Few race weekends in the running world blend athletic achievement with pure joy the way this one does. You cross finish lines at Walt Disney World Resort before the parks open to the public. You earn collectible medals themed to beloved Disney characters. And you end the weekend at a private party inside EPCOT during the International Food and Wine Festival. That is the promise of one of the most unique race events on the US calendar.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 edition, from race distances and themes to the expo schedule, the post-race party, and tips for making the most of the entire weekend.
Weekend Schedule at a Glance
The 2026 edition runs across four days at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
| Date | Event |
| Thursday, October 22, 2026 | runDisney Health and Fitness Expo opens |
| Friday, October 23, 2026 | Expo continues; Wine and Dine 5K race day |
| Saturday, October 24, 2026 | Expo final day; Wine and Dine 10K race day |
| Sunday, October 25, 2026 | Wine and Dine Half Marathon; Post-Race Party at EPCOT |
Runners must visit the expo at least one day before their first race to collect their bib, participant shirt, and any pre-purchased merchandise. The post-race party on October 25 begins at 10 p.m., though ticket holders can enter EPCOT as early as 5 p.m. that evening.
The Races: Distances, Themes and Courses
The weekend offers three race distances plus a challenge option for runners who want to go the extra mile. Each race carries a distinct Disney theme in 2026, tied to characters from around the World Showcase.
Wine and Dine 5K: The Aristocats (October 23)
The 5K covers 3.1 miles and serves as a perfect starting point for first-time runDisney participants, families, and anyone who wants a low-pressure, fun run. The 2026 theme draws inspiration from The Aristocats, giving the race a charming Parisian feel. Runners earn an adorable themed medal at the finish.
This year, the first start group sets off at 4:30 a.m., which is 30 minutes earlier than in previous years. Start times continue until 7:30 a.m. based on assigned groups. No proof of prior finish time is required for the 5K. Participants simply select their anticipated pace per mile during registration, and start group placement follows from there.
Wine and Dine 10K: The Three Caballeros (October 24)
The 10K covers 6.2 miles and runs around EPCOT, through the EPCOT resort area on Crescent Lake, or through Disney’s Hollywood Studios depending on the course configuration for the year. The 2026 theme features The Three Caballeros, bringing colorful, high-energy flair inspired by Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles.
At the finish line, runners receive a themed medal, a water, a Powerade, a snack box, and a banana. There are typically six to eight Disney character stops along the course. No proof of time is required for the 10K.
Wine and Dine Half Marathon: Mary Poppins (October 25)
The main event covers 13.1 miles and kicks off at 5 a.m. on Sunday, October 25. The course starts in the EPCOT parking lot and winds through Disney’s Hollywood Studios, across EPCOT, and finishes back in front of EPCOT. The 2026 theme centers on Mary Poppins, adding a classic Disney touch and a beautifully designed themed medal to celebrate the finish.
Runners who expect to finish in two hours and thirty minutes or less must submit proof of time for start group placement. Those expecting to finish slower than that do not need to submit proof. Entry to the Sunday EPCOT Post-Race Party is included in the half marathon registration fee.
Disney Two Course Challenge: Grumpy and Friends (October 24 to 25)
The Two Course Challenge combines the 10K on Saturday with the Half Marathon on Sunday for a total of 19.3 miles over two days. The 2026 challenge theme features Grumpy and his fellow dwarfs, and runners who complete both races within the pacing requirements earn a bonus challenge medal in addition to their 10K and Half Marathon medals, bringing their total medal count for the challenge to three.
Runners must register for the Two Course Challenge as a package. Registering for the 10K and Half Marathon individually does not qualify for challenge medal eligibility.
Race Themes Summary
| Race | Distance | Theme | Date |
| Wine and Dine 5K | 3.1 miles | The Aristocats | Friday, October 23 |
| Wine and Dine 10K | 6.2 miles | The Three Caballeros | Saturday, October 24 |
| Wine and Dine Half Marathon | 13.1 miles | Mary Poppins | Sunday, October 25 |
| Disney Two Course Challenge | 19.3 miles | Grumpy and Friends | October 24 to 25 |
The runDisney Health and Fitness Expo
All runners must attend the expo before their first race. The expo takes place at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort from Thursday, October 22, through Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Estimated expo hours are:
- Thursday, October 22: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday, October 23: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, October 24: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At the expo, runners collect their race bib, participant shirt, and any merchandise ordered in advance. The expo floor also features exhibitors, sponsors, and running gear vendors. For 5K runners whose race falls on Friday, the expo must be visited on Thursday. Half marathon runners have until Saturday to visit.
Arriving early in the expo window, ideally Thursday, is strongly recommended. Lines are generally shorter, merchandise stock is at its fullest, and you can explore the expo floor without rushing before your race.
