I’m Gabe, a Pittsburgh-based travel advisor and a long-time runDisney participant. I have to be honest up front: I’m not fast. But I’ve run a lot of these races and learned what actually makes a race weekend smooth. I’ve finished 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, 10-milers, and even the Walt Disney World Marathon.
I’ve raced on both coasts: Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, Disneyland Halloween Half Weekend, Wine & Dine, Springtime Surprise, Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, and even retired events like Expedition Everest 5K and the Tower of Terror 10-Miler. If you want a plan shaped by real race mornings, real corrals, and real sore legs, you’re in the right place.
My planning help is complimentary. You pay Disney the same price for your hotel package whether you work with me or book on your own.
Table of Contents
What I Do for runDisney Weekends
Pick the right resort for start-line access. I match your race with resorts that make those early morning trips to the corrals easier.
Sort out race-day transportation. We decide whether to use official buses or a rental car based on your start time, corral, and finish plans.
Build a race-friendly park plan. We protect sleep, legs, and recovery while still fitting in your favorite rides or a celebratory dinner.
Handle groceries and essentials. I walk you through simple options for water, electrolytes, bagels, bananas, coffee, sunscreen, KT tape, and anything you do not want to hunt for at 3:30 a.m.
Coach your schedule. Bib pickup timing, Expo strategy, warmups, photo spots, and where to meet family after you finish.
Make short trips or full vacations work. I plan quick two-night race runs or longer stays that turn the weekend into a vacation.
A Few Weekends I’ve Run
Walt Disney World: Marathon Weekend, Wine & Dine, Springtime Surprise, Princess Weekend, Expedition Everest 5K (retired), Tower of Terror 10-Miler (retired).
Disneyland: Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, Disneyland Halloween Half Weekend.
Where To Stay for runDisney
These are just a few potential picks! Staying at these resorts often means the easiest transport from your bed to the starting line in my experience. I
f you already have a favorite resort, I’ll give you the race-weekend pros and cons so you know what to expect.
Walt Disney World
Epcot-area Resorts: Disney’s Beach Club, Yacht Club, BoardWalk Inn, plus nearby Riviera, Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve.
Value/Moderate that still works on race days: Disney’s Pop Century and Caribbean Beach (Skyliner access helps for parks after you’ve slept), Disney’s Coronado Springs (solid bus operations and dining variety).
Disneyland
Walking-distance first. Disney’s Grand Californian, Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel, and nearby good-neighbor hotels within a true 10–15 minute walk. The fewer moving parts on race morning, the better. My favorite pick is the JW Marriott Anaheim for the easiest access!
Getting to the Start: Bus vs. Car
If you already have a favorite resort, I’ll give you the race-weekend pros and cons so you know what to expect.
Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
Official Race Bus | Easiest for most runners. | Waiting for a bus for your return trip when you want to rest. |
By Car | Useful if you want control over timing or you are staying off the main routes. | Need to know about road closures. We’ll plan the best route to get you to the starting line! |
Groceries and Race Essentials
You do not need a complicated list. A simple plan works:
Hydration and electrolytes: Bottled water, your preferred mix or tablets, plus a reusable bottle for Expo day and parks.
Carbs that sit well: Bagels, bananas, oatmeal cups, applesauce pouches, pretzels. My go-to on race morning is banana or pumpkin bread.
Caffeine: Your usual coffee routine with a backup option in-room. Sometimes I’ll get my coffee before and keep it in my room’s fridge.
Fuel you already use: Gels, chews, or waffles… you know your stomach likes.
Recovery basics: Foam roller, massage gun or a travel stick, Epsom salt if you like baths, and comfortable shoes for the parks. I love my TheraGun mini!
We’ll choose an order-ahead option or a quick stop that fits your arrival time so you are not scrambling.
My Pre-Race Morning Routine
Here’s what works for me:
Wake up. Sip water with a little electrolyte, then espresso.
Banana bread.
Water bottle and electrolytes to go, plus my running belt with bib attached (prepped the night before)
Leave with enough time to arrive relaxed rather than rushed.
Before the corral, dynamic movements and some light jogging.
Half a gel about 10–15 minutes before the start.
You do not need to copy this. We shape your routine around what has worked on your training long run days.
"I visited Disneyland during Halloween time for the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend, and Gabe made the whole experience effortless. He helped recommend park tickets and booked the JW Marriott Anaheim, a fantastic hotel just a short walk from both the parks and the race finish line. The amenities (especially the pool) were a perfect way to unwind on a super hot weekend.
Gabe also helped plan the World of Color Dessert Party, which not only saved time but gave us amazing seats without the stress of staking out a spot.”
Two-Night Blitz vs. Make-It-A-Trip
Two nights: Fly in, Expo, early dinner, race, nap, one park, fly home. We pick a resort that minimizes transit and choose a dinner that your stomach agrees with.
Extended stay: Add a decompression day before or after the race. This is the way to mix in dining you’ll remember and still keep the legs happy.
Charity Bibs and Regular Registration
I have registered both ways. If you are going charity, we talk through fundraising timelines and tips. I do not sell or manage bibs, but I handle the travel side so you can focus on your miles.
How We’ll Plan Together
Share the details. Goals, distances, dates, and who is coming with you.
Resort shortlist. I bring 2–4 options with clear reasons tied to your race schedule.
Booking. I reserve your hotel and ticket package, review deadlines, and set reminders.
Race-week schedule. Expo timing, wake-up plans, transport, dining, and park choices.
Groceries and gear. Order ahead or a quick stop that fits your arrival.
My planning help is complimentary. You pay Disney the same either way. If you booked a Disney resort package in the last 30 days and have not paid in full, I can often be added to support your reservation. Bibs are managed by runDisney or charities. I handle the travel.
Ready to plan your runDisney weekend?
Whether you are chasing your first 5K or stacking a challenge, I’ll help you pick the right resort, transportation, and park plan so race morning feels simple and the celebration lasts all weekend. My help is complimentary when you book your Disney resort package through me.
Sample Weekend Plans
Wine & Dine 10K, Epcot-area base
Thu: Arrive, dinner at the resort.
Fri: Expo, easy park afternoon, carb up, early night.
Sat: 10K, nap, light Epcot stroll.
Sun: Brunch, long break by the pool, evening World Showcase lap if legs allow.
Mon: Fly home.
Disneyland 10K, walking hotel
Fri: Arrive, Expo, groceries, early dinner.
Sat: 10k, nap, World of Color or Fantasmic.
Sun: Afternoon pool, early dinner at Grand Californian.
Mon: Fly home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you charge a fee?
No. My planning help is included when you book your Disney resort package with me.
Can I visit the parks on race day?
Yes. Plan for a nap, hydrate, pick one park, and choose short walks. The right resort location makes this much easier.
What if I’m a back-of-the-pack runner?
That is fine. I plan pacing expectations, corral timing, and transport so you feel calm at the start and supported at the finish. And I can help you learn about all of the runDisney community tools that can help make your weekend even better.
Do you help groups and spectators?
Yes. I plan meet spots, breakfast plans, and a simple route that avoids closed roads.
About Gabe
I’m the travel advisor behind Gabe Travels, based just north of Pittsburgh. I’ve run 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, 10-milers, and the Walt Disney World Marathon. I’ve raced at Walt Disney World and Disneyland across many weekends, including classics that no longer exist. My planning style is practical and runner-friendly, with clear schedules that protect sleep, legs, and fun.
Gabe Travers is an Independent Travel Advisor affiliated with EnchantAway Travel, through which Disney bookings are made.
