RunDisney races are very popular because the courses are so unique. When else would you be able to run alongside characters through some of the most iconic parks in the … MORE
RunDisney races are very popular because the courses are so unique. When else would you be able to run alongside characters through some of the most iconic parks in the world? I was impressed with the organization and swag with this race. Some things I didn’t quite enjoy were the price (it’s the most expensive race I’ve run), the start time, and the “in between” bits of the course. I got to the pre-race events at ~3:45am, so be prepared to run on very little sleep. The in between bits of the course had us running along long stretches of highway and up and over a few bridges, so be prepared for those inclines and banks. Overall, it was a great race, but I doubt I’ll run it again.
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Great Race to Run Once
RunDisney races are very popular because the courses are so unique. When else would you be able to run alongside characters through some of the most iconic parks in the … MORE
RunDisney races are very popular because the courses are so unique. When else would you be able to run alongside characters through some of the most iconic parks in the world? I was impressed with the organization and swag with this race. Some things I didn’t quite enjoy were the price (it’s the most expensive race I’ve run), the start time, and the “in between” bits of the course. I got to the pre-race events at ~3:45am, so be prepared to run on very little sleep. The in between bits of the course had us running along long stretches of highway and up and over a few bridges, so be prepared for those inclines and banks. Overall, it was a great race, but I doubt I’ll run it again.
Super Fun!
Every runner must do at least one runDisney in their lives - it's just so dang fun! The positives - Incredible production and atmosphere - Fireworks at the start line … MORE
Every runner must do at least one runDisney in their lives – it’s just so dang fun!
The positives
– Incredible production and atmosphere
– Fireworks at the start line – for every corral
– CLEANEST RACE EVER!! Not a single water cup or GU packet on the road.
– Fantastic entertainment – as you’d expect.
The negatives
– 90% humidity that weekend. Can runDisney’s be tough? If the weather sucks, absolutely! That level of humidity made the race exceedingly tough.
– 50% of the half is run on highways – but Disney does a good job providing entertainment during that time.
Worth doing!
RunDisney First Timer Honest Opinion
Full disclosure, I am not a huge Disney person. I’ve enjoyed trips to the park but would not consider myself a fanatic by any means. Nonetheless, I was very excited … MORE
Full disclosure, I am not a huge Disney person. I’ve enjoyed trips to the park but would not consider myself a fanatic by any means. Nonetheless, I was very excited to run at Disney. I did plenty of research beforehand (which I recommend), had a hotel on property, and had a goal to PR. I only signed up for the half and was flying in the night before Saturday and returning Sunday night.
Major kudos to Disney on transportation to the Expo from the hotel. Seamless process taking the bus. The expo itself was fine. I did not care for any of the merchandise for sale. However, the race shirt was fantastic! A neutral gray with the half marathon logo on front, nothing too crazy. The half marathon registration also included a luggage tag which was a welcome surprise. While I was not too interested in character pictures it was a nice touch at bib pickup and I witnessed many other guests have a memorable experience which makes it a definite positive. Overall the expo was good but it left more to be desired from a Disney production standpoint.
Race day transportation was seamless as well. I truly do give Disney credit for one of the best bus systems I have ridden. I was on the first bus from my hotel and starting in corral B. The time you wait at the corral was not a major issue, I brought my breakfast and hydration to be ready for a 5 am start time.
The race itself was great from my standpoint. I took time to take pictures with a few characters but not all. The major delay seemed to be the first character, Gaston, who had a long line. Any other character I took a picture with had 0-1 people stopping. I found the hydration stations to be placed a good distance apart for my needs. I never felt the need for one earlier than it appeared. Even at the start I did not feel the field was crowded and was able to weave until there was comfortable spacing.
One of the major draws to these races is the ability to run through Disney parks. In my honest opinion, the Hollywood Studios portion far superseded the Epcot portion. While running through Epcot was enjoyable I did not find it as invigorating. The other mileage is done on roads/highways which were fine.
I was able to hit my PR goal even with picture stops, it really depends on what you value more on race day. I did not think the medal was that great, I was not a big fan of the art style used and the color and finish seems dull This is just my opinion.
Are the RunDisney events worth the cost? If you enjoy running in new places then I would say yes. I found it more enjoyable to stop for pictures and truly immerse myself in the experience than to go full throttle and focus just on running and I still completed my goal. The organization and execution of this event was superb with an enjoyable course.
Disney races are fun
These races are well executed but there are too many runners during certain pinch points. The course is half incredibly boring with some cool parts during the parks? MORE
These races are well executed but there are too many runners during certain pinch points. The course is half incredibly boring with some cool parts during the parks?
Lots of Fun!
First of all, don't go in thinking this is a race. It is untimed. Pre-race production was top notch. SUPER crowded at the start line, so expect to have to … MORE
First of all, don’t go in thinking this is a race. It is untimed. Pre-race production was top notch. SUPER crowded at the start line, so expect to have to walk the first few minutes. Once you get into the parks, it’s really cool! Several opportunities to take pictures with characters along the way. The shirt and medal were both great.
