Disney events are unlike any other. At Disneyland, all Run events start in the Disneyland Hotel Convention Center. No matter what you are doing, come in to check out what's going on? Come on down as there is much to see and do. The LEFT side of the convention center is used for participant check in and getting their materials and shirts for the Run. The CENTER area has the event medals and paraphernalia from past events, maps of the course, and a photo opportunity of the event. From center area to the RIGHT side of the convention center are the businesses supporting the even along with vendor merchants marketing/selling their running wears (be it clothes, sunglasses, electronics, recovery, foods, etc.) ..... THEN you have the Disneyland merchandise area exclusive to the year's event. (Magic Key discounts apply only here, not on vendor merchant purchases.) This is a place where you can easily make new Disney friends with new guests and vendor merchants. OH, there are free samples to taste as well. If you are interested in future events, go visit the runDisney website. (I do not work for Disney or any affiliate, though I use to.) Run, Walk, RunDisney! read more

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One of my besties had what I call a midlife crisis and booked a Disney half-marathon. Naturally, she needed a Disney tour guide for her first trip as an adult - me! When I heard they had maleficent Brooks sneakers, I told her I needed when she picked up her bib. So cute and love they have the expo leading into the various races. Definitely worth checking out if you or someone you know is racing! read more

Run Disney Expo - 2025 Brooks RunDisney Sneakers - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Anaheim, California

Disney races are love and hate. You love them because it's Disney and everything Disney is awesome! The views in the course, the themes and the planning and attention to detail are unmatched. Then there is the matter of technology. Run Disney gets better each time and they always listen - but they are slower with technology often than what you would think. The results in issues when trying to register for races and such. Of course, who else has this problem that tries to register thousands for a race at the same time? I wonder how the others do it! Well until we get it better perfected - we keep trying to get better and keep coming back - year after year, race after race. Well - I may have just said the part out loud! That's why!?!? We keep coming back. Thanks Run Disney! read more

Run Disney Expo - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Anaheim, California

This was my first Run Disney Expo for the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon and it was awesome! I ended up booking a virtual queue for the Run Disney Expo on a Thursday. Even though I queued up in the morning, my boarding group was called mid-afternoon. The Run Disney Expo was well organized. I was able to get my bib with no issues at the Disneyland Convention Center. From there, the packet pick-up with the shirts was located at the Run Disney Expo. The Run Disney Expo is usually held three days, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during each race event. At the expo, there are a lot of vendors! I was quite in awe all of the different vendors at the Run Disney Expo. Some of the vendors were selling apparel, ear buds, sports food, and so much more! I think I saw vendor offering taping for knees! I had pre-ordered some items off of the Run Disney website and the pick-up for the merchandise was a breeze! When the virtual queue time was ready for me, I went over to the line for the VQ at the Run Disney Expo. My husband and I waited about 30 minutes in the line to get to the Run Disney official merchandise that was available to purchase! There was so much merchandise! There were pins, shirts, sweaters, jackets, pants, and a lot more! I ended up getting a Halloween Half Marathon tank top! This was such a great expo! I'm looking forward to attending the Run Disney Expo again for the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend in January!! read more

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Super excited to have RunDisney back home, here on the West Coast. We missed them so much over the past couple of years. The Expo started as a bit smaller than I remember years ago but this last race grew a bit from the 1st back in January. The event here is fairly well organized, always busy but Disney does a good job of keeping the flow going. At 1st I was not as pleased with the idea of a virtual que to get into the merchandise area but it is growing on me and actually helps with the flow of guests coming in to purchase items. My only issue is that there should be more limits placed on items. We did see some people purchase multiple (and I mean not 2 or 3 but 10+ of 1 item). That sucks for people who may be coming in to the expo later in the day or even the weekend. Nothing is perfect and there can always be room for improvement with everything but overall Disney does a pretty good job of keeping the expo organized and moving. There are so many participants it is good how bib pick up is separate from the actual expo itself. There is not enough space to hold everything in one location (but they are close by). Other expo's I have seen there are longer lines and several locations for pick up and expo where there is a lot more walking and space in between. read more

