Hi Michael!
Thank you for bringing your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I actually called the runDisney Reservation line to make sure I had the latest information for you because I know this has changed over the years!
The team at runDisney that books reservations are looking at different packages and availability than the general Walt Disney World bookings page. When a race opens for registration, the packages for that runDisney race have already been created and reserved for the runDisney line. This means you can immediately call 407-939-iRun and book your entire package, regardless of what is available online. For example, if you currently try to book for 2018 online you'll see these dates are not available and if you call the generic Walt Disney World reservation line you can currently only book a room only reservation. If you call runDisney though they can book the entire package for you including park tickets and dining.
For
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, the packages are available online already so this is not a concern. If you call runDisney to book, they will likely quote you different availability and prices because they create and reserve packages for runners and use a different system for reservations. It is not guaranteed these prices will be lower, but there is a chance. On the flip side, if you see something available online for Walt Disney World and call runDisney to book it, they may not have it available because the packages they create and reserve may be sold out for that type.
I would recommend calling runDisney first and booking your package through them. I would then continue to check back on the
Special Offers & Deals page to see if any better pricing becomes available that overlaps your race weekend!
-Lindsey ºOº