Bring on the 2024-2025 Walt Disney World runDisney race season! We’re kicking it off with the 15th annual Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. The weekend’s races will take place over the course of three days–a 5K on Friday, a 10K on Saturday, and a half marathon on Sunday, with the Expo event at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports beginning the day before, on Thursday. 

To make things as smooth and simple as possible this coming weekend, whether it’s your first race or your 100th, here’s everything you’ll need at your fingertips for the whole weekend in one place. If you’re also looking for guidance on what to bring with you on race day and how to navigate gEAR check on race mornings, you can find that right here.

General Details

runDisney’s 2024 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend takes place this coming weekend, October 31st – November 3rd. The Expo event begins Thursday, October 31, 2024. Races are over the following 3 days, with the Disney Wine & Dine 5K on Friday, November 1st, the Wine & Dine 10K on Saturday, November 2nd, and the Wine & Dine Half Marathon on Sunday, November 3rd. If you are running the Two Course Challenge, you’ll be doing both Saturday’s 10K and Sunday’s half marathon, for a total of 19.3 miles.

If you are participating in any of the weekend’s races, be sure to log into your runDisney account before heading to Expo to complete your waiver form. You should have received a Check In Pass for Expo as well via email earlier this week, or you can download it directly from your runDisney Account.

Expo – ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Schedule:

• Day 1: Thursday, October 31, 2024 | 10:00am – 7:00pm 
• Day 2: Friday, November 1, 2024 | 12:00pm – 7:00pm 
• Day 3: Saturday, November 2, 2024 | 11:00am – 3:00pm

All race participants will need to go to the Expo at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports before their race(s) to pick up their race bib(s). You aren’t allowed to have someone pick up your bib for you, so you always need to make sure that you’ll be able to get to Expo at least a day before your first race. When you go, you’ll bring your Check-In Pass (printed or screenshot/digital are both fine) and a valid photo ID with you.

You can drive yourself to Expo. Parking is very straightforward and generally readily available. You can also use Disney’s provided Expo transportation from the resorts. It generally runs back and forth all day from 30 minutes before Expo’s opening to 30 minutes after Expo’s closing. 

Expo bus transportation times to/from all Disney Resorts, Shades of Green, and the Swan and Dolphin Resorts:

• Thursday, October 31, 2024 | 9:30am – 7:30pm
• Friday, April 19, 2024 | 11:30am – 7:30pm
• Saturday, April 20, 2024 | 10:30am – 3:30pm

You’ll pick up your race bib in the State Farm Field House with your valid photo ID, your Check-In Pass, and your digitally signed waiver (they’ll generally just confirm that your Check-In Pass indicates that your waiver has been signed). Then you’ll pick up your race shirt(s) and gEAR Bag in the Athletic Center. If your shirts don’t fit, you can exchange your size for a different one there too so long as they have the new size available.

runDisney Wine & Dine Virtual Queue

On the first day of Expo, Thursday, October 31, 2024, there will be a virtual queue for the runDisney Merchandise Shop at Expo. This will be the only way to shop on the first day, so make sure to join if you plan to shop on Thursday. (Some things will always sell out fast, so if there’s something you know you want it’s good to get there early.)  You can join the virtual queue in the My Disney Experience app at 8:30 a.m. Eastern that morning. If you need detailed instructions on how to join, you can find them right here under “Virtual Queue Information”. It’s much the same as setting up a virtual queue spot for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or TRON if you’re familiar with that process. runDisney suggests that you plan to arrive at Expo when you have about 60 minutes remaining on your estimated wait time.

runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Events

Before we dig into each individual event, here’s some information that will apply no matter what you’re running.

New runDisney Costume Guidelines

runDisney updated their costume guidelines recently and has done a good job trying to clarify the new rules. Here’s a general overview. You can also watch a short video by runDisney that covers the current guidelines right here.