If you sign up for a runDisney event, you are required to stop at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo to pick up your race bib and participant shirt the day before. It is actually a pretty cool event that helps you prepare for your run. The runDisney Expo is held at the Disneyland Hotel and can get really crowded. You can pick up pre-purchased items or purchase additional merchandise, take photos and stroll around the vendor room while here. It is a fun way to get hyped up for your run. These Disney runs have become a big deal over the years. Disney held their first marathon at Walt Disney World in 1994. Disneyland started theirs the following year. Over the years, runDisney became a half marathon and added 5K and 10K runs. Each half marathon weekend has a different theme to it. These races allow you to run through the theme parks with live entertainment and Disney character sightings along the way. The runs include a finisher's medal, all sorts of swag and timed results. After picking up our gear, we walked around the vendor room. There were all types of vendors selling and giving out different things at the Expo. I enjoyed seeing some of the past medals from previous runs. World-class athlete Jeff Galloway (the official runDisney training consultant) was on hand to answer questions and to sign his book. To purchase additional official merchandise, you have to join a queue on the Disney app. Once your number is up, you then get in a line and wait some more. It took us a few hours to finally get into the merchandise area. I ended up picking up a Disney running jacket because my run time was at 5am and it was a little chilly out. Overall I enjoyed coming to the Expo. The lines sucked and most of the merchandise was pricey. But this was my first runDisney experience and I was excited to be a part of it. I have run close to a hundred competitive races and wanted to make the most of this run. They set up some tables for people to purchase snacks and drinks. There are also food options around the Disneyland Hotel and at nearby Downtown Disney. read more

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The Run Disney Expo takes place every race weekend that occurs at Disneyland. There are typically four race weekends per year as of 2017. It's actually called the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo. It begins on Thursday and continues until Saturday. It takes place at Disneyland Hotel and is free and is not limited to those participating in the races. During the expo, runners arrive to pick up their race packets. Afterwards most visit the expo after picking up their race shirts. There are lots of vendors that are specifically for running or fitness. Lots of exhibitors as well giving away samples. New Balance is present and sells Disney themed shoes that are limited release for the expo. Last but not least, there is the merchandise area where people go to check out commemorative merchandise for that weekends race theme and other runDisney merchandise. Lines are a given, but they are not a guarantee. Sometimes there are NO lines and you can walk right in to everything . Other times (like the Star Wars Light Side Half Marathon weekend) the lines are so long, you're shuffled into a waiting area on another floor until you're ushered back downstairs to wait again to get into the merchandise. It will all vary based on the popularity of the race weekend. Having attended several runDisney Health and Fitness Expos, I have to say that I've never had a bad experience! I've gone on the first day, in the morning, at night, and everything in between. I do love the energy at the expo! It gets me pumped for my run. My favorite is the annual passholder freebies they've been giving out. Nothing is perfect, but Disney somehow manages to come pretty close to it. I always look forward to attending the expo!! read more

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It's a great event but please post a sign so that bikers are aware that there is a marathon or closed down the bike trail. Very dangerous to have bikers on the same path as runners. Accidents can happen and someone can get hurt sharing path with bikers. Thank you vm read more

Had a blast here over the weekend. It was my first half-marathon and didn't know what to expect. Came on Friday afternoon to pick up my runner's packet and shirt. Wasn't too packed when I went and was pleasantly surprised at the many vendors and people that came out to support. Even if you're not running, come by and check it out next year. It's not a huge expo and can get packed, but it's nice enough to get some cool discounts and ask vendors about their products and get some free swag. Entry to the Expo is Free as well... can't beat that! Additional discounts if you're a Annual Pass holder, this is for purchasing the Official Merchandise only. *Note Half-marathon day was a total blast!.. I would do it again next year. :) If you love Disney, being fit and want a challenge... The Disneyland Half Marathon is for you...there's also the 5k and Kids runs as well. read more

