Registration proves runDisney demand is high

RunDisney opened registration to everyone on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 for the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. Although the percentage of registrations didn’t sky rocket quite as fast as when they opened registration for the Disneyland Half Marathon, new Disneyland 10K and Dumbo Double Dare, they are edging on the brink of selling out in a few short hours.  The number of participants at Walt Disney World races is larger than their counterparts at Disneyland, which can make it difficult to compare directly.  Regardless of which coast, the new 10K distance is proving to be very popular.  The Disneyland 10K sold out in less than a day and the WDW “Minnie” 10K sold out in just over 7 hours.  The new challenge races (Dumbo Double Dare and the Dopey Challenge) with their extra miles, back to back racing days, and extra medals are also becoming hot ticket events. The Dumbo Double Dare (19.3 miles in two days) sold out in less than an hour.  The Dopey Challenge (48.6 miles in four days) went to above 95% capacity in less than two days.  Even the Family 5K Fun Run events for both weekends sold out in less than 48 hours; whereas in the past, it would take a few months.

Both the Disneyland 2013 Half Marathon Weekend and Walt Disney World 2014 Marathon Weekend opened their registration early.  Attendees of the WDW 2013 Marathon Weekend Expo and the Tinkerbell 2013 Half Marathon expo had the opportunity to have early registry for the Disneyland 2013 Half Marathon Weekend event.  Annual Passholders, DVC members and Disney Visa card holders were all given early opportunity to register for the WDW 2014 Marathon Weekend events.

Despite the rising cost to enter a runDisney event, they seem to be selling like hot cakes.  We will have to wait a few months to see if the hype and hysteria that have been drummed up around these races is worth it.