I’ve done posts about packing for running at Disney before, but they’re old and I thought with everyone getting ready for Princess (except me, sad trombone) now would be a great time to update and talk about what things I HAVE to have when I Run Disney!

With over a dozen Run Disney weekends under my belt, I’ve done a lot of experimentation with what to bring. I used to pack everything but the kitchen sink, but over the years I’ve developed some must haves and now manage to fit everything into carry on bags. I’ll skip the normal things that you have to bring no matter what (surely you don’t need me to tell you to bring toothpaste and deodorant;), but there are a few race weekend specific goodies that I can’t live without (and don’t worry, non of the links are sponsored just did it for your convenience).

• A small backback or draw string bag. THIS IS HUGE because the bag they give you at the Expo is really weird and not comfortable AT ALL to carry around for several hours. Bring a medium bag that’s comfortable to carry and will fit your race shirt and anything you may purchase at the Expo. you can also throw this inside the drop bag race morning and it’s a great way to contain all your stuff on the way back to your hotel. Trust me on this. You’ll have a lot to carry and the last thing you want after running all those miles is to have your back hurt from your bag.

  

• Malatonin and Imodium. Those sound like Greek mythology twins or something, but no, the melatonin is to help you go to sleep uncharacteristically early the night before the race and the imodium is for your nervous stomach. If it’s particularly humid, my body likes to evacuate all fluids during the race. I don’t know why, but it’s a thing, and taking a pre-emptive imodium is a must do for me. (btw, this is not medically advised and I’m not a doctor)
• Shoes OTHER than your running shoes. You’ll want at least one other pair of shoes to tour the parks and just relax in. I love my Oofos recovery sandals post race, and I always bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes as well. After the race, I want those running shoes off my feet as soon as possible! Pack your flip flops in your drop bag race morning. Because even after you’re done with you’re race, you have a lot of walking ahead of you to get to the bus or back to your car, and you’ll be very happy to be out of your stinky running shoes.
• Your bathing suit. Even if you think you won’t swim, bring it anyway because a dip in the pool can feel amazing on sore muscles. Hot tubs gross me out but if you’re into that, not a bad idea, either.
• A list of everybody’s cell numbers ON PAPER. Have you ever thought what would happen if you lost your phone? It’s a pretty common occurrence at Disney. How many of those number do you have memorized?? yeah, me neither. WRITE DOWN the most important ones and put it somewhere safe, like in your bag back at the hotel. Then you’ll have a way to reach your people should your phone go missing.
• Leave room to bring stuff back! Even if you buy nothing at the Expo, you’ll still have your race shirt, your bling, and anything else you purchase at the parks to bring back with you. And if you think you’ll do some shopping, bring a collapsible tote. You can always check your rolling bag and carry that on the plane as your second carry on for the flight home.
• An extra phone battery. I love using my fuel rod as there are lots of places around Disney where I can exchange it for a brand new one for free. Seriously this has changed my life when I’m there and you should get one.It’s $30 to purchase the first time but then you’ll have it forever (well, as long as you remember to put it in your suitcase. I’m looking at YOU jen lefforge)
• Throw away clothes to wear before the race starts – either go through your own donation pile, or go to goodwill and buy stuff, but Florida weather is notoriously unpredictable and you’ll want to have some clothes to wear in the corals before the race starts. You could be standing there for an hour or more (not kidding) and that’s not even considering the hour you’ll wait at the staging area before you even head to the corals. Even if it’s 60, if it’s breezy you can get chilly. Always better to have it then not have it.
• Body Glide. The humidity in Florida can cause chaffing in places you didn’t know it was possible to chafe. And who doesn’t love the feeling of getting in the shower after a race and that hot water hitting the chaffed spots? Sarcasm. It’s HORRIBLE. Buy Body Glide, use Body Glide.
• A ziploc bag OR laundry detergent. Your clothes will stink after the race. Either wash them or seal them up in a ziploc or they’ll stink up everything else in your luggage.

I’m sure there are things that I’m missing, but these are the basics. Anything I’m missing, Veteran Disney Racers? Please comment below!

You’re going to have so much fun and I’m so happy for you! The training is done and now it’s time to enjoy your victory lap. Have a post-race drink or cronut for me!!