Run Disney Expo - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Anaheim, California

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This was my third Disney race and expo. My latest experience was this past weekend when I was here for the inaugural Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend. I went to the expo on the last day right before they closed. Packet pick up and the expo are in two different locations but fairly close together. There was no wait really for the packet pick up. Shirts are picked up at the expo which was weird. Wonder why it can't all be in the same area but I guess that's how they get you to go to the expo. The vendors tend to stay the same from year to year with a couple of new ones this time around. Bring cash to avoid paying tax at some locations. I was mainly here for the limited edition RunDisney shoes. I had my eye on the Cinderella shoes with the ribbon laces. I picked up the Minnie Mouse shoes last year. I was happy that they still had shoes my size since they've been out since the beginning of the year. Since we came at the end of the day before closing, browse fast since they start to pack up for the day. Don't forget to pick up your Anaheim resort transit passes for race day transportation as well as free transportation throughout the race weekend. read more

Run Disney Expo - Limited edition Cinderella Shoes for 2014. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Anaheim, California

Run Disney races/events are the most organized races ever. My first expo and race was 2009 and I had the most amazing experience and have been coming back every year since then. Since then it seems like there is Run Disney event every few months and making a huge dent in my wallet. These races are not cheap, but they are totally worth it. The medals are some of the best medals out there. You can't beat running through the park and getting to take pics with your running gear on in front of the castle. Just be mindful that these races now sell out within hours. So be prepared to be sitting next to your computer when registration opens. read more

Run Disney Expo - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Anaheim, California

Pretty cool expo to attend if you plan to run a Disney Marathon. They had lots of samples & we're giving out good amounts of needed snacks that you can take on your run. Lots of merchandise to purchase if you wanted anything Disney Related. They had everything you possibly need for your run such as shoes, socks, clothes, fanny packs to cute running outfits. Of course, if you're training for a marathon... you should know not to wear new running shoes & wear the ones you've been training in. They also had quite a few photo booths. Race packet pick up was quick & easy! read more

Run Disney Expo - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Anaheim, California

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Signed up for our first Disney run and came on the Friday to pick up our race packet. I'm glad they provided parking voucher for downtown Disney. Picking up the packet was a breeze and there were a lot of stations. Bottom level was to turn in waivers and picking up bib number. Second floor was for bags and shirts. Then they have the expo where the vendors sell the same shit and also the Disney run gear. I didn't see much Disney run gear and we were in and out within 15 mins. read more

Was a little disappointed that there was no Zipfizz there! I need more! I came around 8:30am on the Saturday for the expo. It was easy in and out. Even with the end of the 10k runners coming in. I came early to register for the Limited Edition New Balance Shoes. Basically, you have to set up an appointment (first come, first serve) for these shoes. They text you when it's your turn, as well as updating with inventory. I was able to get those nifty Cinderella and Minnie Mouse shoes. I can't wait to start training in those. Downstairs is where you pick up your numbers, shirts, etc. Plenty of vendors to check out - Btw, the expos are open to the public and racers. I ended up having so much time to kill, I was able to get the KT tape put on my knees and ankles. They are fantastic support for aches, injuries, and so forth. I can't wait to be able to use it again! If you eat somewhere in DTDIsney - you get an extra 2 hours of parking validated! 3 hours are free already. They had speakers during the expo but some demos, memorabilia stuff for the run. It works. read more

