runDisney newcomers’ look at final Expedition Everest Challenge

My husband and 12-year-old son ran their first 5K over the weekend – and they chose a runDisney race to make their debut. As longtime local annual passholders, we certainly are familiar with the ‘Disney difference’ – the level of service that sets Walt Disney World events above many others – but we wondered how that would translate into a sporting event. Although plenty has been written about runDisney events, perhaps impressions and observations from a fresh perspective will help you decide if it’s time to register yourself for a runDisney event.

Saturday was the final Expedition Everest Challenge, and it was the priciest 5K on the runDisney schedule because of all the extras it includes. An obstacle course, a scavenger hunt and the after-party were part of the $125 per person price tag. That’s almost double what other runDisney 5Ks cost, but the other running events do not come with all the extra features of the Expedition Everest Challenge.

So, was it worth it?

Both of my guys said, ‘Absolutely’! Although I fully expected that response from my theme-park-loving son, I have to admit that my husband’s excitement over the race somewhat surprised me. I knew he was doing it mostly for my son, but he ended up thoroughly enjoying himself, as well, even though he typically enjoys running by himself. Here is what topped their list of the night’s best experiences:

** Being able to run a race through a Walt Disney World theme park. As they say, ‘Every mile is magical!’ Parts of the course go backstage, so it’s a thrill to see what is not usually made available to guests. Plus, this run at Animal Kingdom is one of the few nighttime races, and special sound and light effects and pyrotechnics were set up along the race route.

** The camaraderie and party atmosphere of the runners before and during the event. My husband pointed out that he is not ever planning to wear a costume while he runs, but he appreciated the creativity of those who did dress up for the race.

** The themed photo opportunities staged in the parking lot. The lines were at least 30 minutes long for these sets, but they made for great souvenirs. Because I wasn’t at the race, I asked my husband to be sure to get photos, and this was one of my favorites.

** The well-organized packet pick-up and gear bag check-in and check-out. None of these stations had long lines, like he and my son feared, and at each, the cast members were knowledgeable about answering all their newbie questions.

** Professional photos taken at the finish line and of each participant on the course and with his or her medal.

** The after-party. If you like Expedition Everest roller coaster or any of the attractions in Dinoland, U.S.A., you could ride them over and over again with very short waits. Plus, there was a DJ and dance party, some character experiences and food vendors.

There only were a couple disappointments for my family at the Expedition Everest Challenge:

** The difficulty of the scavenger hunt portion of the race. The questions were so tough that participants had to spend a lot of time that they would rather have been at the after-party. Cast members did not readily give up answers, either, and they could not enter the party without having solved the five questions. Some participants may have been looking forward to the brain teasers after the run, but my husband said he was exhausted and ready to relax and recharge at the party, not wrack his brain in frustration. Disney trivia might have been fun, he said, but instead he was met with math problems to solve and bizarre word-play games.

** My son’s medal was broken. Judging from the number of complaints in online chat groups, he was far from alone. Some have reported that those with broken medals can contact runDisney and have new ones shipped to their homes.

Still, overall, both my husband and son left their first runDisney race feeling inspired and ready to get back to training. Good thing, too, because they both are signed up for Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K in November and the Walt Disney World 10K in January.

Follow @Kristin_B_Ford

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