I ran the Tinkerbell Half in Jan 2013. Disney knows how to do races right! I just wish the price was better! I paid $140 to register on registration's opening day for it last year(June 2012), and this year it was near $175 to register on opening day (July 2013)! Ouch! The expo at the Disneyland hotel was nice. Very well organized packet/bib pickup. There were a lot of great venders there too! As many other reviews have said, this is a memorable race. Something about the nostalgia of running through Disneyland and California Adventure. A lot of people dress and run in costume for this race. I did my best Minnie impersonation for the race (bought the red polka dot running skirt by Running Skirts at the expo, and combined it with a black tank top, some Minnie Ears, and a little face makeup). The race started at 5am this year, which was a bit rough and you still have to pay $15 for race day parking at Disneyland if you aren't getting dropped off, which I think should be included in the hefty race price, but thus I digress. The walk from the parking structure at Disneyland to the race start was a bit of a trek, but once there, getting into the corrals was a breeze. It doesn't take long for excitement to build as there are lights, fireworks, music and Mickey and Minnie cheering at the start. You begin the race by running through the Disneyland parks with lots of character photo ops along the way. Running through the brand new Cars land this year was really neat, and of course, you won't forget running through the Castle in Disneyland. The second half of the race is running through Anaheim. Thankfully, there are lots of cheerleaders and spectators to keep you going once you hit the streets of Anaheim and the ambiance of running through Disneyland has worn off. Running through Anaheim was nice and flat. The race finishes in one of Disney's parking lots. The finisher's medal was amazing! And the finish line treats were cool too. They handed out little lunch boxes filled with a banana, snacks, and a water bottle. This is for sure a memorable race, and will make you want to do more Run Disney races! read more

**This is strictly from a volunteer's point of view** I think having such a great experience at the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon in September made the expectation for this one to be just as good, but unfortunately it felt short, quite short. There just seemed to be a lot of lack to detail in this run. There was a huge difference in the number of volunteers, however the presence of Anaheim Police was greatly increased. Their staffing did not deter the experience, in fact, I believe it enhanced it. You had motorcycle, vehicle, mounted, unmarked, foot, explorer and volunteer units and they were very polite. The Disney staff in charge of picking up runners that needed to stop was professional, honestly, every Disney volunteer was professional and helpful, but there just wasn't the numbers produced in the September 1/2. There were less services for runners [e.g. port-a-potties, fluid stations, again they used caffeinated gel (which I hate) and caffeinated shot bloks (which I don't agree with. It's a great brand, but you don't need caffeine when your heart is all ready pumping hard)]. There was less entertainment through this route. Less bands/cheerleaders, no outside groups, like dancers, or car clubs. I think I only saw 3 school bands. (**note: You may be a girl and not like cars, but there are girls that do, this marathon may be geared toward women, but that doesn't mean a woman doesn't like rock music or anything a man does. If Disney made a marathon geared toward men I don't think there would be women in bikinis or bacon hanging from every street light... right?... well, maybe the bacon). The course itself was not very attractive. I mean to a cyclist it was nice because I got to deal with mostly asphalt, but that was the bulk of it. Of course you got Disneyland, California Adventure and Down Town Disney, but there was mostly commercial and residential streets at times that were closed off and gave no scenery for the runners. As far as the politeness of the crowd, the runners as a whole were excellent. However, they were oblivious to any obstacles around them that were not strictly in front of them. This unfortunately creates more issues than there needs to be, but that's why you just need to be aware at all times. However, the level of awareness was a little increased than the September 1/2, even with 4,000 less. The one really good thing about the Tinkerbell 1/2 is that everyone gets a medal... even if you don't finish. If you are looking for the big boom entertainment factor in a marathon, I'd say just stick with the main one in September. If you're just there to run, then run them both... and all the other ones Disney plans on doing. read more

