Running through Walt Disney World before the parks open, earning themed medals, and finishing the night at an exclusive after-party inside EPCOT — there is genuinely nothing else like it. The Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend is one of the most beloved events on the runDisney calendar, and the 2026 edition brings three iconic Disney themes, beautiful new medals, and a festive celebration of food and culture that runners have been dreaming about all year.
This guide covers everything you need to know — from the full event schedule and race themes to registration details and tips for making the most of your experience.
Weekend Overview
The 2026 Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend takes place from October 22 through October 25 at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The weekend kicks off with the runDisney Expo on Thursday and wraps up on Sunday night with an exclusive post-race party at EPCOT.
| Day | Event |
| Thursday, October 22 | runDisney Health and Fitness Expo begins; race bib, shirt, and merch pickup for all participants |
| Friday, October 23 | Disney Wine and Dine 5K — The Aristocats theme |
| Saturday, October 24 | Disney Wine and Dine 10K — The Three Caballeros theme |
| Sunday, October 25 | Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon — Mary Poppins theme; Post-Race Party at EPCOT |
All races wind through scenic sections of Walt Disney World Resort, typically before the parks officially open to general visitors. The routes include character sightings, entertainment zones, and on-course food and beverage stops tied to EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival.
The 2026 Themes: Disney Characters Take Center Stage
Each race this year carries its own Disney character theme. These themes appear across race-day decorations, character meet-and-greet locations, on-course refreshments, and the commemorative finisher medals.
The Aristocats: Wine and Dine 5K
The 5K on October 23 channels the charming Parisian spirit of The Aristocats. Runners take on 3.1 miles of what organizers describe as “purr-fection,” enjoying character sightings and entertainment along the route. On-course refreshments include the Crème de la Crème à la Edgar beverage and Pastry Crackers served at the France pavilion in World Showcase. The race starts at 4:30 a.m. to accommodate an expanded number of registrations this season. Corrals are released in waves through 7:30 a.m.
The Three Caballeros: Wine and Dine 10K
Saturday’s 10K brings a colorful fiesta themed around Los Tres Caballeros — Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles. The 6.2-mile course features vibrant character entertainment, and runners enjoy tamales at the Mexico pavilion as part of their on-course refreshments. The race begins at 5:00 a.m. The Three Caballeros theme delivers one of the most high-energy and fun-filled race experiences of the entire weekend.
Mary Poppins: Wine and Dine Half Marathon
Sunday’s half marathon is themed around the practically perfect Mary Poppins. Runners cover 13.1 miles through Walt Disney World before finishing inside EPCOT. The race begins at 5:00 a.m. Finishing the half marathon includes entry into the Post-Race Party at EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival, which begins at 10 p.m. and runs into the night with food, drinks, entertainment, and a celebration of the weekend’s achievement.
Grumpy: The Disney Two Course Challenge
Runners who complete both the 10K on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday earn the Disney Two Course Challenge designation, themed this year around Grumpy from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The total distance is 19.3 miles across two consecutive days. On-course refreshments for challenge participants include pretzels at the Germany pavilion. Challenge participants receive three medals: the 10K finisher medal, the half marathon finisher medal, and the bonus Two Course Challenge medal. Runners must register specifically for the challenge — registering for the two races individually does not qualify.
Medals: What You Earn at the Finish Line
The medals at runDisney events are legendary. They are large, detailed, and genuinely collectible. Each medal reflects the Disney character theme of its race. Here is what runners can earn across the 2026 weekend.
| Race | Theme | Medal Earned |
| Disney Wine and Dine 5K | The Aristocats | 5K Finisher Medal |
| Disney Wine and Dine 10K | The Three Caballeros | 10K Finisher Medal |
| Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon | Mary Poppins | Half Marathon Finisher Medal |
| Disney Two Course Challenge (10K + Half) | Grumpy | Two Course Challenge Medal (plus both race medals) |
Runners who complete the Two Course Challenge therefore leave the weekend with three medals total — one of the most satisfying collections in the entire runDisney season.
Ticket Prices and Registration Details
Registration for the 2026 weekend opened on February 3 for Club runDisney Gold and Platinum members, and on February 10 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time for general registrants. As of the time of this writing, registration is now full for all races. However, charity bib opportunities remain available through several non-profit partners who hold reserved race entries in exchange for fundraising commitments.
The following pricing applied during registration. All prices include a 6.6 percent platform service fee.
| Race | Early Price | Price from August 10, 2026 |
| Disney Wine and Dine 5K | $125 | $135 |
| Disney Wine and Dine 10K | Contact runDisney | Contact runDisney |
| Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon | $269 | $279 |
| Disney Two Course Challenge | Contact runDisney | Contact runDisney |
| Post-Race Party (non-runners) | $125 | $125 |
Half marathon and Two Course Challenge registrations include automatic entry to the Post-Race Party at EPCOT on October 25. Friends and family who want to join the celebration can purchase a separate Post-Race Party ticket for $125. Additionally, runners receive a race bib, a themed participant shirt, and their finisher medal or medals as part of their registration.