The 2017 Tinkerbell Race Weekend Expo was awful. I attended the Run Disney Expo at Disneyworld in Florida in Feb and that race has more participants and was far better run. I spoke to DOZENS of frustrated people at this race who all said the same thing - they had never seen anything like this. Lines and more lines. They made us line up to go get in other lines and then there were lines that led to auxiliary lines. When you first arrived they made all the Pixie Dust Challenge members line up on the side and wait for about 20 minutes before they slowly took us, one row at a time, to go stand in ANOTHER line to actually then get in line for our bibs. Wait, what? Yeah you heard that right. Ridiculous. After that - it was off to get in another line for your T-shirts. Then it was shopping and looking at the goodies inside the expo. That part was fun but it was REALLY cramped and crowded - not a lot of space for walking. Then --- oh you wanted to go shop the official Disney race gear? Well go get in line. A line that was only a holding line for you to go get in another line to wait to get into the space to look at items. When you're done with that - you line up to go pay. Yep. Oh, and they ran out of a bunch of sizes first thing in the morning on Saturday (the second day of the three day expo - FIRST thing upon opening - so really they ran out on day 1). No one was helpful, staff were stand-offish and not friendly AT ALL. No one gave you a straight answer for anything and they skirted all issues about lines, products, if they had more, etc. I was pissed. Not a good experience. Not well-run. Disney can do better. And they should. read more

Very well organized and efficient! Lines move fast and stocked well with merchandise. The expo's vendor booths are cool and the pick up of your running bib, shirts and pre-ordered items is hassle-free. read more

Talk about a 180 from the expo for the Star Wars Half-marathon earlier this year. I didn't have almost 3 hours to wait for the merchandise brought on by Disneylands 60th and the races 10th anniversary so just made my way to the parking garage for my number. So far so good. When I got to the ballroom for my race number it was painless and knowing I parked in Simba with 3 hours free, figured I'd peruse the expo. Tutus? Running skirts? T-shirts reading " I don't sweat I sparkle"? WTF?? Am I at a women's only race? I've never been to an expo that was specifically trending towards women. I did get a good deal from the Hoka booth but the rest of the expo was obviously not interested in anyone with an Adams apple. I should probably thank runDisney for the $100 I had left over coming home with me and just stopped at my local running store for race supplies. read more

Attended this Run Disney expo to pick up my packet and other goodies for the Dumbo Dare challenge. I've participated in several Run Disney events in Florida, so this expo provided a comparable experience. Due to space constraints at the Disneyland Hotel, the layout is a little funky but the signs and Cast Members directing expo-goers make the process simple! When you arrive to the Expo, if you picking up a race packet, you are actually first directed into the parking garage to receive your race bib and program guide. Other than entering through a parking garage ramp, you can hardly tell you are in a garage as it is carpeted and draped for the event. Once you have your packet, you'll proceed into the actual convention space where your shirt can be collected. The expo features a large, well-organized section of Run Disney merchandise, including race specific items. If you are looking for certain things, go early! Some merchandise does tend to sell out. The expo also features several vendors, although it felt like there were less at this event than other Run Disney expos I have attended. My friend and I had fun collecting a few freebies, but didn't buy anything. As with most things Disney, this expo was a fun and well-organized experience. read more

This is definitely one of the more organized expos with lots of vendors. All of the booths were spread out throughout the convention center in the Disneyland Hotel. Lines moved quickly and it was efficient. The pick up for bib, shirts and pre-ordered merchandise went smoothly. It's too bad they don't mail you out the items though because some people may not be able to get off work to get them. My friend had an issue with her pre-ordered jacket and they exchanged it with no issues whatsoever. I recommend getting there early, especially if you want to buy any themed merchandise. That line was a clusterf**ck but also went quickly and was well organized. I didn't go crazy like my friends did but it was definitely worth checking out. The vendors at this expo were also friendly and they offered so many different items from running accessories to shoes, socks, running skirts, snacks and everything in between. read more

Great place!! Lots of things to buy in one area!! I give 4 stars because there aren't too many discounts. There are speakers and when you go pick up your packet, the line goes smoothly!! I love it!! read more

