This is to ensure you can hear audio messages throughout your race.
Therefore, I recommend listening to your playlist prior to your race to get pumped up. Of course, it’s also fun to have a Disney-themed playlist for your training, too!
If you do decide to wear headphones during your race, make sure they are not set to noise-canceling. You should also keep the volume low and consider using only one pod.
For my Disney Princess 5K playlist, I included upbeat songs mostly from the classic princess movies of my ’90s childhood with a few newer tracks sprinkled in.
Where Do I Pick Up My Disney Princess Race Packet?
At least one day prior to your race, you’ll need to visit the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. There you will check-in for your race and pick up your bib, clear runDisney bag, commemorative T-shirt, and any merchandise that you pre-ordered.
You’ll need to bring your photo ID. I also recommend having your phone or camera handy. Both inside and outside the complex, you’ll find plenty of photo ops to show off your race bib!
After you have checked in for your race, you should head over to the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo. You’ll find running shoes, clothing, and accessories available to purchase from a variety of vendors. If you forgot to pack something for the race, you are likely to find it here.
Where Can I Eat Carbs Before My Disney Princess Race?
In the days leading up to running a half marathon, runners often increase their intake of carbohydrates. Where can you do this before your Disney Princess race?
One tasty way to eat carbs before your Disney Princess race is by slurping up spaghetti or tucking into a comforting gnocchi dish at one of the Italian restaurants at Disney World.
At EPCOT, head to the Italy Pavilion for classic spaghetti and meatballs at Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria or gnocchi in pomodoro sauce with burrata at Tutto Italia Ristorante.
Outside of EPCOT, share a family-style meal of pappardelle at Trattoria Il Mulino at Walt Disney World Swan Resort, or chow down on lasagna at the casual Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.
Tips for Your Princess Race Day
After you’ve registered, trained, prepared your princess gear and Disney playlist, arrived in Orlando, and picked up your official race bib, there is only one thing left to do — race to that finish line!
- Remember to warm up your muscles by walking and stretching before your race.
- Place your clear runDisney bag into bag check, or leave it in the trunk of your locked car.
- Once you get into your corral, set up your playlist and any apps you want to use during the race.
- Share some laughs with your friends and fellow runners!
- Keep your eyes open and look around — you won’t want to miss all the fun costumes!
- Reserve some energy to sprint to a photo finish, and do it with a smile since there are race photographers snapping away.
- Remember to pick up your medal, a snack box, water, and/or sports drinks.
- Continue to rehydrate, stretch your legs, and warm down your muscles with a walk.
- Help your body recover with an ice bath, epsom salt bath, or massage later that day.
FAQ
When is the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend?
The 2025 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is February 20 – 24, 2024. The weekend’s events include:
- runDisney Health & Fitness Expo, Feb. 20 – 22
- Disney Princess 5K, starting at 5 a.m. Friday, February 21
- Disney Princess 10, starting at 5 a.m. Saturday, February 22
- Disney Princess Half Marathon, starting at 5 a.m. Sunday, February 23
- Disney Princess Yoga, 5:30 a.m. Monday, February 24
What are the other runDisney events at Disney World?
In addition to the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, runDisney hosts the following race events at Disney World:
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in January
- runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend in April featuring the Neverland 5K, Adventure is Out There 10K, Hakuna Matata 10-Miler, and Stitch’s ‘Ohana Challenge (for which runners must complete the 5K, 10K, and 10-Miler)
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend in November
Are there runDisney events at Disneyland?
Yes, runDisney hosts the following race events at Disneyland in Anaheim, California:
- Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend in January
- Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend in September
Read More About Florida
- Muggle’s Guide to Visiting Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Harry Potter Travel Essentials Every Muggle Needs Before Visiting the Wizarding World
- 25+ Things to Do in Naples, Florida
- Bellasera Resort Review: Apartment-style Suites in Naples, Florida
- Miami Wynwood Guide: Wynwood Walls, Street Art & More
- Grand Beach Hotel Surfside Review: Beachfront Luxury Near Miami
- Casa Tua Restaurant Review: Italian Cuisine at a Miami Beach Villa
- Fort Lauderdale Weekend Getaway Guide
Save this Disney Princess racecation guide to your Disney World or Florida travel board on Pinterest!
