Hi there, Christina! Thanks so much for contacting planDisney about your upcoming race-cation this fall!
I think you've picked the perfect event for your inaugural runDisney experience (trust me, it won't be your last)! The
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend is always the official start of the runDisney season, so there's lots of excitement in the air. By the time of your arrival, Magic Kingdom Park will be transitioning over from Halloween to Christmas, which is oh so magical! But to me, there's nothing better than the
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. The good news is that your half marathon registration gives you after-hours access to a
post-race party at the Festival, and includes the
Global Marketplaces, select EPCOT attractions, and live entertainment.
I've done several runDisney half marathon events. Like you, I usually arrive on Friday, which means I don't get to the
runDisney Health & Fitness Expo until late afternoon or evening. In my experience, there is still plenty of commemorative merchandise, such as the super-popular "I Did It!" finisher shirts in multiple styles and jackets (take a look at the runDisney website for pictures of
last year's merchandise). You will get runDisney emails regarding the Expo, and your bib and shirt pick up in the weeks preceding the event. You will also be emailed an Expo Pass that you will need to show to gain entry. There are great third-party vendors there, and I always end up making lots of last-minute purchases, including sparkly running tiaras (who knew there was such a thing?)!
As Tiana says, "The only way to get what you want in this world is through hard work." Enjoy these next few months of training, Christina! The rewards will be well worth it!
Eean