We are less than three weeks away from the Health and Fitness Expo that will kick off Disney’s Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend! I love going to the expo. For me, it’s the start of the race experience. It can be crowded and overwhelming, but with proper planning, you can see (and hopefully buy!) everything that you want. Remember, you have to go to the expo to pick up your race bib, and you have to show ID – no one else can pick up your bib! If you’ve pre-ordered items (pins, a Dooney, etc.), you will also pick those up at the expo.
Tip #1: Arrive Early
The expo is held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports, and officially opens at 10:00 am, but in my experience, they usually open the doors early on the first day. If there’s specific merchandise that you have your heart set on, you will want to arrive as early as possible – lines will be L-O-O-O-N-G just to get in the door. If you don’t care about merch and just want to get your bib and get out, then you might want to consider waiting until later in the day, or even going on another day when the crowds are much lower.
What’s the best way to get to the expo? I have taken a bus from the resort (follow the signs for the race transportation, DO NOT go to the regular bus stop for the parks), and I have also driven and taken a taxi. The only advantage to driving is that you can get there earlier than on the bus. In my past experience, the bus came in a timely manner and wasn’t too crowded. I believe they start running 30 minutes prior to the expo opening, so be at the bus stop early!
Tip #2: Know Your Plan
Many times you have to go into two different buildings – the HP Field House for your bib, and the Jostens Center for your shirt (usually the shirts are at the very back of the room on the left side). At some events, the shirts will be with the bibs, but the vendors will always be in the Jostens Center. If there is specific merchandise that you have your heart set on, go to the Jostens Center FIRST. There will be signs and cast members directing you where to go. This will mean going back and forth – buying merch, then going across the street for your bib, then coming back again for your shirt(s). But the merchandise goes quickly, especially jackets and wine glasses. Hit the official runDisney merchandise booth first, and go in with some idea of what you want. In the past, runDisney has provided a preview of some of the merchandise on Facebook a few days in advance. I usually decide which are the “must-have” items for me, and try to grab them first, before I peruse the rest of the booth. Expect to see jackets, tech shirts, “I did it!” shirts, wine glasses, pins, sweaty bands, car magnets, etc. If you are with a friend, it may be wise to divide and conquer for the most coveted items. Know what sizes you need, and each of you have a designated item to get.
If this is your first expo, you may also want to take a look at the expo map beforehand, to get an idea of which vendors will be there. Budget for how much you’ll want to spend – there are LOTS of vendors! Sparkle Skirts and Raw Threads are usually there with big displays, and there will be lots and lots of other eye-catching booths with running attire, headbands, jewelry, medal racks, and other running gear.
Tip #3: Pack Your Patience
Especially if you are attending the first morning, expect to stand in lines. Lots and lots of lines. A line to get in the door, sometimes a line to get into the runDisney merchandise booth. Definitely a long line to check out with your newfound runDisney merch (and don’t forget – you can use your AP or other discounts for your official gear!). There will also be lines to get your bib. And if you don’t bring a signed copy of your waiver along, you’ll have to wait in another line to print one off before going in for your bib. Just like at the parks, the expo is going to involve some waiting.
Tip #4: Allow Yourself Enough Time
Plan for enough time that you won’t feel rushed if you have to stand in lines, and also time to walk around and take everything in. The expo should be a fun experience, not a stressful one. Remember to allow a few extra minutes for walking from the parking lot inside, and then to two different buildings. Also remember that the expo buses only run to the resorts, they will not take you to a park. Be mindful of this when planning your day or any dining reservations.
Tip #5: Sign Up in Advance for New Balance!
Want a pair of those coveted runDisney New Balance shoes? Typically at 6:00 am each morning, you will be able to sign up for a virtual queue to try them on. You will be able to select a style/size that will be held for you, and you will receive a text when it is your turn to go to the booth. There may not be as much of a demand later in the year (and since the older models were just on sale at the outlets), but for new models at the races early in the year, the demand is extremely high. If you don’t sign up for a time slot, you will have to wait in yet another line just to get into the New Balance booth.
Tip #6: Take Pictures!
There will be opportunities for pictures from the time you walk up the sidewalk (large banners with the race logos or medals on them). Inside, there is usually a background or two for photos. If you follow runDisney on Instagram, you can usually have a fun picture taken with some sort of special effect (you just have to show them on your phone that you follow them). Occasionally there is even a character, but this isn’t the norm. At the Star Wars Dark Side expo, I waited about 40 minutes to meet BB-8 (he was in a separate tent). This was unusual for an expo, but it was definitely worth it, since I didn’t have to wait the following mornings in the long pre-race lines.
Tip #7: Take Advantage of the Speaker Series
Another really cool thing about the runDisney expo is the Speaker Series. At various times throughout the day, there will be short seminars on running, training, and nutrition. You can get some advice from Jeff Galloway, Tara Gidus, and other running professionals. They usually run 30 minutes to one hour, and past seminars have included information for spectators, costume inspiration, training tips, and race nutrition. There is occasionally a celebrity speaker, as well.
Tip #8: Socialize!
Walking around the expo (and standing in those aforementioned lines) is a great way to meet fellow runners. If you are part of a running team or even just one of the many Disney Facebook groups, odds are good that you’ll see someone that you know – or at least someone that you recognize from social media. Don’t hesitate to say hello! One of my favorite things about runDisney events is getting to see my running teammates and meet new people.
Jeff Galloway is also usually at the expo. He is extremely friendly and approachable, and many runners who have followed his program enjoy meeting him and sharing their success stories with him. There is usually a line to meet him, but he is always willing to take pictures and sign autographs. I have even seen runners have him sign their bibs or magic bands.
You can also interact with professionals and learn about new products, try fuel samples, and play games. The expo was the first place where I experienced The Stick, which is one of my favorite things now. Many runners also use this opportunity to get taped at the KT Tape booth.
If you’re feeling a little thirsty from all the shopping, there is usually a stand with beer and snacks somewhere on the expo floor. There will also be concessions on your way out of the Jostens Center (where the merchandise is found), and usually there is a stand outside with things like lemonade and pretzels.
Whether this is your first expo or you are an old pro, enjoy yourself and have patience with others. This is the beginning of an exciting, magical race weekend!
Do you have any questions about navigating the expo? Any additional tips? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you.
