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In just a few days, runners and their families will arrive at the Disneyland Resort for the 2013 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend. With anticipation filling the air, the gun will fire and fireworks will ignite to start the races. It has been 2 years since I was last at the Disneyland Resort. Like many first timers to Disneyland, I wanted to seek out some great tips to make the most of the long weekend. And who has better tips than my friends who love the Disneyland Resort just as much as I do. Take it away, friends.
Pre-Race Tips
1) ”Fill out your paperwork (race waiver) at home and pick up your race packet and number as early as possible, the lines can get long.”
Heather Sievers, @DiningInDisney
disneyfoodblog.com
2) “Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going. Everything is within walking distance, but it still can take a little while to get where you need to be, especially when it comes to getting to your corral.”
Matt Marcella, @marcella823
dadrunsdisney.com
3) “One thing that helped me settle in on race morning was listening to the Race Directors talk at the Expo. It helped me know where to go and what to do.”
Laura Wright, @jacksparrowfan
Race Tips
4) ”Remember sunscreen and sunglasses, much of the half course will be directly into the sun after sunrise.”
Colin Buchanan, @ParadisePeer
5) “During the race, the bathrooms inside the theme parks will be open alongside the race course and will be way cleaner than the port-a-potties. Know your course map and plan accordingly.’
Emilia, @halfcrazymama
halfcrazymama.com
6) “Remember, obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal. Visualize running across the finish line!”
Dennis, @runDisneytv
7) “Since a lot of the race is off property, make sure you get your character pictures while in the parks, because that’s the only place you will find them.”
Jenn L, @DisRunner
EatSleepRunDisney.com
8) “Meet new friends on the course. Disney runners wear clever tees, costumes, etc. Tell them you like their outfits. Be encouraging. You may see them after the race or in the parks or at the resort. It’s always fun to say, ‘Hey, I remember seeing you during the racs!’ Instant friendship.
Kristin Long, @bamagirlRUNS
bamagirlruns.blogspot.com
9) “Watch the “Botts dots” on the streets of Anaheim and the narrowings on the course.”
Laura Wright, @jacksparrowfan
10) “For spectators of the races, be aware that the Esplanade and Downtown Disney area may be difficult to cross during the races due to the course and tight areas.”
Colin Buchanan, @paradisepeer
11) “Outside the Disneyland Resort area of the Disneyland Half Marathon, runDisney has made the course better and better. Stop and take photos with a hula dancer or an Angels cheerleader or by a classic car. Enjoy and record the full experience.”
Paul Calizaire, @PaulACinNYC
Finisher of 6 consecutive Disneyland Half Marathons (going on 7 in 2013)
12) “Be careful and aware of the people around you as you enter/exit both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. The gates are very narrow with thousands of people trying to get through at the same time.”
Marcia Jo, @mj94502
Finisher of 7 consecutive Disneyland Half Marathons (going on 8 in 2013)
13) “Make sure you take it all in! Don’t be afraid to stand in awe…But not too long mid-race and maybe at the side!”
Erin Williams, @LoveDisneyRun
lovedisneyrunning.blogspot.com
Disneyland Resort Tips
14) “Study the park maps of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. For my first trip, I went thinking it would be like Walt Disney World. I spent too much time looking for things. I wish I had familiarized myself better with the layout.”
Lori Lovell, @rundisneylori
2013 runDisney mom on the Disney Moms Panel, runderfulworldofdisney.com
15) “Ride the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction more than once!”
Katie, @seatotheskies
16) “Enjoy the Cozy Cones in Disney California Adventure. They have very good, fun food.”
Tony Caggiano, @tonycagg
wdwradio.com
17) “Take a break from the attractions by doing a Disney cardio cool-down. Soak in the quiet corners, the details, the history that still exists. Listen to the live music (there are excellent choices in Disneyland) or sit in the Tiki Room courtyard and just relax. Visit The Court of Angels. Find a quiet table on the lower level of Hungry Bear and watch the boats and ducks go by.”
Michael Gold, @mickeyg66
spooninc.com, host of the upcoming “MoJo Gold” podcast
18) “Save your money for a celebratory dinner at the Napa Rose. Well worth it!”
Kimberly Knight, @kimberknight
luxurytravelgirl.blogspot.com
19) ”Take full advantage of Disneyland Resort to relax. Sit by the pool, stretch out at Pacific Wharf with a beverage and food or pick a rocking chair on Main Street U.S.A. and revel in your accomplishment!”
Paul Calizaire, @PaulACinNYC
Finisher of 6 consecutive Disneyland Half Marathons (going on 7 in 2013)
20) “Get dem Pomme Frites at Cafe Orleans!”
Matt Feige, @mfeige
21) “Disney California Adventure has added some great live entertainment: Minnie’s Fly Girls, Five & Dime and the Red Car News boys.”
Colin Buchanan, @ParadisePeer
22) ”Make sure to plan ahead with an Advanced Dining Reservations. With so many people in the resort, everything books up quick. So, if you are craving something specific, plan ahead!”
Heather Sievers, @DiningInDisney
disneyfoodblog.com
23) “Bring a light jacket to California. With no humidity, I stay chilled at night.”
Kristin Long, @bamagirlRUNS
bamagirlruns.blogspot.com
24) “Explore Tom Sawyer Island at Disneyland in the morning. They have added lots of pirate effects over the last decade.”
Nate Parrish, @WedwayRadio
wedwayradio.com, host of the Wedway Radio podcast
25) “To ride in the Lilly Belle, head to the Main Street Train Station when the park opens to request a ticket. They go fast!”
Colin Buchanan, @ParadisePeer
Boy, those were some wonderful tips! Thank you to all my friends who submitted theirs. With a little planning, a trip to the Disneyland Resort for a runDisney event will be a spectacular memory that will leave you pining for more.
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