How to Choose the Best On Site Hotels for RunDisney Events
This post is all about how to choose the best on site hotels for runDisney races.
Thinking about where you will stay for your first runDisney race weekend? Read on to find out how to choose which hotel is right for you.
Where to Stay?
With more than 25 different on site hotels to choose from, the question of where to stay for your runDisney race can seem overwhelming. Narrowing down choices can become easier once you understand what each hotel has to offer and how that fits with your perfect race weekend. There is no one right answer, and that is what is so great about Walt Disney World Resorts. They offer an option that fits each traveler, their needs, and budget.
While there are no wrong choices, I am going to highlight some of what I think are the best options for travelers looking to stay on site for their runDisney events.
What is an On Site Hotel?
“On site” is a term used to identify resorts owned and operated by Disney that are on Disney World property. They all include special amenities such as early entry into the parks, magic band charging privileges, and free transportation, and many others.
The number one perk and why I always choose to stay at an on property Disney resort for race weekends is the transportation to and from the races. Even if you have a vehicle of your own or a rental, there are many challenges to driving on race day. There will be road closures and heavy traffic that will make parking difficult. It is nice to be able to relax knowing that at 3am you will be transported to the race problem free. Also some (but not all) of the races will start and end at different locations. This means that if you drive yourself you will have to park and then take a bus anyway to get to the start line miles away.
Where Should I Stay?
First of all you can’t go wrong with any Disney hotel. With that being said I want to take you through choices that will be a great fit specifically for a RunDisney trip depending on your particular style of race weekend. All the hotels I am recommending are resorts I have personally used for Race weekends, so if you have any questions please feel free to ask in the comments below or e-mail me at contact@magicforfive.com.
Best Hotel for Solo Runners on a Budget
Disney All Star Resorts
If you just need a place to rest between runs these hotels are my first pick. There are 3 All Star Resorts- All Star Music, All Star Movies, and All Star Sports. These resorts are all located next to each other and are basically the same hotel with different theming in the lobby and outdoor areas. These resorts are going to be the cheapest way to stay on property and receive all the benefits of an on site hotel.
The rooms are quite small but have all been updated in the last few years to a very clean and efficient design. If you have stated at Pop Century Resort these rooms will look very familiar to you. This is not the resort I would recommend for a week long family vacation, but for a weekend of running solo or with a buddy it fits the bill perfectly. They each have a food court with lots of options, friendly and helpful staff, and Disney transportation to get you to and from your races.
I recently stayed at All Star Music for a solo running weekend and left feeling really great about the money I was able to save while still receiving all of the on site benefits that I have come to expect. Plus, I was able to splurge on more of the RunDisney merchandise we all love!
Best Hotel for Bringing the Family
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
If you want to make your race weekend an event for the entire family Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is an easy choice. With moderate prices and access to the main Skyliner hub, this is a hotel that fits the needs of both runners and the rest of the family.
One of my favorite things about this hotel is that it is usually the most cost effective way for a family of five to stay on property. You will want to make sure to book a room in the “5th sleeper” category to ensure you will have 2 Queens and a single murphy bed.
What makes it great for race weekends specifically is that you can use the Skyliner (a gondolla system) to access both Epcot and Hollywood studios. This means shorter and easier trips to the parks for you the runner (Amen for less time on your feet!). If also means that while you are running/recovering it makes it a breeze for the rest of the family to get to and from the parks, especially if it leaves only one parent with all the kids, strollers, and gear.
I will add a caveat that this is a HUGE resort. Making a room request here is highly recommended. I prefer rooms in the Jamaica or Aruba section which are closer to transportation, but make sure to look at the map and decide what will be best for your family.
Best Hotel for an Adults Only Trip
Epcot Area Resorts
For an adults only trip my very favorite place to stay are the Epcot resorts. Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, Disney’s Beach Club, and Disney’s Yacht Club are all located just a short walk from the International Gateway entrance to Epcot.
When traveling sans kids one of my favorite things to do at Disney is eat all the awesome food, and even more so during a race weekend. My favorite thing to do is get cleaned up after a race and stroll right over into the France Pavilion for a delicious breakfast. I also love to get all dressed up with friends and toast all of our hard work over a delicious dinner at any of the amazing restaurants in Epcot or Hollywood studios, which is also just minutes away via boat transportation.
The Hotel you choose is a personal preference, but my preferred resort is the Beach Club. When I stay there for race weekends I always request to be near the international gateway. This means you are literally steps away.
One more perk of these hotels is that if you are running a course that takes you around Crescent Lake the non running members of your group can easily cheer you on! Transportation for spectators can sometimes be tricky. At these resorts they can just walk down to the course to give you encouragement to finish your race.
Where will you Stay for you Next Race?
I hope this has given you some insight on the Best On Site Hotels for RunDisney trips. Where do you prefer to stay for your running weekends? I would love to hear from you below.
Looking for more Disney Vacation Planning Info? Read this next: What to Pack in Your Disney World Bag
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