Participants may dress as their favorite character, but must follow these rules:

• Costumes must be family-friendly and not obstructive or violent.
• Participants aged 14 and up may not wear masks. (Participants 13 and younger may wear masks, but eyes must be visible and they shouldn’t cover the whole face.)
• Participants who dress like characters may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other guests.
• Costumes may not contain sharp or pointed objects, or materials that might accidentally strike another participant.
• Costumes may not drag on the ground or include sharp objects or weapons that could easily be mistaken for the real thing.
• No layered costumes that don’t follow the natural contour of the body. (I.e., if you could hide something prohibited under it, it’s not permitted.) Layered clothes like tutus, transparent wings, and cold weather gear are expressly permitted so long as they don’t cover your face.
• No costumes or props that physically connect two or more participants, surround the whole body with hard edges (e.g., don’t be the Up house), or otherwise present a safety hazard (e.g. don’t carry King Triton’s trident). Small, inflatable or otherwise soft handheld props are expressly permitted.
• Tutus, transparent wings and hats/headwear are okay so long as they don’t cover your face.
• Capes must be waist length or shorter.

Note that while you’re allowed to dress in costume for the races, guests 14 and older are not permitted to wear costumes in the parks during normal operating hours, so if you’re running in costume you’ll need to change before heading to the parks for the day. (Probably a good idea anyway… 😉 

Transportation and Arrival at the Race

runDisney asks that you arrive no later than 4:00 a.m. for the races, but traditionally people will start to arrive well before 3 a.m., so arrive early if you plan to try to get character pictures before the races. The lines get long very quickly. 

Participants and spectators who are staying on property are encouraged to use the provided runDisney event transportation. You’ll find transportation times and pick-up locations posted on signs in the lobby of your resort. 

There will NOT be monorail or Skyliner transportation for any of the weekend’s races.

If you plan to drive, you will need to park in the EPCOT parking lot. Parking is free before 6:00 a.m. on race mornings. Here is the lot map that Disney has provided, but don’t stress about memorizing this–there will be people to guide you in. If you’re using a ride share service, follow the signs to the designated drop off area.

2024 Wine & Dine Race Weekend Parking Lot Map

Maps for road closures for the 10K and Half Marathon are below.

If you’d like a little extra magic (and convenience) in your transportation, Minnie Vans are also available to on property participants. If you’re interested in this paid option, you can ask for more information at your resort.

gEAR Bag Check

The clear plastic bag that you get your race shirts in at Expo will serve as your gEAR Bag for the weekend if you want to use one. gEAR Bag check is available for all three of the races. You’ll find it in the staging area before the race. Here is a map of the area generally, but, again, don’t feel the need to memorize anything. There are plenty of people there to help if you have questions.

runDisney Wine & Dine Race Weekend Reunion / Staging Area Map

I’ve covered gEAR Check in detail in other articles. If you need more information about how the process works or what you should bring, it’s all detailed right here.

Race Bib and Start Group Assignment

For each race, your start group is indicated by a letter in the upper corner of your bib. Look at the specifics below for each race for the specific opening and closing times for your corral. This year they’ve provided estimated start times by corral for each race as well. You’ll also find those below.

Medical

If you need medical assistance before, during, or after the race, they are there to help! Medical stations will be located on each course as well as at the finish line. You can also look for medical personnel riding the course on bikes, in the finish chute and walking around the family reunion area. You should also fill out the Emergency Medical Information area on the back of your race bib. 

Weather

The summer heat has finally dissipated a bit, but as someone who trains pre-dawn near Disney pretty regularly, I can assure you that it warms up fast when you’re running–especially with the current humidity and as we get later into each day. Overnight temperatures will likely be comfortably in the upper sixties, but daytime highs are expected to be in the mid-80s. Even though we’ll be long done before the highest temps of the day arrive, don’t underestimate how warm you might be, especially if you’re accustomed to cooler training temps. Make sure to dress accordingly, hydrate, and replace your electrolytes before, during, and after your race(s).

If you do want to add a layer for while you’re waiting, you can bring along a mylar blanket or wear an extra throwaway layer. You’ll need to drop the mylar before you start (it will block the chip on your bib from registering when you cross the start line) but you can drop clothing layers at any time. Disney’s Textile Services team follows along at the back end of the race and collects all of the layers of clothing that runners remove. The clothing is then laundered on site and donated to people in need. 

