runDisney First-Timer Expo FAQ's

You've registered. You've trained. You booked your Walt Disney World vacation and dragged your family to the Most Magical Place on Earth to run anywhere from one to four races before the crack of dawn. There's just one more hurdle to jump before you start your race...

The Expo!

I've written about the Expos here in my comprehensive guide to all things runDisney. If you've ever been to a big race, you already know that the Expo is an important part of the race weekend. The Expo is where you pick up your bib(s) and shirt(s), and it also gives you an opportunity to purchase race weekend merchandise as well as a last chance to buy any running gear you may need or forgot to bring with you. Expos for runDisney are no different, except that as with all things Disney it is much bigger, a little confusing for the uninitiated, and requires a little research to get the most out of it.

If you're registered for a runDisney event, you should receive an email a few weeks out with links to the Digital Race Guide, which will include ample information on the Expo and each of the races. For up to date information, always refer to the Digital Guide. However, you may still have plenty of questions that aren't covered in the guide. I'll try to cover most of those here (so you don't have to enter the Facebook or Reddit mob).

Do I have to go to the Expo to get my bib?

Yes, the Health & Fitness Expo is the only place where you can get your runDisney bibs and race shirts.

Really? I can't just get my bib the morning of my race?

Nope, runDisney does not generally offer bib pickup at the races. I say "generally" as the official policy is a hard "no", but there are some anecdotes on social media of emergency situations where runDisney may - may - make an exception, but I would not count on it.

What happens if my flight doesn't land until after the Expo closes for the day? Can someone else pick up my bib for me?

It would behoove you to avoid this scenario. If you run into unforeseen travel issues that are completely out of control, you can try to contact runDisney via email on their website or telephone at 407-939-4786. Just be aware that runDisney cast members may be tied up or extremely busy during this time, so you won't be getting a quick resolution. You need to have your ID ready for bib pickup, and you will not be allowed to send someone in your place to get your bib. Keep in mind, if you're only racing in the last event, the Expo usually closes earlier on the last day.

Especially during Marathon Weekend and Princess Half Marathon Weekend where winter weather can be a potential issue, definitely plan your travel accordingly. Whether flying or driving, planning to get into Orlando in the afternoon of the day before your race is playing with fire. I would plan on arriving the day before the Expo, if possible. If you're worried about the expense of adding an extra night at your Disney resort, you can always grab a (likely cheaper) non-Disney hotel nearby, or consider staying at a Value resort that can transfer your luggage for you.

Okay, how do I get to the Expo?

You have three options: drive yourself, take a resort bus, or use rideshare (Uber/Lyft/Minnie Bus). If you're staying at a Disney resort, it is undoubtedly easiest to use the bus. The bus schedule will be posted in the resort lobby, and the buses usually leave from the same place as park buses (multiple spots for resorts such as Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs). The bus lot at ESPN Wide World of Sports is well labeled, so it's also easy to find your bus back to your resort, or any other resort if you want to check out a different one. Driving and rideshare is also easy if you're off property or would just rather use those options.

Do buses run from the parks to the Expo?

Unfortunately not - the runDisney buses only run between the Expo and Disney resorts, to include Shades of Green and Swan and Dolphin (not "good neighbor" hotels near Disney Springs). If you want to try to go between the Expo and the parks via buses, you'll need to find the nearest resort (some are walkable or easier to get to) to get on a runDisney bus. For Epcot and Hollywood Studios, this is probably mean any of the Boardwalk resorts, and for Magic Kingdom you'd want to aim for any of the Monorail resorts. Animal Kingdom isn't walkable from anywhere, so you're better off going through Animal Kingdom Lodge or Pop Century/Art of Animation.

Is there anything I need to do before I get to the Expo?

Yes - you'll want to have your Check-In pass ready either by screenshot or just up on your phone. You'll be notified your Check-In pass is in your runDisney account about a week before the race weekend, and you'll need to show the pass and a photo ID to pick up your bib. You'll also want to get up early on Expo day to register for the Merchandise area Virtual Queue.

Hold up - I need to wake up early and sign into a Virtual Queue?!?

You do if you want a good first shot at merchandise. You'll want to consult the Digital Race Guide for instructions on registering for the Virtual Queue (runDisney continually tweaks the process to try to avoid overcrowding), but you'll be able to access it on the My Disney Experience app at around 8am on the first Expo day (subsequent days do not require the VQ). Certain merchandise sells out quickly (mostly Spirit Jerseys and magnets), so if there's something you know you'll want then you should try to get in the Virtual Queue for a spot in line.

