Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
Lake Buena Vista, FL
- Fairy Tale Challenge (19.3 miles), Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is an enchanting occasion for princesses and princes of all ages, featuring events for all skill levels, coveted regal medals and Disney entertainment! Meet some of your favorite Disney Princesses, pose for photos and make your way to the finish that ends happily ever after! … MORE
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Done with RunDisney
I have now run two RunDisney half marathons, and I think that's enough. This course was especially bad and got extremely narrow in some places. Due to the large amounts … MORE
I have now run two RunDisney half marathons, and I think that’s enough. This course was especially bad and got extremely narrow in some places. Due to the large amounts of people who run/walk the RunDisney races and stop to take photos, there were many points when you couldn’t even “run” and were forced to stop because you couldn’t get around the walkers/photo takers.
The 10K was smoother than the half marathon because there were less places where the course narrowed. However, I found myself incredibly frustrated with the narrowness of the half marathon course, specifically around The Polynesian and Grand Floridian resorts as we entered Magic Kingdom. Large bits of the course are on highways/parking lots and aren’t even inside the park. Overall, the swag and medals are nice, but I don’t think I want to do that again.
Crowded, Thin Paths. Lot of Participants
Crowded, Thin Paths. Lot of Participants Awesome Medals Extremely Crowded Many participants stop in the middle of the course to take pics Bottlenecks everywhere. So many phones hit the pavement. … MORE
Crowded, Thin Paths. Lot of Participants
Awesome Medals
Extremely Crowded
Many participants stop in the middle of the course to take pics Bottlenecks everywhere.
So many phones hit the pavement. Hope they have insurance.
I did 2025 GOOFY, DUMBO and finally Princess Challenge, all back to back. No more RUN DISNEY in my future.
Could Have Been a Lot Better
This course has some problems: (1) it is really narrow in some parts and sometimes I had to walk because there was no way I could get around people; (2) … MORE
This course has some problems: (1) it is really narrow in some parts and sometimes I had to walk because there was no way I could get around people; (2) the course is, for the most part, really really boring because you spend 90% of it running in a street (between the parks). I really wish that we could have ran more so throughout the parks, but it didn’t feel long enough.
Princess Run!!
I love running and running is how I find peace...with that being said! this run is for those who just like to have a good time. If you care about … MORE
I love running and running is how I find peace…with that being said! this run is for those who just like to have a good time. If you care about your personal speed, stats, etc..this race isn’t for you. It seems like most of the runners participate mainly for their love of Disney, which is fine, however, I participated first because I LOVE running. The course is really congested, with an average of 17k participants, the majority seem to be none runners…A lot of people stop and walk right in front of you, they never look back or move to the side or even raise a hand! I found this to be very dangerous. Sometimes it would be a row of 5 people, casually walking.
The production was amazing-it is Disney! the swag was nice and the medal was really cute!
Also! it’s important to note- showtime for the race is around 3:30-4am with a run start time of appt 5am, but that doesn’t mean you start at that time because you’re grouped by corrals (A-E) and within the corrals they have start waves.
Fun Princess WeekendDS
This was a bucket list run for me & I’m glad I did it but don’t plan on doing any other Disney races. I did the challenge so ran the … MORE
This was a bucket list run for me & I’m glad I did it but don’t plan on doing any other Disney races. I did the challenge so ran the 10k with my daughter & half with my best friend.
1. Expo – very well organized. There were characters you could take photos with, the race shirts were cute (not my favorite fabric but like the design). Not a lot of samples being handed out & the only thing you received was the shirts. We were there the morning of the second day & they were already sold out of a shirt that I wanted so I was bummed about that (but it saved me from spending $80). We also had to drive to Disney Springs to purchase holiday ornaments that they had on display but weren’t selling at the expo.
2. Pre-race – we were told to arrive by 4am & there was some entertainment (photo ops with characters, music, etc) before the race. We didn’t actually start either race until around 6am so it was a lot of standing around. Because my daughter & friend hadn’t participated in other races at their distance we were in the last corral for both races which meant a lot of standing around before you even get started which is pretty stressful. I don’t know what would be better but it seems silly to have “slower” runners start in the back because they have less time to finish than the “faster” runners in the front. The balloon ladies started right behind my daughter & I.