I’ve listed my go to items for hot or cold race mornings before–you can find everything here.

Disney PhotoPass – Race Photos

Disney PhotoPass® Photographers will be on the course and at the finish line taking your photos. To view them, you’ll need to link them at Disneyworld.com/PhotoPass or on the My Disney Experience app. To link your photos, enter the following codes, replacing the xxxxx with your bib number. If your bib number has less than 5 digits, start with 0s.

• Wine & Dine 5K: 2024 WINE D5Kx xxxx
• Wine & Dine 10K: 2024 WINE 10Kx xxxx 
• Wine & Dine Half Marathon: 2024 WINE HLFx xxxx 

It’s great to get PhotoPass for your race weekend trips, as it will include all of your pictures from Expo and the races. Otherwise, you’ll be buying them a là carte.

Spectator Guide

You’ll find spectator viewing areas for each race in the sections that follow. Generally, Disney does not allow spectators to watch the race on open roadways or overpasses. They also ask that you not hand out any food or drinks to athletes on the course. 

If you’re making a sign, try using the brightest paper you can find to help your athlete find you, especially before sunrise. A friend of mine wears a neon hat to cheer for his husband and it makes him so easy to spot in the crowds on Main Street! Knowing your athlete’s pace and tracking them on the course can help you to know when and where to look for them. And be realistic if you plan to cheer in more than one location (e..g, on the course and at the finish line) as transportation can be slow moving on race days. It’s good to know your priorities going into the morning.

runDisney Wine & Dine 5K

• Theme: The Muppets!!
• Date: Friday, November 1, 2024 | 5:00am – 7:45am
• Transportation: Athletes and spectators should arrive at EPCOT by 4:00 am for all of the races. Transportation times and pick-up locations for on property resort guests will be posted on signs in the lobby of each resort. There will not be monorail or Disney Skyliner transportation during any of the races this weekend. Details for participants who plan to drive is in the general race information section above.

Bus Transportation Times to/from all Disney Resorts, Shades of Green, and the Swan and Dolphin Resorts:

• Resorts to Start Line 3:00am – 5:00am
• Finish Line to Resorts 6:30am – 9:00am

• Course: Start and finish, EPCOT parking lot

runDisney 2024 Wine & Dine 5K – Course Map

• PhotoPass Link: WINE D5Kx xxxx (replace xxxxx with your bib number)

• Corral Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

runDisney 2024 Wine & Dine 5K Corral/Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

• Spectator Information: 

• Start: Accessible 4:30am-6:00am via EPCOT Rocket Parking Lot
• Finish: Accessible 5:00am-7:45am via EPCOT Eve Parking Lot

runDisney Wine & Dine 10K

• Theme: Down the Bayou with Tiana
• Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024 | 5:00am – 8:00am. Participants must complete the race within the 16-minute-per-mile pacing requirement established by runDisney. Pacing requirements are inclusive of taking photos with characters, restroom breaks, and food and water stops. 
• Transportation: Athletes and spectators should arrive at EPCOT by 4:00 am for all of the races. Transportation times and pick-up locations for on property resort guests will be posted on signs in the lobby of each resort. There will not be monorail or Disney Skyliner transportation during any of the races this weekend. 

Bus Transportation Times to/from all Disney Resorts, Shades of Green, and the Swan and Dolphin Resorts:

• Resorts to Start Line 3:00am – 5:00am
• Finish Line to Resorts 6:30am – 9:00am

Details for participants who plan to drive is in the general race information section above. This is the road closure map provided by Disney for that morning:

• Course: Start and finish, EPCOT parking lot

runDisney 2024 Wine & Dine 10K – Course Map

• PhotoPass Link: 2024 WINE 10Kx xxxx (replace xxxxx with your bib number)

• Corral Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

runDisney 2024 Wine & Dine 10K Corral/Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

• Spectator Information: Spectators will be able to follow their runners’ split times for the 10K and Half Marathon by inputting their information here.

