uncle jimmy
Premium Member
Thanks for sharing about your race weekend.It’s been a week since the end of the trip, thought I’d give my thoughts as a first time Wine & Diner.
First off, this was my second ever in person runDisney weekend. It also happened to be my first in person half marathon ever as well.Couple more firsts as well, this was my first time attending Food & Wine (that I can remember).
In comparison to Springtime Surprise (which is my only basis for comparison as it’s the only other live weekend I have participated in). I’d say that Wine & Dine has a lot more “going on” between the post-race party, very merry, Christmas festivities, half marathon. I do however, feel that the theming on Springtime Surprise is much better (at least so far). I didn’t hate the themes for Wine & Dine weekend they were just weaker than the Springtime Surprise themes. Everything else “going on” though really gives the weekend a distinct feel and is something I enjoyed.
I can definitely see myself running Wine & Dine next year. I am already participating in Springtime Surprise again next year in person. For both weekends, I have ran all the races and challenges.
The Wine & Dine challenge medal this year I have to admit (in its closed position) I didn’t notice how ornate it ended up being this didn’t come across in pictures. It is one of the most ornate medals that I have in my collection. Aladdin is also my favorite classic Disney movie so I am a little biased.
As this was my first Wine & Dine, and first in person half I thought it would be nice to commemorate this occasion. On the final day of the trip, I headed over to EPCOT and took the medals, and challenge bib over to the Art of Disney to be framed with the matting. I imagine it will take quite a while to receive them back but, the waiting should be worth it.
Overall, a fun weekend. Would definitely run it again.
I'm trying to decide if I do next years W&D or make another try at Marathon.
I'm curious if you or any other runner noticed a difference on the half since they pushed Proof of Time back 15 minutes (2:15) from the year before being 2hr. I was wondering if that helped runners from not getting blocked behind a wall of walkers that the year before was like.