Will be going to my first
Disneyland rD weekend in 2 weeks. I’ve done lots of rD events at WDW. Looking for any information comparing marathon weekend vs DL half weekend. For example, photo stop popularity, will they use your phone, do people show up super early to the corrals, etc? Just trying to get some general info about the vibe there.
I've run a couple of the recent Disneyland races, and I just finished the Dopey challenge at WDW, so I can share what I've experienced.
1. Going through security is MUCH quicker at WDW. DL still uses the old school metal detectors, and they search bags, so just be aware of that.
2. DL does not have characters pre-race, so no need to get to the start line any earlier.
3. At DL, most of the "good neighbor" hotels are only a few minutes walk from the start line, so no need to stress over catching a bus.
3. If you're staying at the Disneyland Hotel, there is a shuttle that will take you to the start line. I believe Pixar Pier and Grand Californian also offer this service. HIGHLY RECOMMEND taking the shuttle, rather than walking through Downtown Disney. If you walk through DTD, you will need to go through security, and you may need to wait until security actually opens up the gates to DTD.
4. There are several Photopass photographers in the park at DL (I don't remember how many, but we got plenty of pics). If you are running the half marathon at DL, there are ZERO photographers outside the park, as the course runs through the public streets of Anaheim.
5. Speaking of public streets of Anaheim, DL does have entertainment (but no characters) at various points along the streets.
Hopefully this helps!
