ABOUT THIS CHECKLIST

runDisney races can sell out in minutes - some in under an hour. Registration day is stressful, but being prepared dramatically increases your chances of success.

This checklist breaks down everything you need to do before, during, and after registration to secure your spot at the starting line.

Let's make sure you're ready.

 

PART 1: BEFORE REGISTRATION DAY (1-2 Weeks Out)

☐ Create Your runDisney Account

When: At least 1-2 weeks before registration opens

How:

  1. Go to runDisney.com

  2. Click "Manage Account" at the bottom of the page

  3. Create account OR log in with your existing My Disney Experience (MDE) credentials

  4. Important: Your runDisney account is the SAME as your My Disney Experience account

Why this matters: You cannot register without an account, and you don't want to be creating one while spots are selling out.

 

☐ Complete Your Profile Information

When: At least 1 week before registration

What you need to fill out:

  • Full legal name (as it appears on your ID)

  • Date of birth

  • Email address

  • Home address

  • Phone number

  • Emergency contact name, phone, and relationship

  • T-shirt size (you can change this later if needed)

  • Gender

Pro Tip: Double-check that all information is accurate. Your name must match your photo ID for bib pickup at the expo.

How to access: Log into runDisney.com → Manage Account → View/Edit Profile

 

☐ Gather Information for All Participants

If registering multiple people (family, friends, running partners):

For EACH person, have this information written down or in a document you can copy/paste from:

  • Full legal name

  • Date of birth

  • Email address (if over 18)

  • Home address

  • Phone number

  • Emergency contact (name, phone, relationship)

  • T-shirt size

  • Gender

  • Whether they've completed this distance before (for corral placement)

  • Proof of time information (if running half marathon or longer - see below)

  • Any Disney affiliations: Annual Passholder? DVC member? Cast Member?

  • Running in wheelchair division? Military division?

Create a Google Doc or Note with all this info so you can quickly copy/paste during registration.

Pro Tip: You can only register one person at a time, so prioritize who gets registered first if you're worried about sellout.

 

☐ Decide on Proof of Time (Half Marathon & Longer ONLY)

What it is: If you're running a half marathon, full marathon, or challenge that includes these distances, you can submit a recent race finish time to be placed in an appropriate corral (starting group).

Do you NEED to submit proof of time during registration? NO! You can submit it later through your runDisney dashboard.

CRITICAL ADVICE: Skip proof of time during registration.

  • Submitting proof of time during registration slows you down

  • Every second counts when races are selling out

  • You have WEEKS after registration to submit proof of time

  • Just register first, submit proof of time later

If you still want to prepare it:

  • Have a link to your race results page ready

  • Know your finish time

  • Make sure the race was within the required timeframe (check specific race requirements)

 

☐ Prepare Payment Information

Payment Options:

  • Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover)

  • Disney Gift Card (maximum $1,000 per card)

You can ONLY use ONE form of payment for the entire transaction.

Important: You cannot split payment between a gift card and credit card, or between multiple gift cards.

Money-Saving Tip - Disney Gift Cards:

  • Purchase discounted Disney gift cards from Sam's Club, Costco, or Target (with RedCard for 5% off)

  • Load up to $1,000 on a single gift card

  • If registering multiple people or doing challenges, you may need multiple gift cards or just use a credit card

Note: Just be prepared to use the gift card(s) another way if you don’t happen to get the race registrations you want this time around.

What to have ready:

  • Card number (copy/paste ready)

  • Expiration date

  • CVV code

  • Billing zip code

Pro Tip: Have this information in a document you can copy/paste from. Do NOT try to type it manually during registration - every second counts. I keep it all in a simple text document, ready to copy & paste rapidly into the form fields.

 

☐ Mark Your Calendar & Set Multiple Reminders

Registration typically opens at 10:00 AM EST.

Set these alarms/reminders:

  • 9:00 AM EST - "runDisney registration in 1 hour"

  • 9:30 AM EST - "runDisney registration in 30 minutes - get to computer now"

  • 9:45 AM EST - "runDisney registration in 15 minutes - log in and get ready"

  • 9:55 AM EST - "runDisney registration in 5 minutes - refresh page"

Block your calendar: Treat this like a critical appointment. Some people take the morning off work for important races.

Pro Tip: If you're registering for Wine & Dine specifically:

  • Club runDisney registration: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM EST

  • General Public registration: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM EST

 

☐ Test Your Technology

1-2 days before registration:

  • Clear your browser cache and cookies

  • Test your internet connection speed

  • Close unnecessary programs/apps

  • Make sure your computer/phone is fully charged

  • Have backup devices ready (laptop + phone + tablet if possible)

Browser options:

  • Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge all work

  • No one browser is proven to be "best" - it varies

  • Many people use multiple browsers on multiple devices simultaneously

 

☐ Decide Your Priority Order (If Registering Multiple Races)

If you want to register for multiple races (5K + 10K, Half + 5K, or a Challenge), decide which is MOST important to you.

