Are runDisney Races Worth It? Pros and Cons to runDisney

RunDisney races continue to expand ever since they came back after Covid closures. Are runDisney races worth it? It depends on your expectations. Since I usually choose runDisney as my racecation destination, I have to really think about all the money I’m spending, and it’s a lot. 

What is a Racecation?

A racecation is when you mix a race with a vacation. Truthfully, runDisney races are the only racecations I have traveled for, but I would not be opposed to racecations in other cities. I was just fortunate to be local to some cool Washington D.C. races like the Divas Half Marathon Series, Army Ten-Miler, Marine Corps Marathon, Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, and more!

Is runDisney Worth It?

Listen, runDisney isn’t cheap. It’s not. Local races are a much better value.

However, runDisney also got me back into running. So if you’re looking for motivation to start moving and you love Disney, then runDisney is the perfect combo.

But not only do you have to consider the actual race prices, there’s travel expenses. I used to drink the Disney kool-aid hard, but I’m a little more budget-minded now.

I’ve been an Annual Passholder for years, and it was more justifiable to me to not have to purchase Disney park tickets every time, because that adds up really quickly. When a renewal was less than $500, and I was running at least 3 or 4 races a year, it made sense. I could find relatively cheap airfare from Dallas and Virginia pretty easily (thanks Southwest!), and I was splitting rooms with friends.

So with Disney math, I’m thinking I’m spending about $500 each race, which is totally reasonable, right?

Well then I start rooming with high-rolling friends who like Walt Disney World Resort Deluxe hotels and like to eat at table-service restaurants every meal. Then my races got even more expensive, creeping up on the $1000-$1500 mark for a solo trip, which is crazy.

I used to take my whole family to Disney for about $2500. We only had 2 or 3 kids, and there was a recession, but still. And now Walt Disney World Annual Passes are well over $1000 for non-Florida residents and non-DVC members.

Also factor in race costs – a 5K now costs around $120. 

RunDisney Races On a Budget

I’m completely cool with Disney’s Pop Century Resort and quick-service restaurants. I fueled with a Nutella and Fruit Waffle from Sleepy Hollow for Disney’s Wine & Dine Half Marathon and was fine. Maybe not my smartest meal choice, but I also do not need a $50 buffet. So if you want to do runDisney races on a budget, share the costs, but also ask yourself if you can say no to extras your friends may choose.

When you’re planning a runDisney racecation, the necessary things you’re budgeting for are race bibs (registration), lodging, transportation (free if you stay on-property at a Disney hotel), and food. The extras are expo items, souvenirs, Disney park tickets, Universal park tickets (if you decide to hop on over to see Harry Potter, just sayin’), extra tours, dessert parties, etc…

Pros to runDisney Races

So back to whether runDisney is worth it. It depends on what you’re looking for. For a first-timer who is looking for a great race experience to give them a positive attitude about running and having fun, yes, absolutely, runDisney is for you. The runDisney races are what encouraged me to start running and have helped me to continue running. Along the way, I found best friends, fellow Disney addicts, motivation to continue running, a love of running costumes, and a whole lot of bling. They really do have some incredible medals.

And even after runDisney’s hiatus, they went hard on the medals, so I appreciate that! 

Even if you’re not a first timer, runDisney races are fun. That’s why I keep coming back. They don’t slack on course volunteers, bathrooms, water stations, and first aid tents. Those are necessary for any runner.

Cons to runDisney

For the repeat runDisney customer like myself, unfortunately the value is decreasing. The races are still fun, definitely. But when you’re used to an experience and you just see all the prices go up like the cost of park tickets, annual passes, hotels, race fees, and you see the offerings decrease (like course entertainment), you really have to question the value of your dollar and how you’re spending it.

Also communication is lacking. Sometimes information isn’t timely, there are no more deferrals, and it’s tough to get a hold of anyone to answer questions. The races are also crowded.

Also, you can’t cheer like you used to. Remember getting together with all your friends and finding a spot along the course to cheer on runners? Well for right now, the options are limited. However, you can cheer at the start and finish lines.

I start thinking about memories with my friends and race costumes, and you start playing on my emotions, runDisney. These memories are with me forever. I mean, can you put a price on that? Marketing at its finest. In all honesty, I don’t go to PR runDisney races. You certainly can, but I go for the experience and the ambiance.

Will I still runDisney? Absolutely, because that’s where my people are. That dang Princess Half Marathon race keeps sucking me in again and again, because that’s when I can see the most number of my girlfriends in one place, and that is priceless.

Maybe runDisney knows that. Maybe they know they’ll always have a market with loyal fans and new runners who want a magical experience. What’s more magical than Cinderella Castle?

Bottom line – I can’t quit them completely, and to me, runDisney is worth it, but I am cutting back. My budget needs to make room for new experiences and new racecations. I’m a local now, so the costs are definitely lower.

But when runDisney announced Disneyland races were back, I was like shoot, take my money. Nostalgia and fun aside, be realistic on what you’re spending for a runDisney race weekend.

If you’re a runDisney newbie, if your budget allows it, then come experience the magic! I’ll always be grateful to runDisney for giving me the motivation to run again.