My review is for the 10k race specifically and the event weekend generally. In general - this is our 4th year participating in Tinkerbell weekend. 2013 we joined the ChEar squad, though not at the highest (most expensive level) so no VIP perks, just a t-shirt and noise makers. Quickly realized we could have saved a buck and ChEared on our own which we have done in the succeeding years for family in the half marathon. When the 10k was added in 2014, my husband and I have walked that race each year. Yes, we walk. We understand race etiquette. We start from our assigned corral, keep to the right except when passing other walkers. The Good: Tinkerbell races are happy races. The opportunity for a couple of 50 - somethings to put on tutus and smear glitter on our faces and in our hair doesn't cone up often. My husband gets a lot of great comments about his tutu. We both smile our way through the entire course. We love receiving our finisher ' s medals. Not likely to ever 'win' a race or even my age division but having a collection of medals to show for effort feels good. Disney medals outshine all the others and make you hungry for more. Walking through the parks before they are open is such a thrill. We happen to be Disneyland nuts (AP holders for many years) The chance to go behind the scenes makes us fairly giddy - super shout-out to Third Shift Maintenance! They are the best at ChEaring! Bonus: ability to use restrooms inside the parks - why would use a port a john when you don't have to? The Bad: sign ups are SO stressful! Knowing that races fill up f*a*s*t! I'm always fearful the race will close before I can complete registering my husband and myself. RunActive isn't exactly intuitive or clear. When registering more than one person, it will overwrite the info of the 2nd registrant onto the first. Runner relations can fix it at the expo, but it is wasted time in an unnecessary line and bibs have incorrect names. The ever increasing price is troublesome. There doesn't seem to be added value for the added cost. Like so many Disney prices, it feels more like testing limits of what the market will bear over actual value for purchase. Please Please Please make bib pick up available day of race. We travel from out of town. My husband has to take a day off work in order for us to arrive before the expo closes. A table for bib pick up only near the corrals should be easy enough . Post race we could go to expo for shirt, etc. Being in the last corral means impossibly long lines at character photo ops. I can accept that because I don't want to be swept up for lagging. But I've never seen a character at the finish line despite many happy RunDisney pictures showing fresh looking finishers crossing the line being ChEared on by characters. Would *love love love* to have a character photo op post race with my medal. Lots of time to wait in line without fear of not finishing. 2016 races specifically - there was no real break between each corral start. This made for some terrible bottlenecks along the course. In the 10k just a s-l-o-w-i-n-g as we made our way behind the scenes. In the half marathon an actual stop along the course - too many people/not enough space. With construction inside Disneyland park, there were changes to the course. This year behind the scenes was not fun - no train, no animals, no parade floats. Even the cast members were less than enthusiastic, little ChEaring, no high fives. The number of character photo ops was significantly reduced (I know, I don't stop but they are still fun to see along the way) Overall the weekend is good, clean Disney fun. But the popularity has made it too crowded. Disney has made it too expensive. Construction along the course has detracted from the overall experience. We are going to take a RunDisney break and hope that there are changes and improvements in the future. read more

First time ever! Can't wait to do it again & again! So much fun! The medal is GORGEOUS!!

I started training for the Tinkerbell 1/2 a week after my last chemotherapy treatment with Team in Training. When the event finally arrived, it was everything I expected and even more. I now know why Run Disney events are popular. They spend time making sure the event does not disappoint with Disney characters and cast members cheering you on when you're in the park to the wonderful medal you receive at the ends. I will definitely sign up again. read more

Would give this a solid 3-1/2 stars. The route gets boring once you exit the park but as always Disneyland races are incredibly well organised. read more

This was my 29th half. My third with RunDisney. THe first time I ever felt gypped by Run Disney. Compared to the Disneyland half this was sub par. *First off the security check point was bunk. Our family and friends had to go back and forth. It would have been best to move it back temporarily. This sucks for the Dads/Moms/ Partners who are waiting with kids and trying to entertain them by leaving and going to Downtown Disney. Do not get me started on how it ruined park entry for most. The line was stupid. It was long and not necessary if it had been moved back. I also put my items in clear bags to make it easier yet most of the gaurds pulled out my stuff and rifled through it. Total disorganization and lack of forethought. *The coral assignments made no sense. Please put people in the proper coral. If that happened the bottlenecking would not have sucked so much. So many runners were hitting peeople they were passing on the RIGHT. It was stupid. The porta potties. Ugh. We should not have not wait 20 mins to pee in a stinky porta potty that doesnt have toilet seat covers or tp. Its sumb that we have to get in the coral at 4:30 am to get in a good spot. *For $330 for the Pixie Dust Challenge I am super cheesed. Would it have been thaty hard to offer two types of power aid and maybe some pretzels? For that much I expect a better snack and drink option.Not everyone likes Gels or blue powerade. *The course sucked. I am not going to lie. Backstage was ok but too tight. We left the park and it was a bit hilly. The roads were rutted and it was boring. With so many local schools that have dance squads, cheer teams, and bands that will preform for free espically for community service hours there is no excuse. We pay for Disney magic. Going miles in the run down roads of Anaheim with no course enterainment is not magic, its cheap. You guys dropped the ball there big time. *Please start ON TIME. * The guy announcer sucked. The chicks are ok but meh. It would have been better to have face Characters running the show. Disney Magic. Were paying for Disney Magic not a total douche who can't tell a joke. *Parking. I love being carded to park with a Pass I ahve used to park with 300 times. Never was carded before that was a first. I avoided the cluster fork today but yesterday was just as bad. *Get your act together RunDisney we pay too much to be treated like this. *Don't get me started on how hard it was to get help for a downed Runner for the 10k. They need to get organized. read more

