Lace-up your glass slippers and prepare for a magical journey! The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is one of runDisney's most enchanting events, drawing thousands of runners from across the globe to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a first-time 5K participant, this fairy-tale weekend offers an unforgettable experience, combining the thrill of a race with the magic of Disney. But with its immense popularity, securing your spot requires careful planning and quick action.

guide-to-the-disney-princess-half-marathon-weekend-2026
(Picture: rundisney.com)

This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information you need for the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2026, including crucial dates, detailed registration instructions, and expert tips to help you conquer the registration process and make your running dreams come true.

When is the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2026?

Mark your calendars, aspiring royalty! The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend in 2026 is scheduled for:

February 26 - March 2, 2026, at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

This five-day event promises a whimsical celebration of courage, strength, and perseverance, inspired by your favorite Disney Princesses. The weekend features a variety of races catering to different fitness levels:

  • Disney Princess 5K: A charming 3.1-mile run perfect for families and beginners.
  • Disney Princess 10K: A 6.2-mile adventure for those looking for a longer challenge.
  • Disney Princess Half Marathon: The crowning jewel, a 13.1-mile journey through the magic.
  • Disney Fairy Tale Challenge: For the ultimate royal runners, this challenge combines both the 10K and the Half Marathon, earning you an exclusive medal.
  • Disney Princess Yoga: A fantastic way to kick off your magical weekend, focusing on mindfulness and movement.

Each race offers unique on-course entertainment, character sightings, and commemorative finisher medals that are truly works of art, making every mile a memorable moment.

How to Register for the runDisney Event: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Securing a spot in a runDisney event is often compared to a race in itself, with registration selling out incredibly fast. To maximize your chances of participating in the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2026, follow these crucial steps:

1. Know Your Registration Dates and Times: Precision is Key!

The most critical piece of information is knowing exactly when registration opens. For the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2026:

  • Club runDisney Gold and Platinum Registration: Began June 17, 2025. (These are special early registration windows for members of runDisney's paid loyalty program.)
  • General Registration: Opened June 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET (Eastern Time).

Pro-Tip for U.S. Readers: Always convert the Eastern Time to your local time zone to avoid missing the window. For example, if you're on Pacific Time, 10:00 AM ET is 7:00 AM PT.

2. Create and Update Your runDisney Account WELL in Advance

Do not wait until registration day to create or update your runDisney account. This is a common mistake that can cost you precious minutes.

  • Visit runDisney.com: Navigate to the official runDisney website.
  • Create an Account: If you don't have one, sign up for a new account.
  • Update Your Information: If you already have an account, log in and ensure all your details are current and accurate. This includes:

    1. Full Name
    2. Gender
    3. Shirt Size (they are unisex, so check the size chart on the runDisney site)
    4. Date of Birth
    5. Email Address
    6. Physical Address
    7. Mobile Number
    8. Emergency Contact Name and Phone Number
    9. Emergency Contact Relationship
    10. Anticipated Pace (especially for Half Marathon and Fairytale Challenge)
    11. Affinity Group Membership (e.g., Annual Passholder, DVC Member, Cast Member)
    12. Previous runDisney Events participated in.
    13. Whether you plan to stay on property.

Having all this information readily available will save you crucial time during the actual registration process. Consider creating a "cheat sheet" with all this data to quickly copy and paste.

3. Prepare Your Payment Information

Have your credit card details ready and easily accessible. Do not fumble for your wallet or purse when it's your turn to register. Ensure your credit card has sufficient funds and is not close to expiring. Using gift cards can sometimes slow down the process, so a direct credit card is generally recommended for speed.

4. Understand the runDisney Queue System

runDisney uses a virtual queue system for high-demand registrations. Here's how to navigate it:

  • Log In Early: Log into your runDisney account a few minutes (at least 15-20 minutes) before the official registration time (e.g., by 9:45 AM ET for a 10:00 AM ET opening).
  • Multiple Browsers/Devices: A common and highly recommended strategy is to use multiple web browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge) or even multiple devices (laptop, tablet, smartphone) to access the registration page. Each browser/device will get a separate spot in the virtual queue.
  • No Refreshing Once in Queue: Once you are in the virtual queue, DO NOT refresh the page. Refreshing will likely send you to the back of the line.
  • Wait for the Chime: When it's your turn to register, you'll typically hear a notification chime and be redirected to the registration form.
  • Act Quickly: Race registrations are not held while you're filling out the form. Races can and do sell out while people are in the process of registering. Fill in your details swiftly and accurately.
  • Prioritize Your Races: If you're registering for multiple races (e.g., the Fairy Tale Challenge or individual races for multiple people), prioritize the one you want most. If a race sells out while you're adding multiple to your cart, you might lose your entire cart. Some runners opt for separate purchases to secure their top-priority race first.

