So you think you want to do this, huh?

Well, it’s awesome. And you really should. I clearly LOVE RunDisney and their races, but as you’re planning for your training, your hydration, your nutrition and your fabulous costume or running outfit  and tiara, there’s something else you need to be planning for. Namely . . .

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RUN A RUN DISNEY RACE??

I must admit that I didn’t really look at the finances of these races much until just recently. The conversation with my dear husband went something like this:

Scott: Honey?
Me: Yes, Dear?
Scott: So . . .we’re going to need to figure out a budget for your races.

See, I had just been kind of going and since the money was rather spread out (registration paid for way early, airfare pretty quick after that, hotel not due until we’re there, etc) I was being a tad naive about the ACTUAL cost of my little jaunts over to Florida or California to run through a castle or two.

If you’re independently wealthy, you can stop reading now and go read a blog about how to express your appreciation for a great blog by mailing the author Target gift cards. Or, if you’re REALLY wealthy, buying her a few more Disney Vacation Club points so she can have even more time at Disney races and then blog about it all. No, really. Go.

For the rest of you, here’s the run down on what you need to allow for (followed by the actual number I just spent at the Disneyland Half Marathon Dumbo Double Dare):

• Race Registration – Disney races were recently listed as THE most expensive in the business. Is it worth it? To me, yes. Keep in mind you not only get the shirt and the bling, but the characters, the on course entertainment and a race through a big castle. DDD $280 (ETA the latest Disney race was $345 for the challenge and $199 for just the half marathon – Wine and Dine Half)
• Hotel – This varies greatly. You most likely will need 2 nights AT LEAST, preferably 3. And definitely three if it’s a multi-race event like Dumbo Double Dare, Goofy, or Glass Slipper Challenge. You can go cheap here, but I am kind of a huge baby about lodging and prefer at least a moderate if not a deluxe experience. DDD $360 (my roommate is a travel agent so she got us an amazing deal at the Disneyland Hotel. Full price this would have been over twice that)
• Airfare – clearly, not all of you need to fly, but I do so including this. And yes, my husband works for a major airline, but if I fly them I fly stand-by and, as Jerry Seinfeld says, they call it stand-by because you often times find yourself standing in the airport waving “bye” to everyone on the flight. I don’t like chancing it for races. DDD DFW to SNA $273
• Food – Disney food is NOT cheap. And if you’re like me and want a great celebratory meal or two (wine and the occasional margarita included – or that pirahna thing I had at Trader Sam’s – this can get pricey) DDD $230 (ish – didn’t keep every receipt for bottled water and this included two very nice table service meals)
• Expo Money – this past Expo at Disneyland not withstanding (because it was such a train wreck it’s like they were trying to KEEP you from spending money) I typically buy at least a few things at Expos. It’s fun, you’re excited, and there are cool things there they don’t sell at Target (rich people, if you’re still reading please go back up to beginning comment about how to honor your favorite blog writer;). DDD – not counting this because I had bday money plus didn’t buy much at all (really, Honey, I didn’t)
• Park Tickets – yeah, you didn’t think they were going to let you in for free did you? Running through the parks is not the same as riding rides and eating a Mickey Bar in the parks. This doesn’t come cheap. DDD $210 (2 day park hopper)
• Rental Car – I don’t do this, but many do. I get very easily lost so it’s Disney transport all the way for me. But you’ll need to factor this in. DDD  – N/A
• DDD Total (not including any spending money): $1353

Did you just fall over? I think I did. Again, because the money was spread out so much, it didn’t SEEM like that much. But according to my husband (and Dave Ramsey;) it WAS that much.

Am I saying don’t do it? Heavens no! If it’s a dream and something you have always wanted to do, if it gets you running and training and dreaming and if it fits into your budget without breaking the bank or causing family squabbles? Goodness yes! After all, it’s cheaper than a year’s worth of anti-depressants and heart medication. And A LOT cheaper than a year’s worth of therapy!

But just know what you’re getting into. You can ABSOLUTELY go cheaper than I did in a couple of places, namely food and hotel. And if you’re within driving distance, you’ll save even more. But seeing the numbers may make you reconsider that local half or full marathon. It won’t have Mickey Mouse or a castle, but if it enables your children to go to college then maybe that’s a great choice, too.

(with each passing day it becomes less and less likely that RunDisney will retweet my blog posts, doesn’t it?)

Happy Running!

Jen