I did this event the other day. It was pretty fun. I have done 9 half marathons so I am a pretty competitive runner. This half marathon for me was not as competitive as some of the other ones that I have participated in. I got there late unfortunately so I missed my corral group which means I had to go into a slower corral . And let me tell you this running pace was not exactly what I was used to. some of the times, especially going through Disneyland, we even almost came to a stop and a complete walk. So if you are looking to actually push yourself in this race, recommend starting in one of the earlier or faster corrals. There were a lot of people that were dressed up in tinkerbell outfits, a lot of people walking, and a lot of people who looked like they were having a blast. You run through Disneyland and California adventure which was a pretty awesome. At some of the places inside the park they had the characters that you could stop and take pictures with....which to me I don't really understand why you would do that during a half marathon....There were many Disneyland "cast members" Who were standing along the course to cheer us on and they were so encouraging! as we ran through the streets of Anaheim there were a lot of spectators too. The run Disney team did a good job of keeping the race organized especially when they had so many participants. The medal that you earn at the end of this race is so awesome! I have many medals and this one by far is my absolute favorite! I would probably do this event again because it was so fun and unique running through Disneyland and because of the metal at the end. however there are a few things that I would do differently such as getting there a little bit earlier (probably 4:45 am) so I can start at the correct time with people that are more my pace. If you want to do a first half marathon this is a great choice! read more

We ran the Tinkerbell Half in Jan 2013. Disney does it right!!! My only complaint is the price, a little to high for a marathon but it did not stop me while I do know it stopped others from participating read more

I just finished the Tinkerbell half this weekend. Overall, it was a pleasant experience. Took off one star for the chear squad. Expo: well organized, I went on Thursday. Parking is offered at downtown Disney, 2 hours for free. So if you're planning on running in really quick, it great. Got my bib then picked up my shirt. I really liked the shirt and the fit. They did have an expert talking about race nutrition and answering questions on pacing and a ton of other stuff. There was also asl interpreter. I didn't stay but I thought it was cool. There were a lot of vendors and I think cliff bar had some samples. I bought a magnet and the mug, everything is Disney priced. Accommodation: not Disney related, stayed at best western close by and hey offered a shuttle. I highly recommend this! Race day there are s in of road closures and many surrounding hotels offer a shuttle. Take advantage to avoid parking headaches. Race route and corrals: I was in a slow corral. ( lol because I'm slow). It was my first half so perfect for me. If you're faster, get your time verified! I can assure you'll be incredibly annoyed with all the walking and bottle necks. The first part of the race goes through Disneyland and California adventure which was really fun. The rest of the race goes through Anaheim. I think the organizers did a great job of having spectator support along the race outside of the parks. Lots of cheerleaders, a few bands, and a few community groups on top of friends and families of runners. That really helped. Hydration station were very frequent. Water, and Powerade. Maybe every two miles the first half and then more often with a cliff shot station at mile 8. The course is mainly flat. Like flat flat. Three tiny hills met with downhills. Very gentle course. Chear squad: so my mom purchased the chear squad. The race loses a point for this. Very disorganized. I felt that if people are paying for the service, the park employees should know about it and know where to meet. I think they should put more thought into it. Also my mom said they only had hot water in the food suite. They should offer cold water and juice as well. Finish line: got my medal! Which was very pretty. I definitely think they should change it up though for people who run it every year. There was a massage tent, medal engraving, more hydration, bananas and a snack pack, and picture stations for completing the race. It was easy to find my mom after the race. Getting out of the park was a headache. You go back through security. It took maybe 30 minutes which after the race was just exhausting. All in all, I would do the race again. It was fun. A nice course. The bottle necks were annoying but I just jogged in place so keep up my momentum. It is very expensive so register early. read more

Super fun experience!!! I did the 10k and loved it. The rundisney races are a bit pricey, but worth it!! Only complaint was that tinker bell and Peter Pan weren't there, but I think they are at the half marathon. Would definitely recommend doing this!! read more

What an amazing weekend! As a hyperactive kid growing up (only 18 now, turning 19 soon!), I always wanted to run from ride to ride whenever I was at Disneyland. I wanted to challenge my distance by running a half marathon, but decided to be crazy and do the 19.3 mile, two day, pixie dust challenge. I was placed in the last corral because i've never run a 10k+ before (though, I run cross country at my school), so I was super nervous about the crowd. I had a reason to be, I kept running into people and having to apologize! I tried many times to explain my situation, but they refused to change my corral placement. I guess that is my only complaint though, the race itself was magical! I even found a guy in my corral to run the half with and paced a girl for the first 3 miles of the 10k before the crowd was too much (though, happily enough, finished in about 48 min for the 10k and 1:51 for the half). I high fived bands, Mickey hands, and pumped my fist at the end with enough energy to jump over the finish line! I had tears of joy! My friend and I are doing the star wars half together, but the pixie challenge now holds a special place in my heart, and am planing on returning next year! Already starting to save up! read more