Register for your #1 priority first, then add additional races.

Common strategies:

  • Register for the race most likely to sell out first (usually Half Marathon or Marathon)

  • Register for your must-have race first, nice-to-have races second

  • Register for the Challenge first if that's your main goal

Remember: You add races one at a time to your cart before checkout.

 

☐ Have Backup Plans Ready

What if your first choice race sells out?

Have a Plan B and Plan C:

  • Different distance for the same weekend

  • Different race weekend entirely

  • Charity bib option (requires fundraising - see below)

  • Consider waitlist notifications (if available)

Charity Bib Option:

  • Many charities partner with runDisney

  • You can register through a charity partner AFTER public registration sells out

  • Requires fundraising commitment (typically $500-$2,500 depending on race distance)

  • Check runDisney.com for list of charity partners for each race weekend

Kellsie's Hope is one charity option for runDisney, and my favorite to support.

 

PART 2: REGISTRATION DAY - THE MORNING OF

☐ 9:30 AM EST - Get to Your Computer

Set up your workspace:

  • Quiet location where you won't be interrupted

  • Strong, stable internet connection (WiFi or hardwired ethernet)

  • Multiple devices if possible (laptop + phone + tablet)

  • All participant information documents open and ready

  • Payment information ready to copy/paste

  • Water, snacks, bathroom break done - you're here for the duration

 

☐ 9:40-9:45 AM EST - Log Into Your runDisney Account

On EACH device you're using:

  1. Go to runDisney.com

  2. Log into your account

  3. Navigate to the race weekend you want

  4. You should see "Registration Opening Soon" buttons under each race

Use multiple devices:

  • Each device gets a separate spot in the virtual queue

  • More devices = better odds of getting through faster

  • Yes, this is allowed (despite runDisney's recommendations to use only one)

Pro Tip: Have each device open in a SEPARATE browser or incognito/private window for maximum queue diversity.

 

☐ 9:50 AM EST - Watch for "Register Now" Button

Between 9:50-10:00 AM EST, the "Registration Opening Soon" button will change to "Register Now."

CRITICAL: The button can go live 5-20 minutes EARLY.

Keep refreshing the page every 10-15 seconds starting at 9:50 AM.

When you see ANY "Register Now" button go live:

  • Click it IMMEDIATELY on ALL your devices

  • It doesn't matter which race button you click (5K, 10K, Half, etc.) - they all lead to the same queue

  • Click the FIRST one that goes live

What happens next: You'll be placed in a virtual "holding area" before the queue officially opens.

 

☐ 9:55-10:00 AM EST - Enter the Virtual Holding Area

Once you click "Register Now":

  • You'll see a page with a countdown timer or "holding area" message

  • DO NOT REFRESH. DO NOT LEAVE THE PAGE.

  • Multiple devices will each show different countdown times - this is normal

  • Don't panic if one shows "over an hour" wait time - it can drop quickly

At exactly 10:00 AM EST (or close to it), runDisney will randomly assign everyone in the holding area a place in the queue.

IMPORTANT: If you enter the queue AFTER it's already randomized and started, you'll be placed at the BACK of the line.

This is why you must be ready at 9:45-9:50 AM to click the moment the button goes live.

 

☐ 10:00+ AM EST - Wait in the Virtual Queue

What you'll see:

  • Estimated wait time (ranges from a few minutes to "over an hour")

  • Your place in line will show a countdown

  • The URL at the bottom of your screen is your unique "queue ID"

Do NOT:

  • Refresh the page

  • Close the browser

  • Navigate away from the page

  • Lose hope if the wait time is long

DO:

  • Stay patient and watch the screen

  • Monitor all your devices - one may get through faster than others

  • Keep an eye on the countdown timer

Pro Tip - Queue URL Sharing:

  • The URL at the bottom of your screen (your queue ID) is transferable

  • You can copy it and open it on another device if needed

  • Some online communities (like DISboards) share unused queue URLs to help others

  • If you get through on one device, you can abandon your other queues (or share the URLs)

 

PART 3: YOU'RE IN! NOW REGISTER FAST

☐ Select Your Race

Once your queue time reaches zero, the page will refresh and you'll enter the registration portal.

Time is now of the essence. Every second counts.

