Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon

[Figment82]

Yep, it’s basically the 10-Miler stretched with 3.1 extra road miles. I can see where maybe doing an Epcot start would make it tough to get to Animal Kingdom, but Blizzard Beach seems like it would have been doable rather than adding long out-and-backs (they’ve run through that park on Marathon routes before) unless it’s a mess with construction right now or something.

I really wonder why they decided to stop doing the start from TTC which would seem to make it easy to get through all three parks, my total guess is that maybe they were tired of issues with shuttling people pre-race from Epcot and drivers getting lost on the way?

Blizzard Beach is a complete construction zone right now. I had to park over there for an event recently, and even the parking lot was having a lot of work done. No way they could have people running through there safely.

I wonder if they had to switch away from TTC with the road construction going on over there. I’m not really sure what all they’re doing over there - if it’s even a factor - but that could be part of the issue.

 

[Rteetz]

Blizzard Beach is a complete construction zone right now. I had to park over there for an event recently, and even the parking lot was having a lot of work done. No way they could have people running through there safely.

I wonder if they had to switch away from TTC with the road construction going on over there. I’m not really sure what all they’re doing over there - if it’s even a factor - but that could be part of the issue.

It’s all road expansion and re-routing. It’s all still mostly part of the toll plaza expansion and changes. We run through that for marathon weekend so not sure why that would be the issue.

 

[surfsupdon]

A loop course is easier to manage. This way the start and finish are both connected to the Epcot lot.

Starting at TTC and finishing at Epcot I am sure required more man power. You had to transport bag check, spectators, and entertainment.

I prefer the old course, and think it was better from a runners perspective. The new course favors runD the business.

 

[Tha Realest]

A loop course is easier to manage. This way the start and finish are both connected to the Epcot lot.

Starting at TTC and finishing at Epcot I am sure required more man power. You had to transport bag check, spectators, and entertainment.

I prefer the old course, and think it was better from a runners perspective. The new course favors runD the business.

Every other operating component has continued to prioritize efficiency over guest experience, so why should RD be any exception? Very sad.

 

[Surferboy567]

Even with the course, I’m still super excited. This is my first wine & dine as well as my first in person half. I still haven’t received my after hours tickets. Hoping they will release some merch.

 

[surfsupdon]

Even with the course, I’m still super excited. This is my first wine & dine as well as my first in person half. I still haven’t received my after hours tickets. Hoping they will release some merch.

You’ll love it. Still my favorite weekend. Party atmosphere. Lots of fun.

 

[Swissmiss]

A loop course is easier to manage. This way the start and finish are both connected to the Epcot lot.

Starting at TTC and finishing at Epcot I am sure required more man power. You had to transport bag check, spectators, and entertainment.

I prefer the old course, and think it was better from a runners perspective. The new course favors runD the business.

Every other operating component has continued to prioritize efficiency over guest experience, so why should RD be any exception? Very sad.

They aren’t mutually exclusive - I volunteer for a lot of races in my city. Post-COVID has been really hard on race organizers because they can no longer count on supplies arriving in the same timeframe as in the past, fewer volunteers, and in some cases a pressure to be more “ecologically conscious“ as well.

During a half marathon weekend there was a ”change from what usually happens” to have bag drop at the finishing line for one race because it was also the starting and finishing line for another which meant fewer volunteers would be needed and they weren’t driving large trucks through the city unnecessarily and could show a lower carbon footprint for the race week-end. It was a swing and a miss for me and I made sure to note it on my survey as I know this particular group really take these points into consideration for future race weekends.

The lack of volunteers has a direct impact on the quality of the race for participants - I see it firsthand because I also participate as a runner in at least one race during the weekends when I volunteer.

 

[LAKid53]

They aren’t mutually exclusive - I volunteer for a lot of races in my city. Post-COVID has been really hard on race organizers because they can no longer count on supplies arriving in the same timeframe as in the past, fewer volunteers, and in some cases a pressure to be more “ecologically conscious“ as well.

