Good morning friends! Ok, so today’s post is one a lot of my runDisney friends have been waiting on even since Disney decided to make some hard and fast rules about costumes in the parks. Well, to be fair, some of the rules were always there but not really enforced as they will be now. Honestly, I saw this coming and none of it surprises me and I think they are fair rules. runDisney costumes are very popular, and some people are SO creative, but there have been new guidelines set.
So, if you are going down to Orlando for marathon weekend like I am or if you are heading out to Cali soon for Star Wars, please keep the new rules in mind when planning your costume. It’s for your safety and the safety of the runners around you. (seriously, no one wants to trip over your Jedi robe at mile 12 of a half marathon. ‘Aint nobody got time for that.) Honestly, I feel like when race costumes became all the rage, it was (and still is) a lot of fun, but now people are trying to one-up the “regular” characters and be creative which is totally cool, but it can sometimes come at the expense of your (or others around you) safety, which is most important!
The first set of rules are ones that I am pretty sure have always been in place. Here are the highlights:
No sharp objects, weapons, signing autographs posing as a character, and must be family friendly. Kids 13 and under can wear a mask as long as it doesn’t cover your whole face and your eyes are visible.
Next are the REALLY new rules, and I shall paraphrase for you:
No layered costumes that could possibly conceal a weapon (like a Jedi robe), no big props that surround the body (like the house from UP) may be worn, you can’t wear a dress that reaches or drags the ground (but seriously, wwhhyyy would you want to do that anyway? It’s hot. It’s hard to run in a full length dress…but I digress.) Capes must be no longer than waist length, Themed shirts, sweatshirts, and hats are fine, wings, toy swords, light sabers, and tutus are fine (whew). NO MASKS OF ANY KIND.
Also note that you can’t wear your costume into the park after your race, so bring a change of clothes if you plan to stay (but really, please go back to your room and shower, mmmkk?)
ALSO
Please remember, that there is a bag check/security screening upon entering the race staging area. Also, selfie sticks, strollers, walkers, crutches, scooters are not allowed. In other words, use common sense and you should be A-Ok.
I know these are last minute in light of marathon weekend and I am sure that can be frustrating for those who have already created a stellar costume and I hate that for you, but it is better to know now than to get pulled off the race course, right? I’m sure everyone can still come up with really creative costumes within the parameters!
If you have a question, it’s better to be safe than sorry…or pulled off the race course. Please contact runDisney@disneysports.com no alter than 90 days in advance of a race.
If you want to read the full post from the mouse himself, click here.
QOTD: If you could dress up as any character for a race, it would be____________.
We love costumes too but they have gotten to be too much. Sometimes I simply can’t imagine how people actually run in these outfits. Definitely a sad commentary on our world that they have to enforce new rules but I don’t really have any concerns. And hopefully it will be a step towards overall improved race etiquette at the Disney races.
I got the e-mail about the changes yesterday too. Thankfully, I’m a slacker and will just be wearing some plain running clothes come Sunday.
My only gripe was the closeness to marathon weekend this announcement is. I don’t run in costume because I have to have running gear on when I run, but it’s only days before this weekend’s races. At least those for Star Wars have a little window to revamp if they need to.
I totally agree. It would be frustrating to have your costume already made and be told this days before the race!
This is a situation where being too lazy to run in costume serves me well 🙂 That said, I think these are generally good common sense guidelines, and by no means unreasonable. Sometimes I wonder how runners actually run in some of the super big/elaborate costumes!! I do feel badly for people who have invested time and money in costumes only to be told very last-minute that Disney’s policies won’t allow them. It may have been nice for them to give more notice or implemented them later (say starting with Princess or the May SW races) but I am glad they have the policies going forward.
I agree completely. A little more notice would have been better. I know with the Paris attack etc. happening so recently I’m sure it had something to do with it
Got the email yesterday too, but it seemed more appropriate since we are running dark side in April. I didn’t even think about the people who would already be down for the marathon. You would think that they should have sent it out at least a week ahead of the marathon.
I agree. Very poor timing.
When I saw this yesterday I got stuck on the idea that kids can wear masks but adults are not allowed to any longer. I get why they are doing this but it makes me a little sad.
I think adults were never allowed to wear masks, and kids can’t wear full masks/eyes must be visible. I guess kids aren’t as much of a threat/trying to potentially conceal their identity? But agreed the whole idea of having to do some of this is sad.
I remember from Dopey 2 years ago how ridiculous some of the costumes were. I think that’s when I saw someone wearing the house from Up! Maybe it was the 5k day?
yes!