Ultimate Guide to runDisney: Expo/bib pickup

A runDisney Expo is not like any other race expos. Sure, you're there to get your bib, your shirt and swag, and maybe you check out the merchandise for last-second gear or branded attire. But Disney being Disney, everything is a little bit bigger with lines, lines, LINES. Heck, as of the 2025 Springtime Surprise, the runDisney Expo merchandise area was the only Virtual Queue still left at Walt Disney World. While the Expo is pretty straightforward, here are all the details you need to know.

The Expo is held at ESPN Wide World of Sports, starting the day prior to the first race until the second-to-last race day.

On first day the Expo usually opens at 10am EST until about 7pm or 8pm. Hours vary the subsequent days, so pay attention to the hours posted to the runDisney event page. You must pick up your bib at the Expo, so make sure that you're going the Expo the day before your first event. There is no race-day bib pickup options offered, so plan your travel accordingly. If you're flying in to MCO I would recommend arriving the day before the Expo to avoid unexpected travel delays or logistic snafus that keep you from the Expo on time.

The Expo is broken up into three parts: the bib pickup area, the shirt and general merchandise area, and the runDisney merchandise hall.

You will typically be directed to the bib pickup area (building C below) first, where the line usually begins outside the building, weaves throughout the concourse, and you'll finally get to the bib area. Make sure to fill out your waiver in your runDisney account and have your Expo pass ready to present. You'll already know your bib number from your Expo pass, so find your booth based on bib number. Runner Relations is also by the bib pickup area in case you have any issues. As I mentioned in the Corrals section, if you have an issue with your Corral placement based on a POT then it's worth waiting in line for Runner Relations.

You'll then move outside to the shirt pickup area (in building B). You'll get your shirt (or shirts - six total for Dopey Challengers) inside of your gEAR bag (get it?!). If you plan on dropping off belongings at the race area, you'll need to label and use your gEAR bag. This area also has several sponsor and vendor booths selling running shoes, tutus, fuel, and other gear you may have left behind (or just decided you needed). You'll also find information on Galloway pacers if you use them, transportation schedules, and a display of several runDisney medals from the season. Now on to the merchandise area (building A).

For the first day of the Expo you'll need to use a Virtual Queue to access the merchandise area.

Detailed instructions are included in the event's Digital Expo packet, but essentially you'll need to go to the My Disney Experience app, find the "Virtual Queue" section, and select "ESPN Wide World of Sports". Starting at 8:30am on the first Expo day, you'll be able to number your attendees and join the Virtual Queue. Once complete, you'll be assigned a Group number, which when called allows you to enter the merchandise area. Easy, right? Keep in mind the VQ is only applicable for the first day of the Expo. Every other day you can just enter normally, as it won't be nearly as busy as Day 1

The first day of the Expo can be a madhouse, so get there before you start if you can.

For the 2025 WDW Marathon Weekend my family got to the Expo around 11am and it ended up taking about 2 hours to get my bibs and race shirts alone. Showing up early, let's say around 9:30am, is your best shot to breeze through the bib and shirt pickup. You'll still need to wait until your VQ group gets called to enter the merchandise area, but there's plenty of photo ops, character pictures, and vendors to check out if you have the time.

When you do get to the merchandise area, act quickly.

If you're looking to get runDisney-specific gear, Finisher jackets, pins, or the ever-sought-after Spirit Jerseys, then you'll want to seek those out first. The first few hours of the Expo can be a mad scramble. Even though there are limits on items people can purchase, a lot of items get snatched up by resellers. Car magnets, 5k gear, and Dopey gear all go early on, and there are no guarantees for restocks. I would advise if you see something you are considering buying then you should grab it quick and hold onto it until you've decided on purchase. Also, be sure to check sizes on the attire - it always seems like people buy the wrong size of something and only realize it once that item is sold out in their size. If you pre-purchased any items online (only limited items are available) then there's a table marked in this area where you can pick up your order.

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