During a half marathon weekend there was a ”change from what usually happens” to have bag drop at the finishing line for one race because it was also the starting and finishing line for another which meant fewer volunteers would be needed and they weren’t driving large trucks through the city unnecessarily and could show a lower carbon footprint for the race week-end. It was a swing and a miss for me and I made sure to note it on my survey as I know this particular group really take these points into consideration for future race weekends.

The lack of volunteers has a direct impact on the quality of the race for participants - I see it firsthand because I also participate as a runner in at least one race during the weekends when I volunteer.

Except this isn't the first time the W&D Half is run after races returned. Last year's course was the same as pre-COVID races.

Part of the appeal of WDW races is the courses running through the parks. First, the 5K was moved from DAK to Epcot. And now the course for the Half begins at Epcot and completely skips DAK? Part of the appeal of this particular weekend was running through DAK in the dark or just before sunrise. 3 parks. Now that's gone. What's next? We just run up and down World Drive?

 

[LAKid53]

It’s all road expansion and re-routing. It’s all still mostly part of the toll plaza expansion and changes. We run through that for marathon weekend so not sure why that would be the issue.

We ran through the flyover construction for several years, for two race weekends.

 

[Tha Realest]

They aren’t mutually exclusive - I volunteer for a lot of races in my city. Post-COVID has been really hard on race organizers because they can no longer count on supplies arriving in the same timeframe as in the past, fewer volunteers, and in some cases a pressure to be more “ecologically conscious“ as well.

During a half marathon weekend there was a ”change from what usually happens” to have bag drop at the finishing line for one race because it was also the starting and finishing line for another which meant fewer volunteers would be needed and they weren’t driving large trucks through the city unnecessarily and could show a lower carbon footprint for the race week-end. It was a swing and a miss for me and I made sure to note it on my survey as I know this particular group really take these points into consideration for future race weekends.

The lack of volunteers has a direct impact on the quality of the race for participants - I see it firsthand because I also participate as a runner in at least one race during the weekends when I volunteer.

It’s efficient to just keep running circles in and out of the EPCOT parking lot. The company has shown time and time again that they’re cutting guest experiences in the name of efficiency.

They’re taking away the variety from race to race, and they’re all starting to look the same. As many have pointed out, the ToT 10-miler was very similar to this half. Within the upcoming races, the half is basically the 10K route with a few more straightaways. They’re front-loading the in-park portions, pushing the most tedious parts of a race to the end (when it’s even more of a slog and you want and need distractions and cheering).

 

[Surferboy567]

November 2 - 5 2023

Next year’s wine & dine dates.

 

[Surferboy567]

Another day of no party tickets in the mail. What do I do if they don’t show? Can you get replacements in the event of that happening?

 

[Rteetz]

Another day of no party tickets in the mail. What do I do if they don’t show? Can you get replacements in the event of that happening?

Likely just visit runner relations at the expo.

 

[lightningtap347]

Looking at this course - I'm glad I ran last year LMAO

 

[Rose&Crown]

Post race is sold out now too. Didn’t expect that.

 

[Surferboy567]

Finally got my post race party tickets!

 

[DznyGrlSD]

*waves* I've got my scheduled for the 5k and 10k and hopefully I'll see some of you out there! Trying to pick up a bib pick-up shift on Thursday the 3rd but nothing yet! See you next weekend!!

 

[DCBaker]

Disney has announced a Virtual Queue for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon runDisney Merchandise Shop -

On November 3, 2022, a virtual queue will be in place for the runDisney Merchandise Shop at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

The countdown is on to the start of the runDisney race season and participants are gearing up for the 2022 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend powered by Shokz. We’re excited to share news of an exciting new enhancement coming to the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo! For the first time, we’re using a virtual queue for attendees looking to purchase event weekend merchandise on the first day of the Expo. Now you’ll be able to spend more time enjoying your Expo experience and visiting with Expo vendors, all while waiting in line for merchandise, virtually.

How to Join the Virtual Queue

In order to use the virtual queue on day one of the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo, you’ll need to download the My Disney Experience app and ensure location services are turned on.

Step 1: Open the My Disney Experience app and navigate to the Virtual Queues section on the Welcome Screen.

Step 2: Select “Join Virtual Queue” on the My Queues screen and select “runDisney Merchandise Shop.” Guests can request to join the virtual queue at 7:30 AM Eastern Time on November 3, 2022.

