We are big fans of RunDisney races and encourage everyone to do them. But, at the same time, we understand that RunDisney races are super expensive and time-consuming and it’s not the easiest thing to do. Enter the Beignet Dash, where you have all the fun of a Disney race, but in a bite-size portion.

Happening on most Sundays throughout the year at 8 a.m., the Beignet Dash is a 1.5-mile run/walk/jog through Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. In every sense, this is a microcosm of a typical RunDisney race. You’ll see excited cast members, chEAR squads, photo ops, medals and a fun takeaway. You’ll also see a much more manageable price tag –  $15 (plus tax) versus $85 for a RunDisney 5k.

Parking and Signing Up

The race is located at the Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, meaning you need to take a Disney bus or drive yourself there. There is good news though, parking is free. Simply tell the parking attendant you’re there for the run and they’ll let you in.

The meeting place to sign up and begin the race is near the “Doubloom Lagoon” pool at Port Orleans French Quarter. Follow signs for the pool and then once you’re there follow signs for the Beignet Dash, it’s pretty easy to find.

Sign up involves signing a waiver, writing your name and emergency contact on your bib (don’t worry, the race isn’t actually timed) and paying. The only payment options are Disney gift cards and debit/credit cards, so leave your cash at home.

After signing up and paying, it’s time to run!

Racing

The great thing about the Beignet Dash is that it’s a fun run. There is no timing involved, there is no prize for the winner and the only person you have to beat is yourself. The course is a 1.5-mile winding path that takes you through the French Quarter and the Riverside resort areas. Don’t worry about getting lost, signs and cheering cast members will be strategically placed throughout your run.

Feel free to run as fast or as slowly as you want. The distance is a great way to keep up your fitness or give yourself a tune-up, but pay attention to the visuals too. The terrain is a beautiful path which parallels the river and takes you past room blocks and the plantation houses on the Riverside resort (one of our favorite Disney resort areas).

Post Race

It wouldn’t be a race without a medal and some goodies would it? In that way, the Beignet Dash doesn’t disappoint. Just for finishing you enjoy a bottle of water and receive your medal. Sure, the medal is made of rubber and isn’t encrusted with jewels, but a medal’s a medal, right? There is also a good chance the race is themed to something else as well. We caught the Beignet Dash during “Under the Sea” day and received fishy Mardi Gras beads as an additional gift.

You’ll also be able to take some fun pictures with a themed cast member and props.

As for the goodies, well, it’s called the Beignet Dash for a reason! Attached to your bib is a tear away coupon good for three free beignets from the Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory.

Whether you’re training for a race, wanting to test the RunDisney waters, getting a workout first thing in the morning or you just wanting a fun excuse to walk/run around a Disney resort, the Beignet Dash is a fun and inexpensive way to start your morning off right.