What if I don't want any runDisney or race weekend merchandise?

Then you can just focus on getting your bib, shirts, and check out the vendor building. No Virtual Queue, and no merchandise madness.

So how do I get my bib?

When you first enter the gates at ESPN Wide World of Sports, you'll see Race Weekend flags, banners, and signs everywhere. The first building you'll pass on the right will be the Merchandise area. If you keep walking straight all the way in the back of the complex you'll get to the bib pickup area on the left. Unless you're there first thing when they open, there will likely be a line. It can get super long, but it should move through in about 30-45 minutes. At the end there will be a spot to sign your participant waiver if you did not do so online (it will be on your runDisney account Dashboard - it's easiest to just do it online). You'll finally get down to the bib pickup area, which is organized by race distance (each distance plus the challenges) and bib number. Show the volunteer your Check-In pass and your ID and you'll get your bib/bibs.

What happens if there's an issue with my bib or I don't get the Corral I wanted?

If there's a legitimate issue that needs to get corrected, you'll want to wait in another line in the bib pickup area that is marked Runner Relations. I would guess 90% of the people in the Runner Relations line is trying to get a different Corral. For the 5k and 10k distances, Runner Relations will not make any corrections. The 5k and 10k races are pretty crowded already, and accommodating everyone who wants to run with a faster crowd or who wants to run with family/friends in a different Corral is impossible. For 10-mile, half marathon, and the marathon distance, if you provided a Proof of Time that you believe warrants a different Corral then they may be able to fix it for you - but that is never a guarantee. Just be kind to the Runner Relations folks no matter what the outcome!

What if I submitted a Proof of Time and I'm still in the last Corral?

This is exactly what happened to me for the 2025 Dopey Challenge. I submitted a surefire Corral A Proof of Time, only to get placed in Corral G. I contemplated keeping it to not make a stir, but I knew I'd want to run the half marathon and marathon at a quick-ish pace and the idea of trying to run through and around a lot of slower runners and walkers (no judgement!) was tough to take. Turns out the runDisney crew could not verify my Proof of Time since the submitted race showed my preferred name ("Skylar") and my runDisney account was under my legal first name ("Nunyabizness"). After almost an hour in line at Runner Relations I was placed in Corral A. If this happens to you and you submitted a valid POT, it's well worth your time to change it.

Alright, I got my bib. Now what?

Once you're all set in the bib pickup area, you will exit the building and head over to the shirt pickup line in the next building.

Another line?!?

Of course! This is Disney after all...

Again, if you get to the Expo early you won't have to wait too long. However, mid-morning to around lunchtime and the line can get fairly long. But the line should keep moving, and at the end you will get your shirt (or shirts if you're running multiple races) as well as your gEAR bag for you to store anything you'll want after the race.

What if the shirts run too small or too big for me?

Check the shirt sizes before you leave the area, as you can ask for a different size if you need it. However, the shirts are for the runner, so if your plan is to gift the shirts by asking for a drastically different size then you may get turned down.

I like the shirt for a different race than the one I'm in - can I buy one at the Expo?

Nope! You get the shirt for your race or races only.

Is there anything else I need to do at the Expo once I get my gear?

There is a vendor and sponsor hall that is always good to check out. There are usually good deals on fuel, shoes, and running gear, in addition to the popular KT Tape booth where you can pay to have tape applied wherever you need it. There is also a good look at past or upcoming race weekend medals, and there is an area for spectators to make signs for their runner.

Should I bring my family with me to the Expo?

Yes! There are usually a few characters or picture spots in the bib pickup area, and that was the first place where my youngest daughter enjoyed a nice long hug with Mickey during the 2025 Marathon Weekend. Yes, there is potentially a lot of waiting in line with little payoff, but if you don't want to separate from your family then everyone can find something to do.

Can I change my mind about getting merchandise once I'm at the Expo?

In all likelihood the Virtual Queue spots will be all taken up by the time you get to the Expo. You may be able to get a late spot and return later, or you can go another day when the Virtual Queue is not necessary. There may be slim pickings on subsequent days, but there are usually opportunities to get the Brooks runDisney shoes whenever you go.