Pre-Register NOW for the 2018 RunDisney Half Marathon – The Dark Side

Pre-Register NOW for the 2018 RunDisney Half Marathon – The Dark Side

Darth Vader and Travel Time with Jenny wants YOU to Join the Dark Side for a weekend of Galactic Fun and out of this world running at the Walt Disney World Resort during the 2018 RunDisney Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side!   Now, for a very limited time, you can guarantee and secure your 2018 RunDisney Star Wars Dark Side Race Registrations before general registration is open to the public! 

There are NO TICKET REQUIREMENTS for this special offer, and all that is required is a minimum one night room stay in an on-property Walt Disney World owned Resort. 

The race weekend fun begins on April 19, 2018 and you do not want to miss out!  From the time you arrive at the Expo, to the time you line up in your corral, the force will be with you as you have an out of this world experience. 

The courses will take you through the parks and past some of your favorite attractions.  There will be on course race support with water and sports drinks (depending on distance), and of course, there will also be GREAT support with all the friends, family, and fans that cheer you on with homemade signs.  The race maps in this post are from the 2017 Run Disney Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side weekend events to give you an example of the course you could be running. 

The quote you will be given now is a standard rate for the room.  However, once Disney begins releasing specials for the time of your stay, Jenny, or your favorite Travel Time agent will work to get that applied to your vacation to save you some money for your RunCation! Speaking of saving money – you’re already off to a great start since you will have NO Active Fees for your race.  Your Travel Agent will also help you with any dining reservations, FastPass+ Reservations, along with all the other details that are involved with planning a Disney Parks vacation.  If you are an Annual Passholder, please let us know as well, as we can work to get those discounts applied once they are released.

When booking the package, a $200 deposit will be required at the time of booking, along with the applicable race fees.  You will also need to provide the e-mail for each participant to receive your registration link from Active near the time that General Registration opens.  At that time, you’ll be able to enter your proof of time, shirt size, etc. and purchase any commemorative merchandise that is available for the event.  Please see below for race fees:

Race & Date	Cost
Dark Side Challenge (Half Marathon and 10k)	$320
Star Wars Half Marathon April 22, 2018	$185
Star Wars 10K – April 21, 2018	$120
Star Wars 5K – April 20, 2018	$80
Kids Mile – April 21, 2018	$30
Kids Dashes – April 21, 2018	$20
Travel Insurance (Optional, but will cover race bib)	$77.50 per adult

As if you aren’t already excited for this special offer, take comfort in knowing that you can purchase optional Travel Insurance that would cover the Race Bib along with the vacation if you have to cancel or are delayed for one of the insured reasons.  This is a great thing to consider since RunDisney does not offer deferrals or refunds on Race Registrations (except through this special offer). 

 So, save yourself the worry and stress that comes with registration day, and allow an Authorized Disney Travel Agent from Travel Time give you the magical RunCation of your dreams!  All vacations booked for this special promotion will receive a FREE special gift before travel.

Photo credits: Keshia B

by: Jenny Hickey – Jenny@TravelTimeTravel.Com

Let us make your vacation even easier!  We'll help you plan from the start and can advise you and handle your arrangements, including dining, fast passes, room requests, discount application, and celebrations.  We are the same price or less than if you book on your own, and you get us for FREE!  Have an expert on your side at zero cost to you and contact one of our agents today!

Taking a Runcation with Disney! Vacation + Running + Mickey = Magic!

Taking a Runcation with Disney.

Let’s talk your next Disney vacation based around a Run Disney event. Whether you plan to participate in the event is entirely up to you, but, going on vaca during these times, is just a truly inspiring experience.

There are different themed races at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. My personal favorite is the Wine & Dine ½ marathon at Walt Disney World Resort. I’ve run it twice. My most recent race was the Princess ½ marathon at Walt Disney World Resort. I ran with some friends from a running group.