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Looks to me like there are a little bit more merchandise for this season. The race packet pickup is always organized and I did not encounter any difficulty obtaining my stuff. Even shirt exchange was easy. Sign ups for other races are available too but unlike Rock n Roll, they're all over the place. Disney inspired NB shoes had a virtual que you could sign up for beginning at 6 am for each expo day. Text alerts for time of return helped a lot. Got my shoes in 20 mins tops even checkout. Official Disney merchandise offered more themed shirts: DDD, 1/2 marathon & 5k/10k with jackets included. The zip up jackets had fleece inside but even the small size was too long for me. I'm guessing it was made for cold weather wear but it could have been shorter. read more

SOMETHING MAJOR HAS TO BE DONE!!!! The expo is great with a lot of booths, even though there are a ton of multiple booths selling the same items. It is good to have multiple if one is extremely busy you just go to the next. It is a very well organized expo spread out in the convention center of the Disneyland Hotel. You pick up your race packets down stairs in the parking garage of the Disneyland Hotel and then funnel back upstairs to the expo to pick up your race shirts and all the gear you can purchase. There are guest speakers that will talk about things from nutrition to stretching depending on the time slot. They are awesome and you can learn a lot. NOW THIS IS WHERE IT NEEDS TO CHANGE AND A TON OF RACERS FEEL THE SAME WAY! You show up for the expo on the Friday right when it opens and they are already sold out of gear!! Why?? People are coming in that are non-racers and purchasing the items and selling them on eBay. How can you have no racing jackets except small when the expo opens on Friday, which is the main day everyone is coming in for the 10k and the half marathon? I get you want to sell the merchandise, but people that are not running in the event should not be able to purchase gear before the race. If they want to purchase gear, sell it to them after. I know you will say you can pre-purchase and pick up at the expo, not all items can you do that with. The past two races now, we haven't been able to purchase the runners jacket because of this. It has left a lot of runners upset! read more

Runners expos are generally held before the race for packet pickup and to advertise other races. I've been to a few: Surf City, Laguna Hills, and Nike Womens (SF). The Run Disney Expo was no different, but getting there was another story. Not only were the parking lots at Downtown Disney completely full, the parking lot at the Disneyland Hotel ($15) was also full midday on Friday. I was amazed but luckily, I am an Annual Passholder with parking so I parked in the theme park parking and made my way over to the Disneyland Hotel. I should have known but I thought Downtown Disney parking would have been faster. I was wrong. The packet pick-up was a breeze. I made my way down through the corridors and picked up my packet and my limited edition 10K pin. I walked through the expo to pick up my free Disney art card. I walked around to see if there was anything else I could get for free but sadly the place was ridiculously crowded and I didn't want to spend anymore time there. If you run a Disney race in the future, I suggest that you get there EARLY and plan your attack from there. It was a madhouse on Friday because the expo was only on Friday and Saturday and the 10K race was on Saturday so you couldn't pick it up any other day. Next time I'll just park at Mickey & Friends and save myself the hassle of circling the parking lots. read more