First Time Disney Runner
This was my first Run Disney race and I really enjoyed it. I realized running Disney is completely different from any other race i've done and I'm still learning as … MORE
This was my first Run Disney race and I really enjoyed it. I realized running Disney is completely different from any other race i’ve done and I’m still learning as the days go on. I love how everything is coordinated for this race, the race expo was amazing! the race items to purchase were also nice. For any first time Disney runners, my suggestion would be to do as much research as you can about the event- i’m talking FB groups, IG groups, Tik Tok Videos, YouTube videos, Podcasts, all of it. I did all of these and I still didn’t know as much as I wanted to about the weekend and all everything available. The basics are outlined in the very descriptive race guide, however, i’m referring to things people would only know if they’ve run Disney several times. I signed up for additional Disney runs and i’m looking forward to each and every one! Oh the character stops were also really cool and even though I didn’t stop, I really enjoyed seeing them along the way.
Disney Wine and Dine Half
This is an expensive run, but if you can afford it, it is well worth it. The run started in Epcot. My favorite part was the run around the lake … MORE
This is an expensive run, but if you can afford it, it is well worth it. The run started in Epcot. My favorite part was the run around the lake through the pavilions. There is a stretch of about 7 miles where you’re on roads which was much less exciting.
Disney promises magic at every mile and they delivered. There were plenty of character photo ops – although if you’re a slower runner it’s hard to take advantage of them and complete the course before it closes. The music was great. There were ample water and aid stations throughout the course.
My one beef… the food station was broken down before we got there. This happens often, but is frustrating. I think the slower runners probably need it more than the faster ones.
The swag is great and the post race food was well selected to aid with recovery.
Don't Walk 40,000 Steps Before
runDisney never ceases to amaze me with their great production. Expo was lovely, races ran smooth. The walk to the start line was quite long, and as with every Disney … MORE
runDisney never ceases to amaze me with their great production. Expo was lovely, races ran smooth. The walk to the start line was quite long, and as with every Disney race, the corrals are quite large and can take some time actually getting to the start line. Performance wise – I did not make good choices and put on wayyyyy too many miles in the park after the 10k and before the half, so we were wrecked during the half.
Great event!
Another well done RunDisney event. Nice course, great character photo ops and beautiful medal and shirt. Includes ticket to Epcot after party. Definitely would do it again MORE
Another well done RunDisney event. Nice course, great character photo ops and beautiful medal and shirt. Includes ticket to Epcot after party. Definitely would do it again
Wine & Dine challenge- I enjoyed it
2:55am wake up to get to parking by 3:30am (I prefer to drive in as it’s cheaper to stay off Disney property), Medals (3 of them) are sweet , shirts … MORE
2:55am wake up to get to parking by 3:30am (I prefer to drive in as it’s cheaper to stay off Disney property), Medals (3 of them) are sweet , shirts long sleeves, nice snack boxes, Powerade, a sweat towel at end, long lines for character pics.
This year the weather was almost perfect, I didn’t like that the 10k only had water, the lights they use to light the way in some areas Can be blinding when it’s still dark.
I totally enjoyed the half marathon no complaints at all regarding the race. But the walkers at any Disney race seem to not have manners and take up the course left to right with no regard that there are others there who actually want to run, I ended up in the grass a few times to get around them.
The 10k and half you are transported from parking lot to the startline area.
Disney 5k- in the dark
Since it starts so early I started and finished in the dark, can’t really enjoy the views that way, the lights they use to light the way Can be blinding. … MORE
Since it starts so early I started and finished in the dark, can’t really enjoy the views that way, the lights they use to light the way Can be blinding. They only had 1 water stop, no Powerade, it was the hottest of the 3 races that weekend. Loved seeing the costumes everyone wore. But walkers are a problem if you like running your course because they don’t care if you are running through they take up the whole course path and refuse to move for anyone and I ended up running off into the grass multiple times, which Can be dangerous since it’s uneven and sometimes broken up pavement pieces in some areas.
Medals are nice, shirts are long sleeve, snack boxes at end!
Not worth the expense
This was a cooler race because it was during the wine and dine festival. They do offer a $15 gift card to buy food at the after party that is … MORE
This was a cooler race because it was during the wine and dine festival. They do offer a $15 gift card to buy food at the after party that is held the evening of the race. I didn’t get to attend, but that was a nice feature. There aren’t many spectators. You do need to submit a previous race time in order to get a decent corral. Still plan to get to the start line an hour or so before the race in order to get a good spot in your corral. The pre race expo has a lot of cheaply made items that are expensive. Post race food is terrible (oreos and nachos).
It's Disney, what else do you need!