  1. Select the race you want - Click the race distance (5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Challenge)

  2. Select "Myself," "Spouse," or "Friend" for who this bib is for

  3. Click "Next"

 

☐ Enter Participant Information

Fill out the participant details:

  • Name (this should auto-fill if you've completed your profile)

  • Date of birth

  • Email

  • Address

  • Phone number

  • Emergency contact

  • T-shirt size

  • Gender

  • Have you completed this distance before? (Yes/No)

If information is pre-filled from your profile, DOUBLE-CHECK it's correct and move on.

If registering someone else (spouse/friend):

  • Copy/paste their information from your prepared document

  • Work as quickly as possible

  • Don't second-guess - just enter and move forward

SKIP proof of time (even if the option appears - you can add it later).

SKIP any add-ons like merchandise or extras (you can buy these later at the expo or through your dashboard).

Click "Next."

 

☐ Add Additional Registrations (If Needed)

If you want to register for multiple races or register other people:

At the bottom of the page, you'll see a button: "I want to add another registration"

Click it and repeat the process:

  • Select the race

  • Enter participant information

  • Add to cart

All registrations will be in a single cart and must be paid together.

Prioritization reminder:

  • If you're worried about sellout, register your #1 priority race FIRST

  • Then add additional races

  • If something sells out mid-registration, you can still checkout with what you have in your cart

 

☐ Checkout & Payment

Once all registrations are in your cart, proceed to checkout.

What you'll see:

  1. Optional charity donation - You can donate to a runDisney charity partner or skip

  2. Payment information - Enter your credit card or gift card details

  3. Review your order - Double-check everything is correct

  4. Click "Submit Order" or "Complete Purchase"

Copy/paste your payment information from your prepared document.

Do NOT try to type it manually - this wastes precious time.

Click through as fast as possible while ensuring accuracy.

 

☐ Confirmation!

You'll see a confirmation screen with:

  • Your order number

  • Confirmation that your registration was successful

  • An email will be sent to the address you provided

CRITICAL: You are NOT officially registered until you receive a confirmation email with a confirmation number.

Check your email immediately:

  • If you don't see it in a few minutes, check spam/junk folder

  • If you still don't see it after 10-15 minutes, log into your runDisney account to verify your registration appears

 

PART 4: IMMEDIATELY AFTER REGISTRATION

☐ Screenshot Your Confirmation

  • Take a screenshot of the confirmation page

  • Save the confirmation email

  • Note your confirmation number somewhere safe

Why: In case of any technical issues or discrepancies, you'll have proof of your registration.

 

☐ Log Into Your runDisney Dashboard

Within a few hours of registration:

  1. Go to runDisney.com

  2. Log into your account

  3. Click "My Events" or "My Registrations"

  4. Verify your race(s) appear in your dashboard

What you can do from your dashboard:

  • View your registration details

  • Update your t-shirt size (if needed)

  • Submit proof of time (if you skipped it during registration)

  • Sign your digital waiver (available ~2 weeks before race)

  • Purchase merchandise or add-ons

 

☐ Submit Proof of Time (Half Marathon & Longer - Optional)

If you're running a half marathon or longer and want a better corral placement:

  1. Log into your runDisney dashboard

  2. Find the "Proof of Time" section for your race

  3. Submit your recent race result (link to results page + your finish time)

  4. Deadline: Check the specific race page for proof of time submission deadlines (usually 2-4 weeks before race weekend)

This is NOT required, but it helps you start in a corral with runners of similar pace.

 

☐ Start Planning Your Race Weekend

Now that you're registered, it's time to plan the rest:

Hotel Booking:

  • Book ASAP if staying on Disney property or near race start areas

  • Popular hotels fill up quickly for race weekends

  • Consider proximity to race start, park access, and transportation options

Training Plan:

  • Calculate backwards from race date to determine when to start training

  • For a 5K: Start 6-8 weeks out

  • For a 10K: Start 8-10 weeks out

  • For a Half Marathon: Start 10-14 weeks out

  • For a Full Marathon or Challenge: Start 16-20 weeks out

Park Tickets:

  • Decide which parks you'll visit during race weekend

  • Book park tickets in advance

  • Make park reservations (if required for Disneyland)

Travel Booking:

  • Book flights if traveling from out of town

  • Book rental car or plan Disney transportation

  • Consider travel insurance

Gear & Supplies:

  • Order any running gear you need (shoes, clothes, accessories)

  • Plan your race day outfit

  • Start thinking about costume ideas (if that's your thing!)

 

PART 5: WHAT IF IT DOESN'T WORK OUT?

If Your Race Sells Out Before You Get Through:

Don't panic. You have options.

☐ Register for a Different Race

If your first choice sells out:

  • Check if other races for that weekend are still available

  • Pivot to a different distance (if the 10K is sold out, try the 5K)

  • Consider a different race weekend entirely

 

☐ Charity Bib Registration

After races sell out to the public, many charities still have bibs available.