If you decide to run in the events, you can choose from many different distances 5k-full marathon (26.2miles).  There are also challenges, where if you run more than one race that weekend, you get an additional challenge themed medal and shirt, along with the medals and shirts you would get with your distance race. If you decide to run a race on each Disney coast (Florida and California) in the same 12 month time period, there’s a special challenge medal and shirt for you, too!

Staying on property is keen. You will have complimentary transportation to/from the events. We can help you choose the best resort that meets your family needs for each race event.

There is also a free race expo at every single race weekend. At the expo, is where you will pick up your bib, shirt, race event guide, and get to explore all of the wonderful vendors. Some of the merchandise you can buy at the expo are only available at the expo, such as the Disney themed New Balance shoes. For the shoes, you can pre-book a reservation to shop them. You can also pick up the latest Dooney and Bourke collection that was made themed to the race. Not to mention all of the fun merchandise in the Run Disney area of the expo featuring all things from shirts, hats, accessories, trinkets, and more that are Run Disney, and race event related!

When you book your race registration online (MONTHS in advance as they do sell out QUICK!), you can also pre-purchase race event pins, hats, jackets, etc. Note: not everything can be pre-ordered.

Now- let’s chat Kids Races. These races also tend to sell out quickly. However, if your little one is still crawling, there’s an event for them up to the older kids who want to run the Mickey Mile, and a few dashes in between for different age groups. Each kids race weekend shirt/medal stays in theme with the rest of the races. The kids love the race, they love the party beforehand, and love the treats JUST FOR THEM at the finish line! There is a parents waiting area, or you can run along with your child during the younger kid’s dashes.

Each child gets a t-shirt and medallion to call their own along with their registration. Go EARLY to the kids races so they can warm up with a live DJ, vendors hosting fun stations (hula-hoop, jump rope, Frisbee, coloring, etc). Plus, Mickey or Goofy are usually in attendance giving the little runners a high five at the finish line!

Some events host pre- parties or post parties on property, which anyone can attend, you just need to pay the fee to get in. The party events include food, and special entertainment.

Along the race courses (5K, 10K, ½ and full marathon), you won’t be bored. There is entertainment all along each course including rare characters you would normally never see in the parks, live bands, parade floats and DJs. Bathrooms, first aid stations, and water/food stations are plentiful along all courses, as well!

Did I mention that there is also a 5K on EVERY Disney Cruise that has a stop at their private island Castaway Cay? The 5K is no additional charge, and all participants get a unique running sight seeing experience on this gorgeous island, along with a finisher medallion.

Even if you don’t want to participate in the actual race events, you can still enjoy the race by spectating. Runners love to see your funny signs, give high-fives, hearing the cow bells, whistles, and your words of encouragement. You can sign up for ChEAR Squad, and you’ll get a shirt, and ChEAR Squad only sections to cheer inside the best locations in the parks, and at the finish line. If you don’t join ChEAR Squad, that’s okay! The race course runs along many of the on property resorts and popular common areas such as the TTC, and the WWoS Complex. If you don’t want to run, that’s okay! Come out, and cheer on the runners!

Throughout Walt Disney World Resort property, there are Run Disney trails that you can use as well. My favorites are the trails in the Boardwalk Resort, Fort Wilderness, and along the All-Star Resorts. They have signs along the route, and the Run Disney logo painted on the ground so you’ll know you’re on the right pathway. These are free for anyone to use.

A few race event weekends fall in with other events: Wine and Dine ½ is during Food and Wine Festival,  Avengers ½ marathon is during the beginning of Holiday season at Disneyland, and now, there are Star Wars ½ marathon weekends at BOTH Disneyland Resort AND Walt Disney World Resort. Disneyland is the Light Side, Walt Disney World Resort is the Dark Side. Run both of the half marathons, and get a special medal JUST for running these two!

The expo, parties, and event weekends are all family friendly, with an amazing experience that only Disney can provide for it’s participants. There is something for everyone to enjoy. If you have any further questions about your next Disney vacation around a race event, or for the cruise, contact one of us at Travel Time and we’ll be happy to assist you. Maybe I’ll see you at the next Run Disney event. Have a Magical Runcation!

