Any Disney fanatic should do at least one RunDisney event in their lifetime. The WDW Half Marathon is part of Disney's Walt Disney World Marathon weekend, held in January. The half marathon's character is Donald, and the course takes you mostly through the Magic Kingdom and then briefly in EPCOT.

I know I don't have to talk about how awesome Disney races can be- characters on the course, photo stops, the chance to run past iconic park rides, and of course, the medals. So here are some practical tips for first-timers for a WDW race:

1) Disney World and Disneyland races are different experiences. For Walt Disney World, most of the road surfaces are hard cement, especially on the overpasses and long roadway stretches. If you are not used to running or walking on hard surface roads, train or practice on sidewalks. Some people will learn the hard way that cement roads will impact your joints harder, and you may find yourself getting sorer quicker.

2) Get on the earliest buses you can if you are staying on Disney property. Make sure you wear throwaway clothing that can keep you warm while you are waiting outside.

3) Expect a 20 minute walk to your corral and then a wait there. Go to the bathrooms before you get into your corral.

4) While you are in the parks, all park bathrooms are open! Avoid the porta potty lines and hit one of the park restrooms.

5) In the first two miles of the race- it's dark and crowded. Try to stay as centered as you can because the road has pitches on each side. Also, avoid the reflectors in the road- they are very slippery.

6) Expect bottlenecks. Unfortunately the course gets very crowded at points, especially in the Magic Kingdom, on the way in and out of the castle, and on the property roads after you leave the Magic Kingdom.