The Disney Princess Half Marathon was the most fun race I have ever done. Today I’m sharing five Disney Princess marathon tips so you can ROCK the race!
Happy Wednesday everyone!
If you’ve been a long time reader of the blog, you might remember I wrote a longer piece and recap about the Disney Princess Half a couple of years ago. I ran the race with my best friend Sarah. I recently revisited my memories at the Disney Princess Half for a Runhaven article and had so much fun writing it, I decided to share it here a well.
On a side note, I seriously think it is time to pull out the tutus again! The last time I wore one was for The Color Run and that seems like ages ago. I know there is a contingent of people who mock those who run in tutus, but I stand by it. Running the occasional race in a tutu just adds a little more sparkle to life. And I'm all about some sparkle.
That is my "rant" for the week. Thanks for staying with me 🙂
Moving on...
Disney Princess Marathon Tips
I am a sucker for Disney. I grew up in Orlando and always felt like I was on a first name basis with the mouse. I even worked at Disney when I was in High School as a character. Now that I live in North Carolina, I try to keep the Disney magic alive by going back to the park every couple years.
Even with all my time at Disney, my most memorable experience at the park is running the Disney Princess Half Marathon. Disney knows how to make running 13.1 miles magical. From the Fairy Godmother fireworks start to the gospel singing Epcot finish, the half stole my heart. I highly recommend running it if you have the chance.
If you do decide to run here are my tips for rocking the race!
1. Dress Up
There are not a whole lot of opportunities to wear a princess costume as an adult, so you might as well embrace it! Your outfit can be as simple as a tiara and tutu or as involved as a full Belle or Elsa outfit. Either way, take this chance to rock the look. You can order great costume options online before the race.
Bonus points for wearing your tiara to the expo!
2. Disney-fy your Playlist
Put some classic Disney songs into your playlist. You are spending a lot of money to get the full Disney experience and music makes it even more fun. Hearing these Disney hits will make you feel like a child again.
Suggestions: Hakuna Matata (Lion King), Kiss the Girl or Part of Your World (The Little Mermaid), Do Your Want to Build a Snowman (Frozen,) and Be Our Guest (Beauty and the Beast.)
3. Go to the Expo Early
Like many big half marathons, the expo gets crowded quickly. Expect long lines to pick up your packet. Go early to avoid the worst crowds and see all the vendors. Better yet, go to the expo on Friday if you can. The expo is amazing, but do not overdo it with too much time on your feet! You still have to run 13.1 miles Sunday.
4. Plan for the Early Wakeup Call
Disney races are notorious for starting super early. Plan ahead and eat your dinner the night before with the early birds. That gives your meal plenty of time to digest before the 3AM wakeup call. Also expect significant traffic on race morning. If you are not staying on property it will take you a long time to make it to the parking lot. Then once you get to the parking lot there is a long walk to the actual starting line. Get up extra early so you don’t have to worry about missing the fireworks start!
5. Smile for the Photo Ops
There will be characters lining the course waiting to take pictures with you. If you are not running the race to PR, embrace the Disney magic and snap a few pictures with your phone. If you are running for a PR and don’t want to stop running, there are lots of photographers along the course ready to take your picture while you are on the move. Look for them when you run out of Cinderella’s castle and near the Epcot Ball. You don’t have to stop and the action shots in front of iconic locations are priceless. They may be pricy to buy, but it will keep your memories of this awesome race vivid for a lifetime!
Thanks for hanging out today! Tomorrow I have an amazing recipe for Vegetarian Oven Fajitas. Grab the salsa because I'm having a fiesta. I'd love for you to join me.
Your turn!
How do you feel about running in tutus?
Have you ever run a BIG race like this?
Has anyone else run any RunDisney races?
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club says
I have several friends who walk/run this race every year and they swear by it. It is sort of their runcation as they take the kids, etc. Their only complaint is the humid heat but HEY you are in Florida what do you expect? I like the idea of your playlist. At first I was thinking "who wants to run to Disney music" but when you listed a few of the songs, I definitely can see how you can really get into the experience. #wowlinkup
jill conyers says
What fun! I would love love to run a disney race.
