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Things to Know for Race Weekend at Disneyland

by Mommy Frog on January 18, 2025
Los Angeles

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Are you participating in a runDisney race event at Disneyland this September? The all-new Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend is sure to be a blast. But you'll want to know where to go and when, how to pick up your bib, what to bring and what not to bring, and more. Here are some important things to know about attending a race weekend at Disneyland.

Race Weekend at Disneyland - Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon medal

When and Where to Pick Up Your Bib

Race Weekend at Disneyland — Runners posing at Expo Photo-Op

This is an important one. Only you can pick up your own bib, unless you are a minor. You'll also need to pick it up at least the day before. You'll pick your bib up at the Expo at Disneyland Hotel. Make sure to arrive in time to get your bib. You cannot pick it up at the race.

You'll need a government-issued ID and your Expo Check-in Pass (via your MyDisney account). Also, you'll need to complete an online digital waiver form prior to arrival (find it in your dashboard). Your name on the waiver must match exactly how you registered. (For example, even though my middle initial is not showing on my registration, it needed my middle initial to accept my name and signature.)

Expo Hours for Each Race Weekend

  • Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (may need to join a virtual line to shop)
  • Friday, 12 to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, 10-4 p.m.

Virtual Line

If you hoppen to be heading to the Expo on Thursday, you can sign up for a virtual line to purchase exclusive runDisney gear. No virtual line is needed for the other days.

Where to Park for Each Event During Race Weekend at Disneyland

Race Weekend at Disneyland - Pixar Pals Parking Structure

Each event may have a different parking area. Some events may use the parking structures, while other events use the Toy Story Lot. If you're arriving by car, you'll need to know which lot to park at and when it opens. Disney will announce the parking lot info for each event during race weekend at Disneyland closer to the event.

Race Weekend at Disneyland - Toy Story Lot

When and Where to Arrive to Each Event

Things to Know for Race Weekend at Disneyland - Yogas mats in Disneyland Park

Set those alarms! It's going to be a weekend of early rising in the dark hours before dawn. You'll need to allow time to walk to your event or to park and take a bus or shuttle. Plus, you have security to go through, and lines can get long. You'll want time to stretch, find your corral, go to the bathroom, take photos and get ready to race. You do not want to arrive at the last minute and feel rushed and unprepared. That means arriving at least an hour early.

Things to Know for Race Weekend at Disneyland - People in corrals

Know where to be so you know where to go and can prepare any loved ones who might be cheering you on and waiting for you near the finish line. The race route maps and details come out closer to the event dates.

Where Spectators Can Watch the Race

Closer to the event date, Disney will release the parking and cheering sections and rules for spectators.

What to Know About Theme Park Tickets During Race Weekend at Disneyland

Race weekends are popular times to visit Disneyland. Reservations will fill up quickly that week, so now is the time to purchase tickets and make those theme park reservations.

For the January races there is a SoCal 3-day deal, Adults at Child Prices and Special Kids Ticket offer. Get these deals through Undercover Tourist. Halloween Half Marathon Weekend, there is usually a great 3-Day Summer Promo ticket deal going on, and Undercover Tourist has the best prices on them. You'll want to choose a ticket that is valid any day for those Friday, Saturday and Sunday visits.

What's Going on in and Around the Parks During Race Weekend at Disneyland

Race Weekend at Disneyland - Halloween Pumpkin

First off, for the September races, it's Halloween Time! There is so much Halloween fun to be had in both parks. Hop over to our Halloween Time at Disneyland post for all the not-so-spooky details. And don't get us started on all the yummy Halloween Time treats!

You'll want to plan your dining and any dining packages for shows or parades. You can book reservations for Disneyland Resort restaurants up to 60 days in advance. Some outside locations offer special dining options for racers the night before a race.

What to Pack

Race Weekend at Disneyland - Princess Half Marathon Runner

If you are doing a race in hot and dry September versus cool and potentially wet January, your packing list is going to vary based on the weather. Outside of weather and normal travel items, here's what to bring with you for the race weekend at Disneyland.

  • Anti-chafe products
  • Bandages
  • Sweatshirt you can throw away (if you are cold — more relevant for the January race)
  • Something to hold your phone, keys or small essentials

Read up on race day tips.

What Not to Bring to the Race

Leave these items home as they are not permitted in the staging areas:

  • Selfie sticks
  • Baby joggers/strollers/baby carriers
  • Backpacks
  • Skates, scooters, bicycles and skateboards
  • Pets of any kind
  • Headphones are discouraged; you need to be able to hear announcements and other runners
  • Flags larger than 3' x 5'
  • Flag poles that are longer than 4 feet or have a diameter of more than 4 inches. Poles must have rounded or flat ends and can be made of wood, plastic and/or PVC. Metal poles are not allowed. No decorative or sharp ends are allowed. Flag harnesses are permitted if they do not cover the participant's bib or pose a safety hazard.

You can wear a costume to the race as long as it adheres to the costume guidelines. However, if you plan to go to the parks immediately after the race, costumes are not permitted for people 14 and over. You'll have to change to enter security for the parks.

Are you running in a Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon event and have more questions about race weekend at Disneyland? Let us know in the comments below. Be sure to purchase your Disneyland theme park tickets and make those park reservations early. Be sure to check out the hoppin' deal on the 3-day special offer promo ticket.

Related: Our Step-by-Step Guide to runDisney Disneyland Events

Related: Disneyland runDisney Race Day Tips

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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