The EPCOT Post-Race Party: October 25
The Post-Race Party at EPCOT is one of the most beloved aspects of this entire race weekend. It takes place on the night of Sunday, October 25, and runs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Ticket holders gain early park entry from 5 p.m., giving them several hours inside EPCOT before the main celebration begins.
Entry is included for runners who registered for the half marathon or the Two Course Challenge. Friends and family can purchase separate party tickets for $125 per person.
The party gives attendees access to:
- Global Marketplace food and beverage booths throughout EPCOT
- Select EPCOT attractions, open after regular park hours
- Live entertainment during the party window
This celebration runs alongside the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, which means the Global Marketplace booths are fully operational. Runners and guests can sample dishes and drinks inspired by countries around the World Showcase while riding attractions in a quieter, after-hours park environment. For many participants, this evening is the highlight of the entire weekend.
Registration: How to Sign Up
General registration for the 2026 Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend opened on February 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET on rundisney.com. Club runDisney Gold and Platinum members had early access starting February 3, 2026.
Registration fees vary based on the date of purchase, with prices increasing as the event approaches. All listed prices include a 6.6 percent platform service fee. At this stage, some race categories may be sold out for in-person participation. However, checking the official runDisney website for any released registrations or charity bib opportunities is worth doing if you missed the primary window.
For those who secured a registration, pacing requirements apply to the half marathon. Runners expecting to finish in under two hours and thirty minutes must submit a qualifying proof of time. All other runners self-report their anticipated pace during registration.
Practical Tips for a Great Weekend
Planning well in advance makes a significant difference for this race weekend. Here are the most useful tips gathered from experienced runDisney participants.
- Attend the expo on Thursday, October 22, if possible. It is the least crowded day, and you will have more time to browse and shop without feeling rushed before your race.
- Book your hotel at Walt Disney World Resort or a nearby EPCOT resort hotel if you want to walk to the race start. The start line sits in the EPCOT parking lot, and staying close saves time on early race mornings.
- Set multiple alarms for race morning. The 5K starts at 4:30 a.m. and the Half Marathon at 5 a.m. Missing your start group due to a late arrival is a stressful experience on a magical weekend.
- Wear a costume if you want to. Many runDisney participants dress as their favorite Disney characters, and the race atmosphere fully embraces the fun. Just make sure nothing restricts your movement or impairs visibility.
- Stop for character photos on the course. There are typically six to eight character stops on the longer races, and the lines move quickly in the early morning hours.
- Hydrate well the day before each race. Florida in late October can still be warm, particularly during races that begin in the pre-dawn darkness.
- Plan your EPCOT Post-Race Party evening strategically. Enter as soon as the early 5 p.m. entry window opens to enjoy select rides while park crowds are lower, then shift focus to the Global Marketplace booths as the evening progresses.
- If friends or family join you for the Post-Race Party, purchase their $125 tickets early. Availability is not guaranteed closer to the event.
Conclusion
The 2026 Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend runs from October 22 to 25 at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, offering one of the most festive and immersive race weekends in the United States. Runners can choose from a 5K themed to The Aristocats, a 10K featuring The Three Caballeros, a Half Marathon led by Mary Poppins, or the Two Course Challenge combining the final two races for a total of 19.3 miles. The runDisney Health and Fitness Expo runs October 22 to 24 at ESPN Wide World of Sports, and all runners must attend before their first race. The weekend closes with the EPCOT Post-Race Party on October 25, included for half marathon and challenge registrants, with early park entry from 5 p.m. and the main celebration from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. For runners who love Disney, great food, and the magic of running through a world-class theme park before sunrise, this is the race weekend that delivers it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates for the 2026 race weekend?
The full weekend runs from Thursday, October 22, through Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The expo opens on October 22, the 5K takes place on October 23, the 10K on October 24, and the Half Marathon along with the Post-Race Party at EPCOT on October 25.
What are the 2026 race themes?
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 carries a Grumpy and the Seven Dwarfs theme, with runners earning a bonus challenge medal for completing the 10K and Half Marathon within pacing requirements.
Is the EPCOT Post-Race Party included in my registration?
Yes, if you registered for the Half Marathon or the Two Course Challenge, entry to the Post-Race Party at EPCOT on October 25 is included. Ticket holders can enter EPCOT as early as 5 p.m. The party itself runs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friends and family who want to attend can purchase separate tickets for $125 per person.
Do I need to visit the expo before running?
Yes. All runners must attend the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo at least one day before their first race to collect their bib, participant shirt, and any pre-purchased merchandise. The expo runs at ESPN Wide World of Sports from October 22 to 24. Not attending means you cannot run.
Does the Half Marathon require a proof of time?
Only runners expecting to finish the Half Marathon in two hours and thirty minutes or under need to submit a qualifying proof of time for start group placement. Runners anticipating a slower finish simply self-report their pace during registration without needing to provide documentation.