Tip for Plus-size Princess Runners: If you are having trouble finding a plus-size running tutu, you can use this pattern for an adult tutu in sizes 14-22. Its similar to the pattern my mom used to make my adorable tutu. It turned out fabulous and glittery!
Sport Your Princess Pride With A Graphic Tank/T-shirt
If you fear a costume or tutu will affect your running but you still want to share your princess pride, wear a princess-themed graphic T-shirt or tank top.
Some of my favorites on Amazon are this “and she ran happily ever after” tank and this Cinderella-themed “run like it’s almost midnight” T-shirt.
You’ll also find princess-themed running apparel at the runDisney Health & Fitness expo during the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend.
However, I was disappointed in the complete lack of women’s plus-size apparel at the expo in 2016. I was only able to find shirts in straight sizes, and, even then, the selection in sizes larger than medium was extremely limited.
Which Disney Songs Should Be On My Race-Day Playlist?
If you have read over runDisney’s policies, you’ll note that headphones are discouraged during the race. This is to ensure you can hear audio messages throughout your race.
Therefore, I recommend listening to your playlist prior to your race to get pumped up. Of course, it’s also fun to have a Disney-themed playlist for your training, too!
If you do decide to wear headphones during your race, make sure they are not set to noise-canceling. You should also keep the volume low and consider using only one pod.
For my Disney Princess 5K playlist, I included upbeat songs mostly from the classic princess movies of my ’90s childhood with a few newer tracks sprinkled in.
Where Do I Pick Up My Disney Princess Race Packet?
At least one day prior to your race, you’ll need to visit the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. There you will check-in for your race and pick up your bib, clear runDisney bag, commemorative T-shirt, and any merchandise that you pre-ordered.
You’ll need to bring your photo ID. I also recommend having your phone or camera handy. Both inside and outside the complex, you’ll find plenty of photo ops to show off your race bib!
After you have checked in for your race, you should head over to the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo. You’ll find running shoes, clothing, and accessories available to purchase from a variety of vendors. If you forgot to pack something for the race, you are likely to find it here.
Where Can I Eat Carbs Before My Disney Princess Race?
In the days leading up to running a half marathon, runners often increase their intake of carbohydrates. Where can you do this before your Disney Princess race?
One tasty way to eat carbs before your Disney Princess race is by slurping up spaghetti or tucking into a comforting gnocchi dish at one of the Italian restaurants at Disney World.
At EPCOT, head to the Italy Pavilion for classic spaghetti and meatballs at Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria or gnocchi in pomodoro sauce with burrata at Tutto Italia Ristorante.
Outside of EPCOT, share a family-style meal of pappardelle at Trattoria Il Mulino at Walt Disney World Swan Resort, or chow down on lasagna at the casual Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.
Tips for Your Princess Race Day
After you’ve registered, trained, prepared your princess gear and Disney playlist, arrived in Orlando, and picked up your official race bib, there is only one thing left to do — race to that finish line!
- Remember to warm up your muscles by walking and stretching before your race.
- Place your clear runDisney bag into bag check, or leave it in the trunk of your locked car.
- Once you get into your corral, set up your playlist and any apps you want to use during the race.
- Share some laughs with your friends and fellow runners!
- Keep your eyes open and look around — you won’t want to miss all the fun costumes!
- Reserve some energy to sprint to a photo finish, and do it with a smile since there are race photographers snapping away.
- Remember to pick up your medal, a snack box, water, and/or sports drinks.
- Continue to rehydrate, stretch your legs, and warm down your muscles with a walk.
- Help your body recover with an ice bath, epsom salt bath, or massage later that day.
FAQ
When is the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend?