How it works:

  • You register through a charity partner (not runDisney.com)

  • You pay the race registration fee + commit to a fundraising minimum

  • Fundraising minimums vary by charity and race distance (typically $500-$2,500)

  • You must meet your fundraising goal by a set deadline

Where to find charity partners:

  • runDisney.com lists official charity partners for each race weekend

  • Google "[race name] charity bibs"

  • Check charity websites directly (Kellsie's Hope, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, etc.)

Pros:

  • Guaranteed bib even after sellout

  • Running for a meaningful cause

  • Often includes perks (special meet-ups, group photos, coaching support)

Cons:

  • Fundraising requirement

  • Higher total cost than standard registration

 

☐ Join Waitlists & Watch for Openings

Sometimes bibs become available again:

  • runDisney occasionally releases additional spots

  • Join the race-specific Facebook groups to watch for announcements

Tools:

  • Download the Telegram app and join runDisney alert channels

  • Set up notifications for race weekend threads on DISboards.com

  • Follow runDisney social media closely

When spots open up, they go FAST (sometimes within minutes), so you need to be ready to jump on them.

 

☐ Consider a Different Race Weekend

If this weekend doesn't work out:

  • Look at other runDisney weekends throughout the year

  • Disney World has 4 race weekends per year

  • Disneyland hosts races periodically (check for updates)

  • Virtual races are always available and don't sell out

 

BONUS: TIPS FROM VETERAN runDisney RUNNERS

Multiple Device Strategy

"I use my laptop, iPad, and phone simultaneously. One year my phone got through in 15 minutes while my laptop said 'over an hour.' Always use multiple devices."

Stay Calm

"The wait time can jump around wildly. I've seen it say 'over an hour' then drop to 20 minutes within seconds. Don't lose hope. Stay on the page."

Have Everything Ready

"I keep a Google Doc with all my family's info, payment details, and backup race choices. I just copy/paste during registration. Saves so much time."

Don't Overthink Browser Choice

"People obsess over which browser works best. It's random. Just use whatever you're comfortable with and use multiple browsers if you can."

Charity Bibs Are Legit

"If you miss public registration, charity bibs are a great option. Yes, you have to fundraise, but you're guaranteed a spot and it feels amazing to run for a cause."

 

FINAL CHECKLIST SUMMARY

1-2 Weeks Before:

  • ☐ Create runDisney account

  • ☐ Complete profile information

  • ☐ Gather participant details for everyone

  • ☐ Prepare payment information

  • ☐ Set calendar reminders

  • ☐ Decide priority order

  • ☐ Plan backup options

Registration Day Morning:

  • ☐ 9:30 AM - Get to computer, set up workspace

  • ☐ 9:40 AM - Log into runDisney on all devices

  • ☐ 9:50 AM - Watch for "Register Now" button (refresh every 10-15 seconds)

  • ☐ 10:00 AM - Click "Register Now" immediately when it goes live

  • ☐ Wait in virtual queue (don't refresh, don't leave page)

During Registration:

  • ☐ Select race

  • ☐ Enter participant info (copy/paste from prepared doc)

  • ☐ Skip proof of time and add-ons

  • ☐ Add additional registrations if needed

  • ☐ Checkout with payment info (copy/paste)

  • ☐ Submit order

After Registration:

  • ☐ Screenshot confirmation

  • ☐ Check email for confirmation number

  • ☐ Log into runDisney dashboard to verify

  • ☐ Submit proof of time later (optional)

  • ☐ Book hotel, flights, park tickets

  • ☐ Start training plan

 

YOU'VE GOT THIS!

Registration day is stressful, but being prepared makes all the difference. Follow this checklist, stay calm, and you'll dramatically increase your chances of securing your bib.

Remember: even if things don't go perfectly, there are always backup options. Charity bibs, different race weekends, and future races are all possibilities.

The most important thing is that you're taking the step to sign up. You're committing to a goal. You're going to run a runDisney race. And that's amazing.

Good luck on registration day! I'll be right there with you, registering for my next race too.

Let's figure this out together.

- runDis Dad

 

Want more runDisney tips?

  • 📺 Subscribe to my YouTube channel for race recaps, course previews, and registration day vlogs

  • 📧 Stay subscribed here for weekly training tips and race strategies

  • 🏃 Download my free "First 5K Beginner's Guide" to start your running journey

Need help planning your race weekend? My son is a Disney travel agent and can help with hotels, park tickets, and full race weekend packages.

 

Disclaimer: This checklist is based on research, community tips, and personal experience. runDisney registration procedures may change. Always check runDisney.com for the most current official information.