Have a wonderful weekend Julie and Happy Valentine's Day!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Jill! You too!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I LOVE your tutu! You really do look like a princess. I ran in a little green one for an electric run and didn't mind it at all! I hope I can do the Disney Princess half one day - I loved the Walt Disney World Marathon!
JulieWunder says
Thank Nicole 🙂 You would love the princess race. So much fun! I want to do the Glass Slipper Challenge someday.
Mary Beth Jackson says
of course I have run in a tutu! and if that what it takes for some people to get and participate- I am all for it! I am volunteering this year at the expo 🙂
JulieWunder says
I thought you might! So cool that you are working at the expo! I bet you will see some fun stuff.
Jess @hellotofit says
Loving the tutus! There was a color run in Richmond a couple years ago that I went to (didn't run due to an injury) but it was fun afterwards, with those colors flying everywhere!
meredith@ The Cookie ChRUNicles says
I always want to do a Disney race! One day I hope to get down there for more than just vacation.
JulieWunder says
I highly recommend it!
Blane Sherer says
You always give a wunderful balance of fun for us.
I always enjoy your perspective.
Aimee says
I love running in tutus! How can you not have fun while running in a ginormous, sparkly tutu?
I did the Goofy challenge in 2011, and it was seriously so much fun! Now that they have added the Dopey challenge, I think I need to go back to tackle that one as well. 🙂
The Frugal Exerciser says
Looks like you had a lot of fun and Disney would put on a great race. #wowlinkup
Emilie says
I've only run Wine and Dine (planning on the half or full next January) but these tips absolutely apply! Except if you run Wine and Dine, prepare for the late start - which is hard because who wants to do a practice long run at 10pm? 🙂
Lauren @ Fun, Fit, and Fabulous! says
I love love love the idea of a Disney Inspired playlist. What could be better than running through Disney to your favorite classic songs? #wowlinkup
Danyelle Musselman says
I won't be running a marathon anytime soon, but I do love your outfit!
Gingi says
These are great tips! I'm hoping to do a Disney half marathon next year! We'll have to keep in touch! <3 - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
JulieWunder says
How much fun! It is such a great race! My other Princess post has more specifics about the race.
Michele @ A Pace of Balance says
I have never run in a tutu. It looks kind of uncomfortable, don't you get hot under that kind of material?! I like the idea of Disney-fying your playlist. I can see how that would enhance the experience.
JulieWunder says
I've run this race and a couple themed 5K's in a tutus. I never had trouble with it getting uncomfortable or bothering me. BUT! None of the races I wore one for I was running to PR. They were mainly just for fun. I never would have worn one when I was racing for my times. I would never attempt a full marathon in one.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
I can't believe I've never done a Disney race! One day for sure
JulieWunder says
I feel like you would love it!
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
All great tips! I love the idea to Disneyfy your playlist! I added a few Disney songs to my marathon playlist, but it was mostly motivational running songs because at mile 18 the last thing I wanted to hear was "Let It Go." I think if I ever do a Disney half, I will have to try to add more Disney songs.
JulieWunder says
Yeah, I think I'd toss "Let it Go" at mile 18 of my marathon as well. haha!
Joanna @Makingmine says
How fun! If I ever do a half, I want to do it at a destination like Disney!
JulieWunder says
RunDisney puts on such great races and the medals are awesome.
Tina Muir says
You are SO cute!!! Love that photo, and this looks like the perfect way to have fun! Someday I hope to do this race, but I am just not sure I will be able to enjoy it as much as this....I get too competitive....but we will see 😉
JulieWunder says
yeah, I think this race is run best just for fun. Don't even worry about time. I imagine that would be hard for you to do though!!!
Jenny says
A Disney race wasn't really on my radar, but it looks like so much fun! Plus any chance to sparkle is fine by me. AND, it's probably FLAT in and around the theme park...hmmm.
JulieWunder says
It is very flat. The only "hills" are interstate on ramps. Those are actually kind of fierce though... especially at the end of the race.