Pack like a princess

Hi everyone,

Welcome back to my blog full of fantasy, fun, and fitness! Today I thought I'd share with you how I pack for a runDisney race event. As most of you know, I'll be running in the 10th Anniversary Princess Half Marathon next weekend!  I'll also be completing the Fairy Tale Challenge, which is a 10k on Saturday followed by the Half Marathon on Sunday. I'm obviously so excited that I started preparing early. Read on for a full list of items you should pack for your upcoming Disney trip/race. :)

I whipped up a document of the most necessary items, and which bag to put them in! The full list is below!

I pride myself as a planner, especially when it comes to Disney and fitness. I like to know what I'm doing, where I'm suppose to be, and I always always ALWAYS want to make the most out of my time!

Quite a few of the items I have listed in my carry on bag can be checked, but I find it calming to know that if the airline were to lose my checked bag, I could still manage to run a race even without my tiara.

I typically wear my bulkiest items during the flight, because that just leaves me more space for items in my checked bag. On the plane ride I will wear my running shoes (the ones I wear on race days), a sports bra, a t-shirt under a sweatshirt, leggings, GPS watch, and glasses. I also like to bring my most important beauty products in a small cosmetic bag inside my carry on bag. Sometimes I'll bring a protein bar to snack on, but I always make sure to drink a bottle of water before and during the flight. It's important to stay hydrated at all times.

My checked bag almost always houses my costumes/outfits. I know some people don't risk losing their race day wardrobe, but I've been to Disney enough times to know that there is no shortage of outfits there. At the Expo, there are vendors that sell literally all of the items I listed above. If you're looking to not spend a fortune, then come prepared and shop at your local Target or Bed Bath and Beyond for the essentials.

The things I typically pick up at the Expo are limited edition runDisney items and energy gels, (because I like to test out any new flavors). It is very important to make sure you have your ID, wallet, and magic band with you at all times. Having your race waiver printed will save you time at the Expo when receiving your bib. I also always wear a few hair ties on my wrist, and make sure to wear makeup with SPF in it just in case I forget to apply sunscreen right away. runDisney will give you plastic drawstring bags to use on race day for items you may want to leave in the tents while you run. While these are great, I also advise bringing some of your own drawstring bags or plastic baggies for food, wet clothing, and shoes. 

The day you arrive at Disney will be exciting and chaotic. The best way to alleviate any stress and confusion is to plan ahead and keep the essentials with you at all times. Packing an extra tank top or wristlet in your carry on is also helpful if your room isn't ready once you arrive on Disney property. Most hotels can hold your baggage for you, but you'll want to make sure you have everything you need in your carry on if you decide to go to the parks, out to eat, or head to the expo. Also remember that there are lots of unique photo ops around each Disney Resort, as well as character meet and greets at the expo. You may want to pack those Mickey Ears in your carry on...just in case. ;)

Well, that's it for now, folks! I hope my packing list helped! My next blog post will go further in depth on some of my favorite products to use during Disney races and days in the Disney parks!

xx, Dev