This race was a lot of fun. Great course, and even better cheers from community and local groups. Just when I was getting a little bored, a-ha, there was another cheer zone coming up. It was a beautiful day for the race as the temperatures were awesome for running. I really enjoy running at Disneyland, and now having completed both the Disneyland Half and Tinkerbell Half, they are both by far, two of the best experiences I've had. The course is flat and fast as it runs through the city, and the two parks. BTW-I also have ran the 5KM events and they too are well organized and fun. read more

Packet Pick-UP WHAT A burden I left work in Pasadena, California at 3:30 on a Friday, drove straight through to Disneyland arriving at 5:30pm... Parking was free. Asked a Disney Cast member which way was the RunDisney Expo, he pointed across the street to the Disney Grand Hotel. only to find out I need to cross the street and go to the Disney Hotel. 30 minutes later, we finally made the correct destination. Lines were down, guess everyone else arrived earlier, suppose some folks do not have to work. Day of the race: All excited looking for a grand time, we were in Corral D, about 20 minutes behind the original starters in Corral A. with all the people who signed up, we were not even quite sure where the official starting line was, we just kept walking. AND walking we did, the beginning of the course is an uphill grade, most people walked, hard to navigate around them, while trying to maintain a comfortable pace, being an older runner, I am no speed racer, knowing I can run a 12 minute mile, no problem, but having to slow down and skip around people was taking a toll. Now we are officially in the park, entering the bend by It's a small world, there were so many people we are forced to a small crawl. Took us about five minutes to actually shuffle through. By mile marker 1 we were instructed we are five minutes behind schedule. Pushing harder to pick up the pace, I was able to break away from the crowds, for a bit, UNTIL, we get to other infamous locations that bottle neck on a crowded day at Disneyland. walkers really like to spreadout, and having to dodge between them is time consuming, especially when words of excuse me are not heard. Finally catching up with the pace, or so I thought from the information on the cheer cast members lining Main street all shouting your right on the mark, great time, keep it up. Swinging through California Adventure, finally noticed the Race Pacer, I was able to catchi up with her, I was just a few strides behind her as we exit California Disney by the Tower of terror. a Cast member steps in front of me, state we need to break the line and close the gates. Your not in the 16 minute pace. The race is done. no if and and but about it. if you were not ahead of the race pacer your not good enough to finish. REGARDLESS, we had to push hard to make up time at the bottle neck locations. Let us add that they were unprepared on how many people would need to walk back. I did show 'a seasoned runner cast member' the video I took, apparently, they did not realize just how crowded it was as folks entered the park. There are some lessons learned and revamping the route so people running will not be forced into bottlenecks. Think I will stay with local racers and keep my money. $100 to be handed a medal behind the back lot. emm no thanks read more

It was memorable. My first trip to CA and my first half marathon. It was a rough weekend to start I was running injured, and one of my dogs was very ill back home (MA) so I was not feeling my best. Thanks to all of the volunteers and the great people along the course I got through it, much love to the Red Hat ladies:) I wish there had been more merchandise as I was only able to score a hat and tee shirt, the hat was later stolen off the back of my chair in a restaurant:( oh well...Staying at the hotel near the start was a very good idea... thanks to DCTV vacation planner Kimberly for making all of the arrangements. On to Florida in Nov for the second half of my coast to coast. read more

I would recommend this race to anyone who is considering running it. Yes it is ridiculously expensive but it's Disney. You can't expect it to not cost an arm and a leg. Packet pick up was very easy to manage. The expo was nice, there were good vendors selling their products and it was laid out well. Be aware as of 2013 race Disney does charge for parking in the Mickey and Friends parking structure. I heard for the 2012 race they did not so I was surprised when I arrived race morning I had to pay the $15 fee, which I was not very happy about. If you are not staying in one of the hotels (you're local) try to get someone to drop you off. Unfortunately in my case no one I knew would do that at 4 am for the 5am start. Be prepared for the course to be crowded for the first few miles/in the parks and be patient. I thought for the hefty price tag a few things were lacking. Not much post race food (got a banana, a little box with a few small odds and ends, a Powerade and a water bottle). Overall, it's a very solid race. I won't be running next year but that's because I think it's one of those races you do one time for the experience. I can't justify paying for it again but I thought it was really fun. read more