Hi Courtney, welcome to planDisney!
You have come to the right place for your runDisney information because I love runDisney! In fact, I also registered for the 2023
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend recently. First, congratulations on registering for the Alice in Wonderland themed 5K, it's so exciting to have a runDisney event on the calendar to look forward to!
Based on information from the 2022 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend event, Guests not staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel were asked to park at EPCOT, with parking being free before 6:00 a.m. on race mornings. Participants were asked to arrive at EPCOT no later than 4:00 a.m. but I strongly recommend arriving earlier. Spectators and participants can arrive together and enjoy the festivities before the race begins. You’re in for a real treat, Courtney. Race mornings are incredible. The atmosphere is buzzing with excitement, there are character meet and greets, a DJ playing music, and so many people who also love Disney. I’m getting excited just thinking about it!
Once corrals open for runners to make their way to the start line, you will need to separate from your spectator. You won’t “wonder which way you ought to go,” as there will be signage indicating where spectators can go and areas that only runners can enter. I recommend discussing this with your friend in advance, so you know where you should be looking for your friend and you won’t miss them as you are moving along the course.
These details are subject to change for the 2023 Wine and Dine Half Marathon race weekend, however you'll receive a Digital Expo & Event Guide a few weeks prior to race weekend with the updated information. Don’t worry if you’re thinking “how can one possibly pay attention to a book with no pictures in it?” The Digital Expo & Event Guide will include plenty of maps with course details and approved spectator viewing areas, as well as information about the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo where you'll pick up your race bib and participant shirt. The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend website will also update with Runner Info and Spectator Info as we get closer to the event. Also, keep an eye on the
Disney Parks Blog for exciting race weekend announcements like medal and merchandise reveals. The
runDisney Blog has also posted articles on getting the
best race weekend photos, and
how to use the virtual queue to shop for event weekend merchandise.
Have you had a chance to check out the
Training Programs provided by runDisney yet? I enjoy having a set schedule to follow as I prepare for race day and I’ve used one for every race weekend I have participated in.
If this answer has made you “curiouser and curiouser” for more runDisney details,
reach out to me, or my fellow panelist
Lauren M. with any future questions you have. We are runDisney enthusiasts and participate in most race weekends as runners or spectators. From race costumes to post-race medal pictures, we'd love to talk about it all!
Every mile is magic!
Kaitlin