A significant policy change has been announced for runDisney volunteers. Complimentary theme park tickets will no longer be offered to volunteers who assist in staffing runDisney races. The change was noticed when volunteers were signing up to help at the 2023 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend scheduled at Walt Disney World this November.
Below is the notice regarding complimentary theme park tickets as seen on the volunteer registration form.
Thank you for considering volunteering your time during the upcoming runDisney race season! Your passion for making a difference in the Central Florida community through our celebrated charities is truly valued. In keeping with that spirit of volunteerism, complimentary theme park tickets will not be distributed. We appreciate your support and enthusiasm for our magical running community.
The volunteer registration form asks prospective volunteers to acknowledge they will receive no compensation, including free theme park tickets, when signing up.
If you’re a long-time reader here, you know we’re big fans of runDisney races. A significant reason why those events are so memorable is due to the hard work and enthusiasm of the volunteers. Their cheering and positive attitude powers runners through the long miles and the usual Florida heat. Like Disney cast members, they help make the difference.
Unfortunately, this is the latest financial decision that stings Disney and runDisney fans for minimal gain. A free ticket, which is a drop in the bucket for Disney, has allowed runDisney events to have amazing volunteers without actually having to pay for staffing. It was a nice perk for a mostly thankless and difficult job.
Will runDisney have a hard time finding enough volunteers following this change?