I did not get to explore the Run Disney Expo for too long because of time restraints, but from what I experienced, I thought it was okay. Basically the expo is to pick up your race items: bib, t-shirt, gear bag, etc. It was pretty easy in and easy out. My boyfriend and I were able to get our stuff in about 10 minutes. You follow the path down a ramp to get your bib, pins, booklet and then follow the path up to get your t-shirt and other items. What I did not like was that I had to take an extra day off work because you are NOT allowed to pick up race items for another person or have another person pick up your items. I do not know if something happened in the past... but I think if there is evidence, like a signed paper or copy of the person's ID, then it should not be an issue. Since the boyfriend and I did the 5k, that meant TWO work days had to be taken off. Thursday to get your items before the race and Friday for the 5k. I work 12 hour shifts and the expo is from 10am-8pm on Thursday and since my work day for the week of the race fell on a Thursday, I had to take a WHOLE extra day off work just to pick up my bib, since there was no possible way for me to get it before or after work due to traffic and my hours! I would had just preferred for my friend or boyfriend just to get my items. I'm already paying twice as much to do a 5K via Disney, I should not have to take an extra day off work as well to just pick up my bib and all... Anyways, so I did not get to explore much due to time restraints... but I feel like the expo was lacking somehow. It felt like it was small... and everything being sold here cost much more than it would have if I just bought it elsewhere. I did like that there were photo booths and prize wheels to spin from Good Sense. I hope they keep coming back. If I had more time, I would had taken more pictures and maybe been able to enjoy the expo more as well. There is a side stage where speakers speak, but I did not see any while I was there. There is also a merchandise store, but again, unfortunately, I was not able to check that out either. I wish the hours for the expo were more consistent however. For example, on Friday, after the 5K, the expo did not start until noon, but Thursday before any of the runs, it started at 10am, and on Saturday after the 10K, it started at 9am! So, while I would had liked to come back to the expo on Friday after the 5K, there was basically a 5 hour gap from when you finished and when the expo opened!! What I did like. Easy and fast packet and gear pickup. Free parking at Downtown Disney for 2 hours. Since I went on a Thursday, I felt that was a fair amount of time to explore the expo; or if you have an annual pass that includes parking, park in the structure instead and time will not be a factor for you. I liked that stuff was spread out, which lead to less people blocking areas. I would like to do another run with Run Disney in the future. I think I will go for the 10K next time, as that is on a Saturday and would be easier in terms of work. I hope that the next time I check out the expo, I will enjoy it more! read more

The expo was a bit over whelming. I arrived around 6pm two days before the 10k I was going to run. This my first event ever. I thought the expo would have been a bit more informative and helpful. A lot of the workers tend to just be on their cell phones and wait for someone to talk to them before they even bother talking to you. Picking up the actual packet and bib was no hassle but once you go to the other room, you are quickly overwhelmed with everything there is out there. It basically a giant room with lots of booths that sell over priced stuff. From shoes, to running skirts, socks and even running backs. It is pretty neat that they have so much stuff out there but to be honest, it is a little too much to take in. I walked out with a free protein bar, my runners packet and nothing more. I did ask about some really cute running socks only to be shut down at the price of $40+ for a pair... well no thank you. It was nice to check it out but I think next time I will just get my packet and leave to the park instead. There is a few speakers through out the day that are giving out tips and what not about how to have a successful run. The thing is, no one is paying attention and it's a little sad to see them up there just sort of talking to the wall. It would be awesome if those slide shows were maybe in a packet or even just online (go green!) for people that want to get information without having to sit there and have a hard time trying to listen and understand. PS: The expo is open to everyone. No need to be a participant for the runs to be able to go in and check it out at no entry cost. read more

You come here the weekend of your run to pick up your packet. They'll give you the option of friday or saturday. I recommend friday because they might run out of certain shirt sizes. Take your time to look around at the expo...cliff gives out samples of their gel shot, block shots, & bars. They offer a variety of products such as clothes, ear buds, watches etc. Last year i got yurbuds which are custom earbuds specially shaped to fit in your ear perfectly and allow the sound to travel directly in while blocking outside sound. They'll measure you there and they really are worth it. Park at downtown disney...first 3 hours are free & before you leave don't forget to have your picture taken w/the cardboard cutout of disney outside the expo read more

So my suggestion is that if your going to go pick up your bibs, park in downtown Disney and walk to the expo, I know some people have indicated that downtown Disney parking was full but its always worth it to check instead of having to go to the other Disney lots and pay an additional $17 bucks for parking. Most of the vendors at the expo have over priced merchandise, you can typically find most of the stuff elsewhere for a lot less. Whats good about the expo that it does provide a lot of information for first time runners who have never done a Disney race before and you can typically pick up some freebie items, like energy bar samples and sunscreen samples. Not much else to do at the expo. read more