By Amy@traveltimetravel.com

Let us make your vacation even easier!  We'll help you plan from the start and can advise you and handle your arrangements, including dining, fast passes, room requests, discount application, and celebrations.  We are the same price or less than if you book on your own, and you get us for FREE!  Have an expert on your side at zero cost to you and contact one of our agents today!

To RunDisney... or not to RunDisney... that is the question!

There are a variety of RunDisney events offered throughout the year. Whether you are visiting Florida or California, a runner/walker has options. The distances offered vary depending on the events, but most offer a several different distances. The distances are typically a combination of 5k (3.1 miles), 10k (6.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), and full marathon (26.2 miles). If you take part in a half marathon or longer on each coast, there is an offering called the Coast 2 Coast Challenge. This challenge gets you a special medal. There is a pink medal one for those who finish the Princess and Tinker Bell Half Marathons and a blue medal for any other East/West combination. Below is a breakdown of the events offered, so inevitably, there is something for everyone! 

The events begin with expos showcasing runner goodies from RunDisney as well as fit2run, Champion, race photos, and other race-themed vendors. Other pre-race activities from RunDisney include runner gatherings at various events. Star Wars Weekend offers the Wookiee Welcome party, a Star Wars themed part in Tomorrowland with Disney characters and desserts.  A Pasta in the Park party, offered at the Marathon, Princess, and Tinkerbell Weekends, features a buffet-style pasta dinner with character appearances. Wine & Dine offers an ‘exclusive’ after party in EPCOT available after you cross the finish line and enter EPCOT. The Marathon weekend features a Cool Down party which takes place at Downtown Disney on Sunday afternoon. Don’t use all your energy for the running, you have to party too!

A typical weekend involves attending the expo to pick up your race packet and other goodies. There is no day of race pickup for race bibs, which local races often offer. The events can start as early as 5:30 am, except Wine & Dine and 10 miler which start at 10 pm. Disney does offer race day transportation at Walt Disney World events; however, at Disneyland transportation is up to the runners. Once at the start area, runners are typically encouraged to begin entering the corrals approximately 1-2 hours prior to the race start. Due to the capacity of the events, there are multiple starts so each corral has their own ‘start’ and your time is based on when you cross the starting line. After the run, the day is yours to spend in the park, relaxing at the hotel, or heading home.

In addition to the events listed below, in 2015, RunDisney has rolled out the Castaway Challenge. The runner must sign up and participate in any 5k or longer during Marathon Weekend or Princess Weekend. Then book a cruise on the Disney Dream for a 4-night Bahamian Cruise on the following Monday. The runner must also sign up for the Castaway Cay 5k through Active.com. Runners who complete the Marathon Weekend or Princess Weekend events and the Castaway Cay 5k will be awarded a special Castaway Challenge Finisher Medal.

One thing to note about the runDisney events is they are of a different crowd and they tend to be more crowded than local races. While these events do have runners that focus on time, I would say most are there for the Disney experience. What other races do you have the opportunity to stop and take a picture with characters? Or run through a castle? Get pictures at Disney with little to no guests in them? What I am trying to say is – please don’t go in expecting a personal record. It may happen, but don’t let your time ruin that fact that you started and finished a race. Now, get to the parks, show off that bling, and have the best day ever!