The 2025 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is February 20 – 24, 2024. The weekend’s events include:
- runDisney Health & Fitness Expo, Feb. 20 – 22
- Disney Princess 5K, starting at 5 a.m. Friday, February 21
- Disney Princess 10, starting at 5 a.m. Saturday, February 22
- Disney Princess Half Marathon, starting at 5 a.m. Sunday, February 23
- Disney Princess Yoga, 5:30 a.m. Monday, February 24
What are the other runDisney events at Disney World?
In addition to the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, runDisney hosts the following race events at Disney World:
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in January
- runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend in April featuring the Neverland 5K, Adventure is Out There 10K, Hakuna Matata 10-Miler, and Stitch’s ‘Ohana Challenge (for which runners must complete the 5K, 10K, and 10-Miler)
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend in November
Are there runDisney events at Disneyland?
Yes, runDisney hosts the following race events at Disneyland in Anaheim, California:
- Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend in January
- Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend in September
Read More About Florida
- Muggle’s Guide to Visiting Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Harry Potter Travel Essentials Every Muggle Needs Before Visiting the Wizarding World
- 25+ Things to Do in Naples, Florida
- Bellasera Resort Review: Apartment-style Suites in Naples, Florida
- Miami Wynwood Guide: Wynwood Walls, Street Art & More
- Grand Beach Hotel Surfside Review: Beachfront Luxury Near Miami
- Casa Tua Restaurant Review: Italian Cuisine at a Miami Beach Villa
- Fort Lauderdale Weekend Getaway Guide
Save this Disney Princess racecation guide to your Disney World or Florida travel board on Pinterest!
Great tips, informative and helpful.
I used to run, but now I have pretty painful shin splints when I start running. This looks like a lot of fun…next time you do the race and I will wear a tutu and drink my way around Epcot (lol!). Great job on completing this!
Congratulations! I know I would never be able to do a 5k. But if I ever did, it would be in this funnest of places!
This looks so fun!! I’ve never heard of it before and we have nothing like this in London. I love the medals too, they’re huge!! If Disneyland Paris has one, I should definitely enter!!
So fun! I’ve always wondered about this. On a side note, I am going to Disney in a week, so thanks for getting me excited!
I’d love to do one of these Disney races, but I’m not sure I ever will. Is it bad that I kinda want to do it for the cool t-shirt? Haha. Oh and to wear a tutu…obviously. 🙂
Not at all. I wanted the medal. 😉 Have fun at Disney World, Erin!
$75 seems awful steep for entrance to a 5K race…unless it also includes admission into the park for the day. It does seem like a fun way to combine exercise and sightseeing, though! I’d love to do it with my granddaughters someday!
Yes, $75 for a 5K entrance fee is unusually high, but so is the demand to attend a Disney race. Unfortunately, running the race doesn’t get you into the park for the rest of the day, and if you are in costume, you’d have to change clothes due to Disney World’s no character costumes for adults rule. But, if you save up and prioritize the race as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it’s definitely as you described — a very fun and unique way to combine fitness and a Disney vacation. I saw so many families at last year’s race, and I bet you’d really enjoy sharing the experience with your granddaughters. I hope you get to do it someday!
Hurray for DISNEY RUN! Love the tips you gave here. Truly useful!
Thanks, Ron! 🙂
I’m not into running so I wouldn’t travel for a race. It does look like something fund to do!
I’m not a runner either, but this was a fun race to do anyway. Plus, it’s an excuse to go to Disney World! 😉
I’d sure love to that too. Looks like a lot of fun!
So much fun, Susan!
Lots of useful information provided in your blog for planning and attending the race. Those online adult tutus you featured are a really good deal. Cost of pattern and material to make one will cost you at least double not including your time to cut and sew the tutu. But if you still want yours to be unique and cannot sew, you can also find a “no-sew tutu” free pattern on joann.com that can be adapted for child or adult. Only requires tulle of your choice (6 yds for child; 9 yds for adult) – can be all 1 color or equal amounts of 2 or 3 colors, elastic, and ribbon. Keep cost down by bringing Joann store coupon (via app , mailing list flyers or Sunday newspaper store ad).
Great tips for making a no-sew tutu, Mom!