Get here early for merchandise! Commemorative items sell out quick! My second run at Disneyland (Disneyland & Star Wars) and each time packet and race shirt pick up has been a breeze. Well organized. Lots of quality runner vendors. Scheduled speakers such as run specialist Jeff Galloway. Photo spots with themed backgrounds made for great pictures. Coming to the Expo just pumps you up for your next days race!! But be ready for crowds and long lines, that's expected at anything Disney. read more

Run Disney Expo - Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend. Walkway to the Expo. "May the COURSE Be with You!" - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Anaheim, California

Looks like a fun event (don't know about paying $90 bucks for the pain of running a half marathon...but then again I hate running lol) and you can tell this thing is Disney organized (I am sure the Disney brand help sell out the half marathon). As for the expo itself, it is somewhat small and packed with people and a couple of sponsors and vendors marketing their "healthy" lifestyle wares. A couple vendors were giving out free samples (yay!) and a couple others were holding raffles/games for prizes (heck yea!). All in all not bad considering that you can get in for free and just wander around in the AC'ed room getting freebies as long as you were willing to wait in line for some of the better free stuff. read more

This was my first experience with Run Disney Expo... My 2 1/2 year old grandson ran the 100m dash... I was not able to pick up his package the day before so I had to do it the day of the event. It was a bit confusing but the on site staff were helpful and guided me where I needed to go/be. The race was enjoyable. I needed to pick up my grandson's shirt after the race and that was not as simple as I had hope. It took me about half hour to locate the right stand but once that was accomplished we were able to enjoy the Expo for a short period of time. Overall we will be doing this again hoping next time more family members join the race. read more

Run Disney Expo - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Anaheim, California

This years expo was packed with plenty of vendors to sell you running gear to protein bars. They have hourly seminars on the main stage. A few booths with free photos of you created in a magic moment. Walking around I've collected sunscreen samples, luna protein samples, some liquid/gel, free ibuprofen from a spin the board contest from Good Sense. read more

Showed up at 10:00 on Saturday morning prior to the Avengers Half Marathon and was in and out in less than 20 minutes. Picking up my race packet downstairs was effortless and took no time at all. Made a quick trip around the expo floor, picked up my race shirt, bought some Body Glide and GU, sampled some Cliff products, and I was out the door. Very well organized! read more

I've been to the expo during DLHM 2014 and SWHM 2015 - all the exhibitors are typically the same except for the main sponsors of the event. Packet pick-up is straight forward and simple: go down the ramp, go to your designated race, present your ID, and sign off that you've received your bib. Then you'll take the ramp back up to receive your gEAR bag containing shirts, pins for your bib, and something to fuel part of your run. I've been to the expo in the past on the 2nd day, and the majority of the official race merchandise are still up for sale and not sold out. This time around barely anything was left at the merch store, and I was a bit disappointed about this. From what I've heard, there was quite a long line/wait a few hours before it opened on the first day. Also, what seems to be trending are quite a few vendors that mainly target women. I'm definitely all for that, but as my boyfriend too runs Disney races, it may not attract him to stay at the expo other than pick up his packet. Anything in relation to runDisney consists of several volunteers that help make what it is. As I thank people during my runs, I also thank the volunteers for spending time at the expo. read more

Would've been a fun experience, but Charles at the bag check in of the event expo and wouldn't let us in with a selfie stick my 9 year old son didn't know was not allowed. I asked if it was ok if we just went in to reunite with family who just ran to congratulate them at the finish and not use it, but nope. Family moment extinguished. So we have to return to our hotel miles away to leave the selfie stick in order to meet our family just feet away? No thank you. Thanks Charles! You ruined our otherwise fun experience with a sour ending. Perhaps karma will return the favor and spoil a memorable event of yours in the future. read more