Wine & Dine 10K Spectator Viewpoints

• • Start: Accessible 4:30am-6:00am via EPCOT Rocket Parking Lot.
  • Finish: Accessible 5:00am-8:00am via EPCOT Eve Parking Lot.

• Official Race Results: The official race results for the 10K and 10-Miler are typically posted on the evening of the race.

runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon

• Theme: Ratatouille’s Remy & Linguini 
• Date: Sunday, November 3, 2024 | 5:00am – 9:30am. Participants must complete the race within the 16-minute-per-mile pacing requirement established by runDisney. Pacing requirements are inclusive of taking photos with characters, restroom breaks, and food and water stops.
• Transportation: Athletes and spectators should arrive at EPCOT by 4:00 am for all of the races. Transportation times and pick-up locations for on property resort guests will be posted on signs in the lobby of each resort. There will not be monorail or Disney Skyliner transportation during any of the races this weekend. 

Bus Transportation Times to/from all Disney Resorts (except below), Shades of Green, and the Swan and Dolphin Resorts:

• Resorts to Start Line 2:30am – 5:00am
• Finish Line to Resorts 6:30am – 10:30am

Details for participants who plan to drive is in the general race information section above. This is the road closure map provided by Disney for the morning of the Half Marathon:

• Course: Start and finish, EPCOT parking lot

runDisney 2024 Wine & Dine Half Marathon – Course Map

• PhotoPass Link: 2024 WINE HLFx xxxx (replace xxxxx with your bib number)

• Corral Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

runDisney 2024 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Corral/Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

• Spectator Information: Spectators will be able to follow their runners’ split times for the 10K and Half Marathon by inputting their information here.

 

• • Start: Accessible 4:30am-6:00am via EPCOT Rocket Parking Lot
  • Finish: Accessible 5:30am-9:45am via EPCOT Eve Parking Lot

• Official Race Results: The official race results for the 10K and 10-Miler are typically posted on the evening of the race.

runDisney Wine & Dine Two Course Challenge

Runners registered for the weekend’s Two Course Challenge will run both the 10K and the Half Marathon and will receive a third medal at the end of the Half Marathon for completing the challenge. You need to be registered for the challenge specifically to get the additional medal–you won’t get it for registering for and running each of the races separately. 

runDisney Wine & Dine Post-Race Party

When the races are over, Half Marathon and Challenge participants are invited to celebrate at an after-hours party at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival on Sunday, November 3, 2024 from 10:00pm-1:00am. Attendees will have access to Global Marketplaces, live entertainment, select EPCOT attractions, including Soarin’, Spaceship Earth, Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Your Half Marathon or Challenge registration includes entry to this party. Tickets were available for sale to others wanting to attend, but the event is now sold out.

Post-Race Party ticket holders will be admitted to EPCOT as early as 5:00 PM on November 3, 2024.

Global Marketplaces at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will be open during the party. runDisney says to be sure to try their specialty drink, Berry Blitz, at them during the event. Around the World Showcase, you’ll also find entertainment offerings and photo opportunities.

A Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend Jumbo Pin will be available for purchase at the party (while supplies last) beginning at 7:00 PM at the Creations Shop.

Disney Springs Deals for Runners

If you head to Disney Springs over the weekend, be sure to bring your race bib or medal. Lots of shops and restaurants are offering deals for race participants. You can find a list right here: https://www.rundisneyexpo.run/special-savings-at-disney-springs. 

If you’d like to visit Disney’s water parks while you’re in town for the race, during race week participants have access to 50% off a day pass for themselves and up to three guests.  

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And that’s a wrap on the run down!! Watch here and on my Instagram @thecastlerunner over the weekend for live updates on the races and recaps after each event. I try to start near the front of the race and provide coverage throughout during, especially for the 5K and 10K. I’m running as a guide for a close friend during the Half Marathon, so if I’m quieter during that race that’s why. 🙂  I’ll also be at Expo Wednesday evening and early Thursday morning covering the process and official merchandise. 

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Please join me on Instagram for my day-to-day adventures living a mile from the magic. 

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Planning a run while you’re here? You can find my complete guide to running trails on Walt Disney World property RIGHT HERE.

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