It is early... but with transportation and event coordination, it is super easy and effortless to get to the start line. If you want to get into your specific corral … MORE
It is early… but with transportation and event coordination, it is super easy and effortless to get to the start line. If you want to get into your specific corral (ie I was in Corral A), this race is not intended for competition, but more a fun and enjoyable experience.
I mention this as I showed up about 15-20 minutes before corral was supposed to close and I was turned away, told it was at capacity and I was asked to go to the back… which I found out was actually back to corral D. I sifted through gates and did not make many friends, but I found they just allow ANYONE to the corral and the corral guards do not know any better and are just doing their job, but it was rather frustrating to be going off in the 2nd/3rd corral and after 5k int the race, I was all by myself and not able to run with the folks that were at the front that I was trying to pace with and compete with.
Ya live and ya learn…. because outside of that, it was a fun race, fun course and just awesome spectacle.
Disney knows how to put on a race!
This was my first Wine and Dine Half and 10k, but not my first Disney race. I love Disney races, although they are expensive. This was my favorite of all … MORE
This was my first Wine and Dine Half and 10k, but not my first Disney race. I love Disney races, although they are expensive. This was my favorite of all the ones I have run so far. Great characters in course, music on course, and this one came with entry into the food festival with a $15 dining credit. As always, race production is fantastic and the medals and T-shirt’s were incredible. The race expo is huge, and all staff and cast memebers are very supportive before, during, and after the race. Just remember to always put down a previous race time during registration, so that you get an accurate starting corral and don’t end up at the last one if that’s not where you should be. I love runDisney, they are pretty amazing.
Disney Races - Yay
Wine and Dine is a fav disney race for the size. Compared to Star Wars or Princess, it's quite small. I loved the smaller feel. Great medals, course and swag. … MORE
Wine and Dine is a fav disney race for the size. Compared to Star Wars or Princess, it’s quite small. I loved the smaller feel. Great medals, course and swag. Love this race.
Newer race
Fid second year of 10k distance. Thought course was ok but not fan of starting in 1 park ending in another. Got to go thru 3 parks. Lots of road … MORE
Fid second year of 10k distance. Thought course was ok but not fan of starting in 1 park ending in another. Got to go thru 3 parks. Lots of road running. Nice time of year get to see parks switch from Halloween to Christmas.
Loved Wine & Dine
I had a fantastic experience at my first Wine & Dine Half Marathon. The expo was fun and really well stocked, the course was fantastic, and the after party and … MORE
I had a fantastic experience at my first Wine & Dine Half Marathon. The expo was fun and really well stocked, the course was fantastic, and the after party and celebration were incredible. runDisney puts on the best events and I can’t wait to participate again.
Wish It was Still a Night Race
**Disney races are expensive, but also great races for first timers: relaxed mile requirements, lots of fun entertainment, and fellow runners of all experiences, speeds, and sizes.** I'd heard a … MORE
**Disney races are expensive, but also great races for first timers: relaxed mile requirements, lots of fun entertainment, and fellow runners of all experiences, speeds, and sizes.**
I’d heard a lot of wonderful things about the Wine and Dine weekend- a cool night race with a fun after party. This year, they changed the race to be another early morning run (like the other halfs). It was fine, but nothing remarkably different from the other Disney races. You get to go through the parks, including Animal Kingdom and Epcot. The after party was still fun (the Wine and Food Festival is fun- lots of great food) but after getting up at 4AM- staying up late that night wasn’t the easiest thing for me.
Not as Great as the Hype
Cotton Tshirt - even 5Kers like tech. Cute Medal, but should have been flashier - wasn't very holiday-like, no color. Snack boxes left us hungry. Transport from and to hotel … MORE
Cotton Tshirt – even 5Kers like tech.
Cute Medal, but should have been flashier – wasn’t very holiday-like, no color.
Snack boxes left us hungry.
Transport from and to hotel was awesome, as always.
Zero ability to get coffee or food prior to race. Disney could surely have food courts open for real, hot breakfast and coffee during race weekends. Who wants a day-old bagel for breakfast?
Running through AK was the draw for this race. We were very excited to get to run through without all the guests, but it was so dark you couldn’t enjoy the scenery. It was hard to see the edges of the path and the course narrowed several times causing the crowd to obscure dangers ahead (like cones in the path).
On course support was cute and fun.
This year = the splash and dash!
This was my first wine and dine at Disneyworld. I would definately go back and do this race again. As a night race it is unique and with the food … MORE
This was my first wine and dine at Disneyworld. I would definately go back and do this race again. As a night race it is unique and with the food and wine festival afterwards that makes it the total package. This year it was unfortunate because of the rain. It started raining when we were in our corals and didn’t let up all night long. Even though we had dry clothes in our checked bags we couldn’t break the chill. We made it until 4 am at the park but we were cold and damp and if wasn’t Disney I would dare say cranky, but we pulled through. Disney races are unlike any other and I love them!