Club runDisney is Disney’s exclusive paid membership community devoted to those who love runDisney races. But is it worth the big price tag? Let’s dive into the pros, cons, and details of Club runDisney registration, perks, and more!
RunDisney, Disney’s program of races has become increasingly popular. And out of this popularity has risen an exclusive membership program, Club RunDisney. This membership program is equally as difficult to join, at the top tiers. Those tiers allow some special perks including advanced opportunities for those coveted runDisney registrations and upgraded corral placement.
Quick Guide to Club RunDisney: Registration, Cost, and Value
1. What is Club runDisney?
Club-runDisney is a membership program that offers exclusive benefits and experiences to its members. It’s a popular community for runners who love Disney and want to take part in the magical miles of races organized by runDisney. Members gain access to advanced race registration opportunities, special event invites, and unique merchandise offerings.
2. How do you become a member?
To become a club runDisney member, you need to sign up on the official runDisney website. Club runDisney registration only opens once per year, and it can be quite competitive at the top tiers.
The membership comes in three tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
The Silver membership costs $279 and includes:
- Member Welcome Kit with a Member Jacket, Club runDisney Magnet, Membership card, Club runDisney virtual 10K Medal
- Tier 1 pricing year-round for available runDisney races
- Exclusive runDisney virtual 10K
- Club runDisney designation on race bibs
- Early access to renew your Club runDisney membership before sales open to the general public.
The Gold Membership costs $613 and includes:
- Member Welcome Kit with a Member Jacket, runDisney Magnet, Membership card, Club runDisney virtual 10K Medal
- Tier 1 pricing year-round for available runDisney races
- Exclusive runDisney virtual 10K
- Club runDisney designation on race bibs
- A guaranteed opportunity to purchase one race registration in each race weekend through early registration
- Club runDisney Expo Experience including early access to the runDisney merchandise shop
- Early access to renew your Club runDisney membership before sales open to the general public.
The Platinum Membership costs $959 and includes:
- Member Welcome Kit with a Member Jacket, Club runDisney Magnet, Membership card, Club runDisney virtual 10K Medal
- Tier 1 pricing year-round for available runDisney races
- Exclusive runDisney virtual 10K
- Club runDisney designation on race bibs
- A guaranteed opportunity to purchase two race registrations in each race weekend through early registration
- Club runDisney Expo Experience including early access to the runDisney merchandise shop
- Early access to renew your Club runDisney membership before sales open to the general public.
- Upgraded corral placement
Once you register, you will receive a digital membership card and gain immediate access to these perks.
HOWEVER…as per many exclusive opportunities offered by Disney, it sells out QUICKLY!
3. What races are included in the runDisney races 2023 2024 season?
runDisney organizes a variety of races throughout each year, each with its own theme and distance options. These races cater to runners of all levels, from beginners to experienced runners, with distances ranging from 5K to full marathons. They even have sunrise Yoga in the parks!
Some of the popular races include the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, SpringTime Surprise Weekend, and Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend.
The most popular races are the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend races, the Disney Princess races, and the Disney Wine and Dine Weekend. The Springtime Surprise changes themes each year and often doesn’t sell out right away.
Fortunately, they also announced Disneyland would add a half-marathon weekend to the Disney Marathon 2024 lineup! This was exciting news as Disneyland has not been part of the runDisney roster for a few years.
4. How does Club runDisney registration work if you are a member?
As a member, you gain access to early registration opportunities, allowing you to get a spot in the race before general registration opens. This perk is especially valuable for popular races that tend to sell out quickly.
During the early registration period, members receive an email with a unique link to access the early registration site. It is important to note that race entries are not included in the club membership and must be purchased separately.
Club runDisney registration for membership opens in the late spring; last year it was in May. Membership sells out quickly, so be sure to stay tuned for updates. I will post on Instagram as soon as I know when it opens again.
5. What are some helpful runDisney training tips?
Preparing for a runDisney race involves both physical and mental training (check out this blog to learn more). You need to follow a training plan that gradually builds your endurance and allows you to comfortably complete the race distance.
Jeff Galloway’s training plans are free and available on the runDisney website and are excellent plans- especially for beginners. Be sure to start early, as many of these plans start their training up to 16 weeks ahead of your race!
Incorporating cross-training exercises, such as other cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and yoga, can also improve your overall performance. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the race course and plan your strategy accordingly. Most importantly, enjoy the journey and embrace the magic of running through the Disney parks!
6. So is this runDisney membership really worth the membership price?
For me, personally, the platinum Tier is the most appealing as far as perks go, but the price tag is very steep so I have never joined. This is a personal decision based on how often you can travel and do runDisney races, and if you want a guaranteed spot. And of course, based on your disposable income and budget.
Another way to get a guaranteed spot in a sold-out runDisney race is to race for a charity. Many charities have spots available for the bigger race weekends and your only requirement is to raise money for that charity- so it’s really a win-win situation.
These charities include
- Team in Training (raising money for Leukemia, a cause very near and dear to my heart so this is the team I have run for in the past)
- Autism Speaks
- Give Kids the World
- Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
- JAR of Hope
- National Down Syndrome Society
- Share our Strength
- And MANY more wonderful organizations!!!!
Club runDisney offers a unique and enchanting experience for runners and Disney enthusiasts alike. By becoming a member, you gain access to exclusive benefits, early registration opportunities, and a sense of camaraderie among fellow runners. The various runDisney races provide a chance to combine your love for running with the magic of Disney, creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, lace up your running shoes, join club runDisney, and embark on a magical running adventure!
You May Also Like:
Train Like A Princess: RunDisney 5K 2024 Training Tips
7 Must Have Items for your RunDisney Packing List
RunDisney Cancellation Policy & Frequently Asked Questions
Shelley has been going on Walt Disney World trips since she was a toddler growing up in South Florida. Since then, she has expanded her interests and passion to include Disneyland and runDisney trips. She is a Disney College of Knowledge-certified Travel Planner, runner, Physician, mom of three, and all-around Disney fan. She believes the magic is in the details of any Disney or runDisney trip!
[…] corral to go at a time. Your Corral Placement is usually determined by your pace BUT if you are a Club runDisney member you will get an earlier corral […]