3. Course – the courses themselves were less exciting than I had envisioned. The 10k was more enjoyable than the half marathon. The 10k was about half on the highway & then you entered through the back of Hollywood Studios ran through the Boardwalk area & then to Epcot & through Canada to the front & the finish. The half was 5 hours of highway to begin with, a short loop through Magic Kingdom, then back to Epcot for a very short run through the park to the finish. The course maps were available ahead of time I think I just thought there would be more running in the park. There were real bathrooms in all of the parks which was nice. There were lots of characters on the course but the lines were really long & we didn’t want to stop for too long. Entertainment was good with a few DJ’s, music, comedians, etc. plenty of water & Powerade stops. Only one stop had nutrition & it was some gummies. Any of the course not on the highway was crowded. There were points where you could really only walk because everyone in front of you was. It was well organized- just a lot of people (obviously since I
4. Post race – loved the medals, good snacks provided & loved the medals.
Overall it was a fun time & I’m glad I did it with my family/friends but will not rush to sign up
Love a Disney Race
As many who participate in runDisney events know, these are well organized events. The early wake up time can be brutal but it is all worth it. Lots of highway … MORE
As many who participate in runDisney events know, these are well organized events. The early wake up time can be brutal but it is all worth it. Lots of highway running in between the parks, but running into Magic Kingdom at or before sunrise is such a fun experience.
This is NOT Runner's Race
This was my first Disney Race and for me it was just too commercialized. It was over 14.5K people there and because I was put in Corral D, I had … MORE
This was my first Disney Race and for me it was just too commercialized. It was over 14.5K people there and because I was put in Corral D, I had to literally bob and weave and sprint the first four miles to break from the walkers. People are there to have a good time to say they were and completed the race. There are not many serious runners at for these races. Oh, I was not a fan of waking up at 1:30AM to catch the 2:30AM bus for a race that did not start until 6:30AM.
Disney Running is the Best Running
This was my first Princess Weekend, but not my first runDisney race. Rundisney always puts on a superb race. The course can get a little bottlenecked and crowded at some … MORE
This was my first Princess Weekend, but not my first runDisney race. Rundisney always puts on a superb race. The course can get a little bottlenecked and crowded at some parts but that really is the biggest negative. I’m not usually going for a PR at disney, instead, I’m going for the experience. You get to run through the castle and Magic Kingdom park, you get to stop for character photos along the course, and Princess Daisy or Minnie will greet you at the finish line! It’s just a magical running experience.
Fun!
The 5k is a fun run and not timed. Lots of selfie spots along the way (Epcot). Although there are lots of runners in around 10,000, it is well organized … MORE
The 5k is a fun run and not timed. Lots of selfie spots along the way (Epcot). Although there are lots of runners in around 10,000, it is well organized with complete amenities around. Runners and staff are very friendly!
First Disney Half Marathon
This is a fun race. Production does a great time and even waiting around in the corals is fun! I love that they had fireworks for every wave start! This … MORE
This is a fun race. Production does a great time and even waiting around in the corals is fun! I love that they had fireworks for every wave start!
This was my first Disney half marathon and I was not prepared for the Florida heat and humidity! The course is fun going through Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, and plenty of aid stations with water and Honey Stinger Chews.
The course is pretty easy but you do run over an overpass which makes this one of my highest elevation runs ever and makes for a challenging area of the course. It’s also towards the end of the course when I was already tired.
Overall it was a fun race and nothing beats running through Disney! I’ll definitely do another Disney race but next time I’m doing a different weekend as I have not liked the Princess weekend medals the last couple of years.
You Will Never Be Bored
With all the stuff going on, all the sites to see, and all the activities along the route, this is very likely not to be the race UPR. However, it … MORE
With all the stuff going on, all the sites to see, and all the activities along the route, this is very likely not to be the race UPR. However, it will be by far the most entertaining race ever. The most supportive and massive crowd support, I cannot wait to go back!