Step 3: Select the number of Guests, up to 6 people total, in your shopping party. Select “Join Virtual Queue” once more.
Note: All members of your shopping party must be added to your My Disney Experience Friends & Family list prior to joining the virtual queue. Learn more about adding Friends & Family to your account.

Step 4: If spots remain in the virtual queue, you’ll see a confirmation screen with both a QR code and an estimated wait time. Your estimated wait time will be based on the Expo opening time of 10:00 AM Eastern Time, so don’t be alarmed if your wait appears long!

Step 5: You’ll receive a push notification directly to your mobile device when your group is ready to return. This push notification will also present you with a link to your digital entry code. Once received, you will have one hour to arrive at the AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Step 6: Upon your arrival, follow the signs to the check-in area and prepare to show the Cast Member your digital entry code or MagicBand.

Gold and Platinum Club runDisney Members do not need to join the virtual queue to access their early shopping windows during the first day of the Expo.

Guests can join the virtual queue from the comfort of their hotel room or home, up to approximately 45 miles away from Walt Disney World Resort.

Each Guest enrolled will receive a digital entry code to present for entry. If you cannot find your digital entry code, go to the “Feature Menu” tile in the app and select “My Queues.” From here, you will be able to access your digital entry code.

The virtual queue is only needed for the runDisney Merchandise Shop on Thursday, November 3, 2022. Standby lines will not be available this day and all Guests must use the virtual queue to enter.

Merchandise is subject to availability and inventory may sell out.

 

[Rose&Crown]

So the queue is only for day 1?

 

[DznyGrlSD]

Disney has announced a Virtual Queue for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon runDisney Merchandise Shop -

On November 3, 2022, a virtual queue will be in place for the runDisney Merchandise Shop at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

The countdown is on to the start of the runDisney race season and participants are gearing up for the 2022 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend powered by Shokz. We’re excited to share news of an exciting new enhancement coming to the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo! For the first time, we’re using a virtual queue for attendees looking to purchase event weekend merchandise on the first day of the Expo. Now you’ll be able to spend more time enjoying your Expo experience and visiting with Expo vendors, all while waiting in line for merchandise, virtually.

How to Join the Virtual Queue

In order to use the virtual queue on day one of the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo, you’ll need to download the My Disney Experience app and ensure location services are turned on.

Step 1: Open the My Disney Experience app and navigate to the Virtual Queues section on the Welcome Screen.

Step 2: Select “Join Virtual Queue” on the My Queues screen and select “runDisney Merchandise Shop.” Guests can request to join the virtual queue at 7:30 AM Eastern Time on November 3, 2022.

Step 3: Select the number of Guests, up to 6 people total, in your shopping party. Select “Join Virtual Queue” once more.
Note: All members of your shopping party must be added to your My Disney Experience Friends & Family list prior to joining the virtual queue. Learn more about adding Friends & Family to your account.

Step 4: If spots remain in the virtual queue, you’ll see a confirmation screen with both a QR code and an estimated wait time. Your estimated wait time will be based on the Expo opening time of 10:00 AM Eastern Time, so don’t be alarmed if your wait appears long!

Step 5: You’ll receive a push notification directly to your mobile device when your group is ready to return. This push notification will also present you with a link to your digital entry code. Once received, you will have one hour to arrive at the AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Step 6: Upon your arrival, follow the signs to the check-in area and prepare to show the Cast Member your digital entry code or MagicBand.

Gold and Platinum Club runDisney Members do not need to join the virtual queue to access their early shopping windows during the first day of the Expo.

Guests can join the virtual queue from the comfort of their hotel room or home, up to approximately 45 miles away from Walt Disney World Resort.

Each Guest enrolled will receive a digital entry code to present for entry. If you cannot find your digital entry code, go to the “Feature Menu” tile in the app and select “My Queues.” From here, you will be able to access your digital entry code.

The virtual queue is only needed for the runDisney Merchandise Shop on Thursday, November 3, 2022. Standby lines will not be available this day and all Guests must use the virtual queue to enter.

Merchandise is subject to availability and inventory may sell out.

I love this idea!!