Proof of Time Requirements
The half marathon has a minimum pace requirement of 16 minutes per mile, which gives runners a total finish time of 3 hours and 30 minutes. However, runners who expect to finish in 2 hours and 30 minutes or faster must submit proof of a prior qualifying time to be placed in an earlier starting corral. Proof of time submissions are managed through Track Shack and must be emailed to [email protected]. Runners can update their anticipated pace per mile within their participant account until June 1, 2026. No changes are accepted after that date.
The runDisney Expo: Your Starting Point on October 22
Every runner attending the weekend must visit the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo on October 22 before they can participate. This is where you collect your race bib, participant shirt, and any merchandise purchased in advance. The Expo also features vendor booths, runDisney gear for sale, and interactive activities. Missing the Expo means missing the race, so planning your arrival to allow enough time is essential. Five K runners attending only Friday’s race must attend the Expo on Thursday, October 22, specifically.
Tips for Making the Most of the Weekend
Planning ahead is what separates an exhausting experience from a magical one. The following tips apply whether you are a first-time runDisney participant or a returning veteran.
- Register for the Disney Two Course Challenge if you want all three medals. Registering for the 10K and half marathon separately does not qualify you for the challenge medal.
- Book your Walt Disney World Resort hotel early. Staying on property gives you access to early race morning transportation, which eliminates the stress of driving to the start in the dark.
- Collect your race bib at the Expo the moment you arrive on October 22. Lines grow throughout the day, and it is far easier to go early.
- Submit your proof of time by June 1 if you are a faster runner. Earlier corrals mean less crowding and better character photo opportunities.
- Plan your Post-Race Party itinerary in advance. The party includes access to food booths across World Showcase and entertainment, but it is a late night after an early morning race. Knowing which booths and experiences matter most to you helps you make the most of your energy.
- Dress for the heat. Late October in Orlando can still be warm and humid, especially at 4:30 a.m. with race-day nerves running high. Moisture-wicking fabrics and minimal layers are the right approach.
- Consider Disney character costumes. runDisney actively encourages themed outfits, and the character themes this year — The Aristocats, The Three Caballeros, Mary Poppins, and Grumpy — offer fantastic costume inspiration. Just ensure your outfit does not interfere with safe running.
- If you miss general registration, search for charity bib opportunities through organizations like Team NDSS, A Running Passion, and Cure Rare Disease, which offer guaranteed race entries in exchange for fundraising commitments.
The Post-Race Party at EPCOT
The Post-Race Party on the night of October 25 is one of the most anticipated parts of the entire weekend. Runners who complete the half marathon or Two Course Challenge receive automatic entry. The party takes place at EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival, running from 10:00 p.m. into the late evening. Attendees can sample food and beverages from World Showcase pavilions, enjoy entertainment, and celebrate their achievement in one of Disney’s most beloved settings. Non-runner guests can purchase party tickets for $125 to join the celebration.
Conclusion
The Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend from October 22 to 25, 2026, at Walt Disney World Resort is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines running, Disney magic, and the best of EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival. The weekend features three distinctly themed races: The Aristocats-inspired 5K on Friday, The Three Caballeros-themed 10K on Saturday, and the Mary Poppins half marathon on Sunday. The Two Course Challenge, hosted by Grumpy, rewards runners who complete the 10K and half marathon with three finisher medals. Registration is now full through standard channels, but charity bib options remain available. Early registration pricing ranged from $125 for the 5K to $269 for the half marathon. The Post-Race Party at EPCOT caps the weekend for half marathon and challenge participants, with tickets available for $125 for additional guests. Start planning early, dress for Florida’s autumn heat, and get ready for miles of magic.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where does the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend 2026 take place?
The weekend runs from October 22 to 25, 2026, at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The 5K is on October 23, the 10K is on October 24, and the half marathon takes place on October 25, with the Post-Race Party at EPCOT following that evening.
What are the 2026 race themes and medals?
The 5K is themed to The Aristocats, the 10K features The Three Caballeros, and the half marathon centers on Mary Poppins. The Two Course Challenge is hosted by Grumpy. Each race awards a unique themed finisher medal. Runners who complete the Two Course Challenge earn three medals total.
Is registration still open for the 2026 weekend?
General registration and Club runDisney registration are now full. However, charity bib opportunities are available through non-profit partners including Team NDSS and others, which offer guaranteed race entries in exchange for fundraising commitments. Check individual charity partner websites for availability.
What is included in the Post-Race Party and who can attend?
The Post-Race Party takes place at EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival on the evening of October 25, beginning at 10:00 p.m. It includes access to food and beverage booths across World Showcase and entertainment. Entry is automatically included with half marathon and Two Course Challenge registrations. Additional guests can purchase separate party tickets for $125.
What is the pace requirement for the half marathon, and how do I submit proof of time?
The minimum pace for the half marathon is 16 minutes per mile, giving a maximum finish time of 3 hours and 30 minutes. Runners who expect to finish in 2 hours and 30 minutes or faster must submit proof of a qualifying time by emailing [email protected]. Runners can update their anticipated pace per mile within their participant account until June 1, 2026.
