Tips for Disney’s 2017 Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend — The Dark Side

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Orlando may have just wrapped up the four day mega convention, A Star Wars Celebration, but that doesn’t mean the Force isn’t still in town. Beginning Thursday, April 20, runDisney kicks off its second annual Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend — The Dark Side — at Walt Disney World.

Here are a few tips to make the most of the weekend:

** Give yourself time to look around the Health & Fitness Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex during packet pickup on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It’s a showcase for the latest products, including race-themed merchandise. Be aware that official runDisney merchandise specifically designed for the weekend typically sells out quickly. The Expo is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission and parking are free.

** The Expo is great place to pick up last-minute Star Wars-themed running gear. In addition to the official runDisney merchandise, vendors also will have items for sale. Plus, there usually are special themed photo backdrops — and sometimes characters — only available to runners who present their bibs. So, even if you don’t have time to stop during packet pick-up, you may want to come back after your race with your medal.

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** The Dark Side 10K and half marathon courses have changed this year, and runners will start from the Ticket and Transportation Center parking lot. However, runners will not be able to park there on race days. Runner drop-off will be available in the Charter Lot at Magic Kingdom by the Transportation and Ticket Center or the Charter Lot at Epcot.

** Reminder: Race photos are handled by the Disney PhotoPass staff and will be available to view at MyDisneyPhotoPass.com (select Walt Disney World) and on the My Disney Experience app within 24 hours of the event. To link your photos, you will need to enter the 11-digit RaceID followed by your 5-digit bib number. If your bib number is less than 5 digits, add zeros at the beginning of your bib number to complete the 16-digit code.

If you are not a Disney Parks passholder with Disney PhotoPass benefits, you can purchase Memory Maker One Day or the Memory Maker package that includes all photos from your Walt Disney World vacation. Memory Maker One Day is $59 and can only be purchased through the My Disney Experience app. (Click on the three bars at the top left of the screen and then choose “PhotoPass,” not “Memory Maker.” Tap a photo and your choices will appear.) Memory Maker One Day begins at 6 a.m. ET on the day you select. The Memory Maker package is $169, but guests who purchase it online at least three days in advance of their arrival at the resort will save $20. The Memory Maker package starts at 12 a.m. on the day you first download or unlock digital content and lasts for 30 days.

** Afterward, head over to Hollywood Studios and immerse yourself in a galaxy not so far away. You can see the Star Wars stage show, the March of the First Order with Captain Phasma and plenty of stormtroopers, and meet Kylo Ren, Chewbacca and BB-8. Plus, don’t forget to ride Star Tours and stick around for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks to end the night.

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