I've done 3 races now with runDisney, and I gotta say, overall I'm not thrilled with their organization. Especially as it is so closely affiliated with Disneyland, I wish they could conjure some of the Disney atmosphere and fun. I appreciate the fact that it is organized, but geez are they strict! And way stricter than any other race I've ever seen--which seems a little ludicrous to me as it is DISNEY and we are supposed to be having a magical and fun time. Here are my complaints. Last time, my sisters flight got in a little late and she was unable to make it to the packet pick up. So we explained the situation, showed emails and texts between the two of us indicating that she wanted us to pick up the packet, displayed flight info. The guy was relentless. Absolutely no pick ups for other people. My sister and I had the same name, and I had already gotten my packet- so what would I be doing stealing another packet? I get it that they want to make sure people are swooping up other people's things- but what is the alternative? They didn't give us one. We instead ended up begging him, and in a clutch moment, my sister was able to text us a picture of her ID card which he begrudgingly accepted. However I noticed this year they made it very clear that NO ONE was to pick up packets for ANYONE else. So not sure what we would have done if this scenario were to happen again. This year, I had accidentally put a proof of time that was out of their deadline or whatever, which yes, was definitely my bad. But I think the corral system is in place to increase safety and ease for the runners at the start- so you'd want people to be placed as close to their time as possible so they can avoid having to weave through everyone and throw elbows (which I definitely saw some falls from other people doing) and also risk muscle/ligament injuries from sudden stops and pivots in order to pass people. However, they have completely lost sight of the reason for the corral system with their need for organization, and when I asked if I could be moved to an earlier corral- they refused due to the deadline, though I had two proof of times that would be much safer in a higher corral. I understand the deadline system, but this is a safety issue at hand. I wasn't trying to be in an earlier corral bc I think I'm better than anyone else, and I would be happy to be placed in a lower corral as necessary based on my time. But being placed in the last or later corrals due to a flawed system is just dangerous and is a very frustrating way to begin a run that is supposed to be enjoyable and I'm paying lots of money to partake in. Anyway, I wasn't thrilled with the treatment from the staff and I've never heard of this in other races. In fact, normally you don't even have to put in a proof of time, you can just provide an estimated finish time. Come on, runDisney- let's be a little more Disney-like in the future. read more

Even though the expos and packet pickups are really organized, they are always a let down. It's a bunch of booths that sell the same exact things. No originality. Barely any free stuff. Last years shirts were oversized so his year I ordered a large instead of an XL. This year the shirts run smaller so my large is like a medium. So frustrating. Your welcome bag includes a program of the weekend, your shirt and a block of Clif shots. For $175 a nice little gift bag of samples would be cool. read more

I love the races, but the expo is a bit of a let down. For some reason they always underestimate how much official merchandise to order, and the popular stuff sells out by midday on the first day. I can't take off that many days from work. Other people line up hours before the expo opens the first day to make sure they get what they want. Luckily I'm not a big collector/shopper, but it would be nice to get a race headband before they are gone! They do put out related/similar items so that the shelves aren't empty. For example, when the Star Wars coffee mugs sold out, they put non-race themed glass cups with Chip and Dale dressed as Ewoks in their place. I know a lot of runners blame eBay resellers, but when I looked for the merchandise online, people weren't selling. I think it's just a problem of Disney regularly limiting their stock. The solution is simple. RunDisney needs to allow more items for pre-sale and/or order more stock. A local running store usually has a very large expo space, so you can buy pretty much whatever you may have forgotten. They actually had reasonable prices on Sport Beans and Clif Shot Bloks. Sometimes expo prices are discounted, and sometimes they are over priced. You have to know what you are looking at. I saw a hand held water bottle that I bought at Marshall's for $12 selling for double! read more

The Run Disney people were wonderful as they tried to pick up the the disaster that GET SPORTS TRAVEL made for us. GET SPORTS are rude, unprofessional and downright callous. Disney ran in circles trying to help us. The Expo and races are always wonderful. Wouldn't think of running anywhere else! read more