I don't even know where to begin! The Princess Half Marathon was my very first runDisney weekend back in 2013 and the 2018 PHM was simply amazing. It just keeps getting better and better!

One thing I truly love about Disney races is how the excitement starts to build even before registering. With my group of gals, we start planning costumes at least eight months in advance and there's many race specific Facebook groups where you can ask questions, share knowledge and just chat.

Like with all Disney World races, the expo is held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Center from Thursday to Saturday. In previous years, crowds could get crazy but the completion of the large Arena building has alleviated the pressure and made things quite lovely! The area is well-marked with many staff members and volunteers on hand to guide you to the right direction. There's also characters out for pictures and several other photo opportunities in front of banners!

As for the races, transportation is provided from Disney World resorts but my best tip is to get to the bus stop EARLY ... like at least 15 minutes before transportation starts, or take an Uber. Instructions and more can be found in the Digital Event Guide that usually released around a month prior to the race. The reason why you want to arrive early is all the wonderful characters that are out for photos! There's also a DJ pumping up the excitement as well as a fun pre-show by the announcers and a firework start for each corral and wave!

As for the course, you'll spend some time on the highway until reaching Magic Kingdom at around mile five. But there are often great character stops like Captain Jack Sparrow, the Princes and more! (Tip: the course will loop around so if lines for Jack and the Princes are long, you can get them on the return.) Once you reach Magic Kingdom ... oh my gosh. Running down Main Street toward the castle with hundreds of chEarleaders urging you on is beyond amazing! I get chills just thinking about it!

The course will veer toward Tomorrowland and the first of many character photo opportunities. Lines for the bathroom at Tomorrowland Terrace will be quite long since it's the first one so try the bathrooms that are to the left of the teacups instead. If there's a character there, have a friend wait in line while you go and then switch! A good way to save time.

You'll then swing the Mine Train ride and head to one of the race highlights ... running through Cinderella's castle! The course often hooks to the right, so run on the left side for the best Photopass opportunity. It's also well-worth it to stop for a Photopass photo in front of the castle! The course then weaves through Frontierland and through backstage areas before reaching the dreaded Cone Alley near Grand Floridian. Things can get quite congested, so make sure you pack your patience and just breathe. Things will lighten up soon! (On a personal note, I had trouble coping this past year with the crowds. It was my own fault, however, since I stopped for many characters including an insanely long Gaston line. Next year, I plan on skipping some in Magic Kingdom in order to better keep with my own pace.)

You'll be on the highway until Epcot where more characters will be available for photos. Be sure to stop at the Photopass area in front of Spaceship Earth! Then rejoice to a gospel choir as you head toward the finish line. And what a finish! Blaring music, cheering crowds and several volunteers on hand to put that gorgeous bling around your neck! Enjoy it and take EVERYTHING in!

Afterward, you'll go through a chute where more volunteers hand out water and Powerade. If you earned a challenge medal by doing the 10k, you'll be directed to a tent where your bib will be verified. Then it's time for a snack box and I Did It Photo! And be sure to not hustle off. Stick around, grab a beer, dance to the DJ, chat with friends, and get another character photo! I'm also sure to soak these races for all they're worth, arriving early and leaving late.

All in all, I absolutely love this runDisney event and can't wait for 2019! I've written a TON of blog recaps and tips posts that you can find here on the Joyful Miles blog:

http://joyfulmiles.com/rundisney-recaps/
http://joyfulmiles.com/category/rundisney/rundisney-tips/
http://joyfulmiles.com/running-costume-tutorials/

Or check out the many video recaps on our YouTube channel!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVQWOCr1RJKD9KeOm4bLPLt6BmdxLTxZV

Hope this review is helpful and happy running!