Tips, Tricks, and a Dash of Pixie Dust for RunDisney on a Budget
- Mai Smith-Trau
- Oct 19, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 15, 2025
As most of you know, my family and I have a slight obsession with Disney runs. Okay, fine — it’s an expensive habit. Between the costumes, shoes, travel, hotels, flights, park tickets, and registration fees, the magic can really add up. But don’t worry, I’ve learned a few tricks to keep our wallets from completely crying.
Let’s break it down — Pugaloo style. 🐾✨
🏅 When the Race Is Sold Out: Go the Charity Route
So here’s the deal: if you’re signing up late and the race is already full, don’t panic! You can still get in through a charity bib. We’ve done this for the 2026 Disneyland Marathon Weekend, and my husband did it for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon.
Now, mind you — this man changed his mind last minute because he suddenly decided he had to have his Coast-to-Coast medal. Jerk face. 😆 (He’s also the only one who qualified this year… just saying.)
But honestly, joining a charity team is an amazing experience. We picked causes that meant a lot to us — veterans for Wine & Dine and Cystic Fibrosis for Disneyland. With their help, we hit our fundraising goal in just one week!
The charities make it super easy: they’ll help you set up your donation page and even give you tips on how to share it. I always remind friends and family that every dollar helps — big or small. And honestly, it feels good to run for something that matters.
🏨 Saving on Hotels (Because Mickey Doesn’t Offer Discounts for Moms)
We’re Disney Vacation Club members, so our first stop is always checking DVC availability for race weekends. That worked great for Florida, but not so much for California.
So when that fails, I compare prices using Expedia, Hopper, and Priceline — my holy trinity of travel savings. Here’s how I make it work:
I “watch” the event or hotel so I can see when prices drop.
Both Expedia and Priceline give extra discounts to loyal users (so keep booking with the same one).
Expedia tends to be cheaper for me overall.
BUT Priceline’s “mystery hotel” deals sometimes win — it’s cheaper, but you don’t know the hotel until you book.
👉 Pro tip: there’s a trick to guessing which hotel it is. If you want my step-by-step guide, sign up for my free email list, and I’ll send it right to you. It’s easier than you think!
Disneyland Hotel DVC in 2025
🚗 Driving to Disneyland? Here’s How I Hack the Road Trip
When we go to Disneyland, we usually drive. We leave stupid early in the morning to dodge traffic (and because everyone else in the car can sleep while I play DJ and sip gas-station coffee).
I always plan our route around Love’s Travel Stops — their app saves me 10¢ per gallon, and their bathrooms are clean enough for a medal ceremony. Sorry, EV friends — can’t help you there. We’re still old-school gas burners.
✈️ Flying to Disney World? Start Early
Disney World is a different story — we always fly. I start looking about six months out, comparing prices on Expedia, Hopper, and Priceline again.
With four of us flying, that extra planning saves hundreds. I’ll also set price alerts so I can jump on a deal when it drops. Usually, Expedia wins this round, but I always check all three before booking.
👟 The Fun Stuff: Costumes & Gear
Now let’s talk about the real fun — the outfits! Each race has a theme, and yes, we fully commit. We use Amazon and Etsy for costumes, because who doesn’t want to run 13.1 miles dressed as a sassy villain?
No major savings tips here — this is where the money flies away faster than a Tinkerbell sparkle. But do invest in comfort.
For me, it’s Brooks Adrenaline shoes all the way. I used to wear New Balance back in 2017, but when I jumped back into running, they just didn’t fit the same. I had my feet checked at Scheels, and they matched me with Brooks — and wow, what a difference.
And yes, I love a cute running skort and tank combo — preferably something that screams, “I’m tired but still adorable.”
Brooks Disney Run for 2025
📝 The Bottom Line
Disney running isn’t cheap — let’s be honest. But with a little planning, some smart price-watching, and a dash of creativity, you can make the magic work without selling your firstborn or your pug’s wardrobe.
✅ Start early.
✅ Watch prices like a hawk.
✅ Set aside funds for when those deals drop.
✅ Pick a charity if the race is full — it’s rewarding in more ways than one.
Most importantly? Have fun with it. Because when you cross that finish line with your family, dressed like your favorite Disney character, sweaty and smiling — it’s all worth it.
Can’t wait to see y’all out there! 🏃♀️✨🐾
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