This Princess runs Disney
Disney Princess weekend does not disappoint. I ran all three distances: 5K, 10k and Half. So much fun running with thousands of your Princess (and Prince) friends. Lots of on … MORE
Disney Princess weekend does not disappoint. I ran all three distances: 5K, 10k and Half. So much fun running with thousands of your Princess (and Prince) friends. Lots of on course character stops if you are fast enough to beat the balloon ladies. Too bad they don’t put the princesses in the later miles, since those lines tend to be shorter. this year February was quite warm. Remember to pack layers since you never know. Park time is doable over the weekend just remember that your alarm goes off early to be on the startline bus at 3 a.m.
My First Disney Race!
I did the Fairytale Challenge in 2022 which included the 10k. The 10k was a great course! It was and easy course with beautiful scenery as we went past several … MORE
I did the Fairytale Challenge in 2022 which included the 10k. The 10k was a great course! It was and easy course with beautiful scenery as we went past several Disney resorts and got to see the behind the scenes of Hollywood Studios!
So Much Fun!
I just had a really fun time running this race. I wasn't going for a PR or anything and I made sure to stop for pictures with the characters. This … MORE
I just had a really fun time running this race. I wasn’t going for a PR or anything and I made sure to stop for pictures with the characters. This was very well run, pretty easy course, and pure joy.
Organization fiasco
Not near enough porta potty’s on the course. Still a long line 3 miles into the race. Traffic disaster when it came to parking despite arriving before 430am cut off. … MORE
Not near enough porta potty’s on the course. Still a long line 3 miles into the race. Traffic disaster when it came to parking despite arriving before 430am cut off. Took 2 hours to park and nearly missed the race. Wayyyyy missed my corral. Course was way too congested. Literally came to a standstill around mile 3.5. Need to either reduce number of runners or move course around based on construction.
Magical
As all Disney races, this one was magical. Perfect for my first half marathon. Running through the castle is one of the best things I've ever done! MORE
As all Disney races, this one was magical. Perfect for my first half marathon. Running through the castle is one of the best things I’ve ever done!
Great atmosphere
I had one of the worst runs ever, but the race itself was great. Pretty flat. A lot of great people. The medals are so cute!! I would do it … MORE
I had one of the worst runs ever, but the race itself was great. Pretty flat. A lot of great people. The medals are so cute!! I would do it again eventually if i ever get the chance.
Easy course, but weather is hit/miss
Pros: -Really flat course is perfect for a PR...if it's not 93% humidity like it was for me -Really cool to run through Magic Kingdom and Epcot, but the majority … MORE
Pros:
-Really flat course is perfect for a PR…if it’s not 93% humidity like it was for me
-Really cool to run through Magic Kingdom and Epcot, but the majority of the course is on a highway/backlot
-Corrals are extremely well organized.
-Pre-race entertainment to hype you up (although the National Anthem singer messed up the words…yikes)
Cons:
-Really early (5:30am) start means you run in the dark for much of the race if you’re in an earlier corral
-Definitely arrive very early to manage the inevitable traffic congestion (lots of charter buses with runners who stayed in the resorts)
-Expo is too big (three different buildings within the Wide World of Sports), but there are not many cool things. The Run Disney stuff was a little too cheesy/princessy for my liking, so I didn’t buy anything. 🙁
-Long walk from the entry area to the start line – it was about a 20 min walk, and there were no porta potties near the start line, so you have to make sure you time a trip to the bathroom well
-Finish line food is mediocre at best. For the price of the race, I expected a full blown meal, but instead received an applesauce pouch, banana, and unappetizing tortilla chips.
-NOT RECOMMENDED to run after three days of park hopping. My legs were gone, and the heat/humidity didn’t help. Otherwise, I think the course could make for an easy PR.
Warm and muggy
Mid February and the day was warm:and exremely muggy. The course is great, though it does get narrow in some places. Lots of water stops, lots of aid stations around. … MORE
Mid February and the day was warm:and exremely muggy. The course is great, though it does get narrow in some places. Lots of water stops, lots of aid stations around.
Very fun girls weekend racation
Very female oriented race but males are able to do it if they choose. Some groups even dress up on costumes going all out. Weather tends to be hot and … MORE
Very female oriented race but males are able to do it if they choose. Some groups even dress up on costumes going all out. Weather tends to be hot and humid for time of year.