Race: Kids Races

Year Started: n/a

Dates: Half Marathon Events

Distances: Diaper Dash, 100m, 200m, 400m, and mile

Challenge Offered: no

The Skinny:

                RunDisney even has events for the little ones who dream big. The Kids Races at Walt Disney World take place at the Wide World of Sports Complex, while Disneyland offers them at the Downtown Disney District or Simba Parking lot. The races offered are listed below and begin with the 100m dash. These events are for youngsters; however, parents are able to participate with them. Sorry to give some bad news to parents, only the youngsters get medals.

o   Diaper Dash (crawlers) -12 months and under

o   100m dash – 1-3 years old

o   200m dash – 4-6 years old

o   400m dash – 7-8 years old

o   Mickey Mile – 13 and under 

Race: Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Year Started: 1994

Dates: Early January

Distances: EVERYTHING (i.e. Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, 5k and kids races)

Challenge Offered: Goofy Challenge & Dopey Challenge

The Skinny:

The first events on the RunDisney calendar takes place in January at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. The Marathon weekend starts on Thursday with the 5k, and finishes Sunday with the Marathon. For runners looking for an extra challenge (and extra bling), there are two multi-race challenges. “Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge”, combines the half marathon full marathon for a total of 39.3 miles. If that isn’t enough mileage, the Dopey Challenge, which began in 2014 includes all 4 races … that’s 48.6 magical miles. “Dopey” runners get finishers medals for all 4 races as well as the Goofy medal and a Dopey medal.

Race: Disneyland Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend

Year Started: 2015

Dates: Mid-January

Distances: Half Marathon, 10k and 5k

Challenge Offered: Rebel Challenge

The Skinny:

                The Inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland - takes place in January following the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend. The half course weaves runners through Disneyland Park, California Adventure, and the streets of Anaheim. The 10k and 5k courses trek through Disneyland and California Adventure. If the force is strong with you, take on the Rebel Challenge – a combination of the 10k and half marathon. Just make sure to Let the Wookiee Win! 

Race: Walt Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Year Started: 2009

Dates: Late February

Distances: Half Marathon, 10k and 5k

Challenge Offered: Glass Slipper Challenge

The Skinny:

                The Princess Half Marathon weekend is the second Florida RunDisney event of the calendar. While this run is geared towards the Princesses, there are a handful of Princes that take it on. The Half course starts and finishes at EPCOT and weaves through Magic Kingdom, while the 10k & 5k are in and around Epcot. I intend to take on the challenge in 2015 – with my prince right beside me! 

Race: Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend

Year Started: 2008

Dates: May (Mother’s Day Weekend)

Distances: Half Marathon, 10k and 5k

Challenge Offered: Pixie Dust Challenge

The Skinny:

                Earn your wings with Tinker Bell and run straight on to Neverland! at the Disneyland Resort. For 2015, the races were moved from January to May to coincide with Mother’s Day, and a new 10k was added to create the Pixie Dust Challenge. Similar to other Disneyland half marathons, it is run through both parks and the streets of Anaheim. The 10k and 5k have magical courses through the Disneyland Resort. This is the 2^nd event geared towards Princesses; however, Princes are welcome to participate. I will be participating in the new Pixie Dust Challenge – with that same prince from Princess Weekend right beside me!

Race: Expedition Everest Challenge

Year Started: 2008

Dates: Early May

Distances: 5k

Challenge Offered: no

The Skinny:

                Expedition Everest Challenge takes place during the night at Animal Kingdom and is a combination of 5k, obstacle course, and scavenger hunt. Runners are given the opportunity to run solo or on a 2 person team. Some obstacles that have been used in past events are jumping over hay bales, crawling under ropes, and a tire run.  The scavenger hunt is trivia questions offered in the different lands of Animal Kingdom, but you have to answer all 5 clues correctly to move on to the next challenge. Introduced in 2014 was the Family Edition, which requires a team of 2-6 people. It takes place at Wide World of Sports during the day and it offers a shorter run and scavenger hunt.

UPDATE: This event is having its last challengers in 2015.

Race: Disneyland Half Marathon

Year Started:

Dates: September (Labor Day Weekend)

Distances: Half Marathon, 10k and 5k

Challenge Offered: Dumbo Double Dare

The Skinny:

                The Happiest Place on Earth brings runners to Disneyland at the end of the summer for the ‘Happiest Race on Earth’. There truly is something magical about running a half through the original park, before continuing through California Adventure, the streets of Anaheim, and even Angel Stadium. The locals had a car show along some of the side streets for runners to enjoy on the course. The 10k starts on the streets of Anaheim before going through Disneyland Park, and California Adventure, while the 5k is run through Disneyland Park. 