5. Proof of Time (POT) – For Faster Runners

If you anticipate finishing the Disney Princess Half Marathon in 2 hours and 30 minutes (2:30) or less, you will need to submit a Proof of Time (POT) to start group placement. This is not required for the 5K or 10K.

  • Acceptable Races: Your POT must be from an officially timed race on a USATF-certified course (or equivalent) reflecting results between January 1, 2024, and September 1, 2025. Acceptable distances include 10K, 10 Mile, Half Marathon, or Marathon. Virtual runs, relays, trail runs, self-timed runs, or training runs are not accepted.
  • Required Information: When submitting your POT, you'll need:

    1. Name of Race
    2. Distance
    3. City, State
    4. Date of Race
    5. Finish Time (in Hours:Minutes: Seconds)
    6. Website Link to Results

  • Submit a Registration: Your POT must be submitted at the time of registration. You can update it until the September 1, 2025, deadline. If you register after this deadline, you can still submit it at registration, but not afterward.
  • Accuracy is Key: Incomplete or unverified POTs will result in placement in the last start group.

6. Consider Charity Partner Registration

If you miss out on general registration, or if you prefer to support a cause, many runDisney charity partners offer guaranteed entries in exchange for a fundraising commitment. This can be a fantastic way to secure your bib while also contributing to a worthwhile organization. Research runDisney's official charity partners for more information. These slots often have later registration windows and different fundraising deadlines.

Essential Tips for a Successful Registration

Beyond the step-by-step process, here are some invaluable tips to boost your chances of securing a bib for the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2026:

  • Set Multiple Alarms: Don't rely on a single reminder. Set alarms on your phone, or computer, and even have a friend remind you.
  • Stable Internet Connection: Ensure you have a strong and reliable internet connection. A dropped connection can be disastrous.
  • Clear Your Cache and Cookies: Before registration, clear your browser's cache and cookies to ensure the website loads properly.
  • Disable VPNs: Some users have reported issues with VPNs interfering with the registration process. It's best to disable them.
  • Avoid Mobile Data if Possible: While convenient, mobile data can be less stable than a Wi-Fi connection.
  • Practice Patience (and Speed): The queue system requires patience, but once you're in, speed is of the essence.
  • Have Backup Plans: If your primary race (e.g., the Half Marathon) sells out, consider registering for a shorter distance if that still fits your goals for the weekend.
  • Join runDisney Community Forums: Online communities and social media groups dedicated to runDisney are excellent resources for real-time updates and tips on registration day.

Why Run the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend?

Beyond the excitement of securing a spot, the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend offers a truly unique and magical running experience:

  • Iconic Course: Run through the enchanting lands of Walt Disney World Resort, including Cinderella Castle, Epcot's World Showcase, and more. The course is largely flat, making it enjoyable for runners of all levels.
  • Unforgettable Character Encounters: Meet and greet your favorite Disney Princesses and other beloved characters along the course, providing perfect photo opportunities and a burst of motivation.
  • Magical Entertainment: Enjoy lively music, cheer squads, and themed entertainment at various points along the race route, keeping your spirits high.
  • Stunning Finisher Medals: The highly coveted finisher medals are intricately designed and themed to the Disney Princesses, serving as a beautiful keepsake of your accomplishment.
  • Costume Fun: Embrace the spirit of the event by dressing up as your favorite Disney Princess or character. Many runners participate in elaborate and creative costumes, adding to the festive atmosphere. (Remember to check runDisney's costume guidelines!)
  • A Celebration of Strength and Empowerment: The weekend theme celebrates the inner strength, courage, and determination of the Disney Princesses, inspiring participants to achieve their fairy-tale endings.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With various race distances and events like the Disney Princess Yoga, the weekend offers something for everyone in the family, making it a perfect destination for a "run-cation."

Your Royal Journey Begins Now!

The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2026 is more than just a race; it's an opportunity to embrace your inner hero, achieve a personal best, and experience the magic of Walt Disney World in a truly unique way. By understanding the event dates, meticulously preparing for registration, and acting swiftly when the registration window opens, you significantly increase your chances of being part of this enchanting experience.

So, start your training, gather your royal running gear, and get ready to run your fairy tale at the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2026! Your glass slipper (and finisher medal) awaits!