By this time tomorrow, the dust will settle on a runDisney registration day, and those who were successful in the registration process will be celebrating, and those who were unsuccessful will either be sad or looking into charity bibs.
As most things with runDisney, registration day is a big deal. As we have experienced more and more registration days since beginning our runDisney journey in 2018, we have a few tips to try to alleviate some of the inevitable uneasiness surrounding these mornings.
FAQ’s:
Q: How fast do these races sell out?
A: Minutes, literally, maybe hours, but that is a conservative estimate.
Q: Which races typically sell out the fastest?
A: While there is some debate on this, we would say that, on average, the 5K sells out first, followed by Challenges, the 10K, and the longest distance (½ marathon or marathon) selling out last. Challenges and Anniversary years for races sell out quickly as well, and do not follow the “typical pattern”. For example, Dopey registration for 2023 Marathon Weekend was sold in less than 5 minutes. Marathon Weekend 2023 also happened to be an anniversary year for not only the Dopey race, but the Marathon weekend as well.
Q: When are these race weekends and registrations for the races?
A: runDisney has a nice little graphic for the 2024-2025 season posted below. Two dates on the horizon: February 13th (that’s tomorrow!) for Disneyland Halloween Weekend and Tuesday, March 12th for Wine & Dine Weekend at Walt Disney World.
Q: What time is registration?
A: For *general registration, the registration queues are scheduled to open at 10 a.m. EST, so you may have to do some math to determine your actual registration time depending on your time zone.
Q: What is all this Club runDisney chatter about?
A: A few years ago, runDisney decided to add a level of exclusivity by introducing “Club runDisney.” In essence, as part of the “club” there are certain benefits. We have yet to join this club. We register with the masses hoping for some registration pixie dust. You can (in theory) join Club runDisney when registration opens for that in May, 2024. Once registered, the *next race reason is included in your perks.
In case you are wondering more about Club runDisney, check out the below link:
Q: How do you register?
A: First of all, you will need a runDisney account. Go to www.rundisney.com to navigate to the website. Scroll all the way to the button and click “manage account” in the small writing at the bottom of the page. If you already have a Disney account, great. It will use your same credentials. If not, you’ll make an account, and you will use that account for registration purposes.
Now that you have a runDisney account, you toggle to the events page, and will most likely see a screen like this…
Notice how the above has “registration opening soon”? You guessed it, when these bad boys go on sale, each button will change ro “registration open.” You click *ANY event that is open, and you will be redirected to the actual registration page. Click the event you want, the site may ask you to login again, and then you enter in all the desired information. You CAN edit later, so it is important to go as quickly and methodically as you can, so you snag the event you are desiring. You enter payment information, and then click submit. If all goes according to plan, you will receive a confirmation screen as well as a confirmation email.
Helpful Tips:
We have found that, although the basics sound simple, there are some potential pitfalls to be aware of, so, without further ado, here are some helpful tips we have found have helped us in registrations gone by…
Log in to the website EARLY! You want to already be logged into the system in the event that the virtual queues open before the specified time
Multiple monitors- this is controversial, but we are typically rocking multiple devices in incognito mode for registration windows.
TIP: Check the IP address at the bottom to verify you have separate numbers rather than one window opened multiple times
If you see a register now button appear before the time period, click it! You are put in a random queue, but typically, you still get “in” early.
Do NOT close a queue window once it appears. It might appear that the wait is longer than an hour. That may be true… keeping that window open and waiting is the best, albeit stressful medicine.
Once your registration window appears, have all information ready.
TIP: This includes address, phone number, and CC information. There may be some questions about proof of time and past runDisney events. These can be edited AFTER the initial registration.
It is possible to register more than one individual, but you must fully register the first participant before registering the second, etc..
TIP: make sure you know the next person’s information including address, phone numbers, shirt size, etc.
If you aren’t able to snag the registration you desire and things sell out, there are some additional options:
Registering with a Charity. There are lovely organizations that you can run with and fundraise through to join these races
Signing up via X, Threads, Discord, or telegram will give updates when races show openings.
This is a gamble, but sometimes, runDisney releases a few registrations in the months leading up to the actual race.
These open and close quickly, but we have been successful in registering this way.
Things may go to plan, things may not go to plan. The most important thing is to remember to BREATHE. It’s going to be ok.
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