Race: Tower of Terror 10 Miler

Year Started: 2012

Dates: Early October

Distances: 10 mile and 5k

Challenge Offered: no

The Skinny

                The 10 miler starts at Hollywood Studios, heads out towards Animal Kingdom, weaves through the sports fields at Wide World of Sports, then back to Hollywood Studios to finish by the Tower of Terror. The Happy Haunted 5k takes place at Wide World of Sports at the Track & Sports Fields. The inaugural event was in 2012 and that was my first ever long race – greater than 6 miles!

UPDATE: this event is suspended for 2015.

Race: Wine & Dine Half Marathon

Year Started: 2010

Dates: Early November

Distances: Half Marathon, 10k and 5k

Challenge Offered: no

The Skinny

                “A Runner’s Night Out” takes place the last weekend of the Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World. The half starts at Wide World of Sports, weaves through Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, and ends at EPCOT. While runners earn access, spectators are also encouraged to attend exclusive ‘after party’ at EPCOT with a special hard ticket. The 5k takes place on Saturday morning at Animal Kingdom. In 2012, this was my first ever half marathon and I had a blast – and have done almost all other RunDisney half marathons. This event started out as the “Race for the Taste” and consisted of a 10k and 3k but was amped up to a half marathon weekend in 2010. I participated in the last 3k event in 2009. 

Race: Avengers Half Marathon

Year Started: 2014

Dates: Mid-November

Distances: Half Marathon and 5k

Challenge Offered: no

The Skinny

                Hosted by Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, RunDisney encourages ‘Avengers’ to assemble and unleash their inner super hero! This event takes place at Disneyland and had the inaugural weekend in November 2014. The half runs through Disneyland Park, California Adventure, Angel Stadium, and the streets of Anaheim, while the 5k runs through the 2 theme parks. This race is on my RunDisney bucket list – it’s the only Disney half I haven’t run!

So now I ask again... to RunDisney or not to RunDisney?? 

RUN Disney...What is all the fuss about?

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Looking for something different to do on your next Disney Vacation? A Run Disney run may be just the thing to change up your Disney Vacation. Each year the Disney Parks hold a number of runs, Disneyland hosts the Tinkerbell and Disneyland Half marathons while Disneyworld holds five races each year, including the Expedition Everest Challenge, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-miler, Wine and Dine half marathon, Walt Disney World Marathon, and the Disney Princess Half Marathon.  

The above runs may say they are half marathons or full marathons, but many of them include different options for runners of varying experience levels. Many runs offer kids races and shorter 5 k runs. Along with these options, the Expedition Everest Challenge also offers a family edition of the race where families can register to compete as a team of 2-6 people.

The cost to participate in the runs varies widely depending on which weekend you wish to participate in and which length event interests you. The cost covers registration as well as a participation prize pack that varies depending on event. Many of the races do sell out and are popular attractions, so be sure to book quickly when the event you are interested in opens up for registration.

Each of the runs has a finish line party, admission to some parties is included with the registration cost but this varies on the race, otherwise additional party passes may be purchased for a cost. Family and friends are welcome to purchase admission to the post-race parties as well but tickets are limited. Another popular option on race weekends is adding a spa package at one of the Disney Spas such as at the Grand Californian and Grand Floridian Hotels, guests wishing to have a spa treatment on these weekends should consider booking spa services in advance of traveling (407-WDW-SPAS).

There are some cool products available for runners, or for those who like to pretend they might run someday:

Prior to the start of the race, participants must pick up their race package from a designated location, for Disneyworld runs this is usually in the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. As previously noted many of the races do sell out and so it is advisable to register for the race of your choice as early as possible. Registration can be done online at rundisney.com, and is straightforward. 

 By Melissa, melissa@traveltimetravel.com