The 2018 Princess Half Marathon 2018 Expo was so fun! The runDisney expos really are a highlight for me, and one of my favorite parts of participating in runDisney events! I always feel so pumped when I get into the merch area, and so relaxed once I hit up the Princess Champs and martini bar! Its all about feeling special, getting excited, Oh! and shopping! And, seriously, runDisney, Don’t change a thing unless you have even more special treatment to unroll to us participants! Let us now have a look-see at some of my favoritephoto ops, shopping experiences, eats & treats of the 2018 Princess Expo!!

We stayed at the Disney’s Boardwalk Villas on our DVC points, and the transportation was free to get to and from the Expo, if we had chosen to. But we actually opted to order a Minnie van instead! Our wait was really short, and you can order this service directly through your Lyft app. When in Disney, you can always expect the royal treatment!

Once we arrived at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports, I knew from 2017’s race experience to head right to “C House” or HP Field House  for Bib Pick-up. This area can get crowded, and the lines can get long, so Bib pick-up first, lovelies! Next, I always hit up “Building A” or “The Arena“, so I can get my wine Tervis cups, or whatever Official Disney Merch is on my list. The C building houses:

• Official runDisney Merchandise (Which you’ll wanna line up early for like we did)
• Pre-Purchased Commemorative Item Pick-Up (Like pre-purchased Dooney & Bourke purses, or magnet and pin bundles from your runDisney account)
• ChEAR Squad/Race Retreat Pick-Up & Sales
• Disney PhotoPass (You’ll want this, too)!
• Character Meet & Greet
• Runner Tracking

Next, head to B building, or the VISA Athletic Center. This will be your last stop at the Expo, usually. This is where I always have the most fun!! There’s a DJ, Princess Martini’s and treats, & lots of good vibes here! Plus, grab all of your last minute race items here, like Honey Stingers, shoes, etc.!

VISA Athletic Center

• Race Shirt Pick-Up
• Exhibitors
• runDisney Headquarters
• Interactive Zone

The Ganachery , which is located at Disney Springs, has been doing special chocolate creations for runDisney events since at least the 2018 Princess Half Marathon Weekend, but maybe longer since they opened their doors in 2015. The medals shown below could be personalized, if you wished. I thought they were all so cute, but we were having high tea at the Grand Floridian Tea Room right after the expo, so we skipped these, but they were so tempting!

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We visited a lot of Vendors & checked out lots of Princess Merch! Usually, the Princess Half Marathon Weekend has vendors such as Sparkle Skirts, KT Tape booth, where you can both buy and have them apply the KT tape on you professionally for a small fee, Pandora Jewelry, Raw Theads, vendors selling running shoes, Sports Beans, Honey Stingers, and so much more! Senses will even be there to give a relaxing massage for so cheap, and the cast members can even book a post-race spa treatment for you at that time as well! I just love the buzz at the Expo, and can’t wait for 2019’s in only a few short weeks!

PRO-TIP: Get yourself a pair of custom Mouse Ears! Our Mouse Ears were lovingly made for us by some very talented ladies over at Etsy! The Jasmine ones I’m wearing are by Posh Park Creative & Natalie’s Cheshire Cat ears are by The Champagne Mouse. We had so many compliments on them, you should visit these ladies if you have a Disney Trip coming up! Posh Park has some ready-made designs up in her shop now, and The Champagne mouse is currently taking custom orders!

Did you attend 2018’s Princess Expo? What was your favorite part? Will you be attending 2019’s, as well? 

Wishing you many Magical Miles!