2026 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

[DianaMB333]

We got the 10k spots for my friends - like about 10:53am very close to the sold out timing , holy it was stressful..

It is the first time of one of them, and they said that it was harder than Taylor S’ tickets… also that getting the confirmation page felt like an achievement in itself LOL

I am never gonna give up my club rD membership …

 

[matt and beth]

We did manage the charity route just before the sellout and reading the tea leaves. Honestly, it’s for a great cause and we love to give back. That being said… our DVC is used just for various race weekends. If this continues to become so difficult that even charities are harder it’s a game changer. Looking at a place to snow bird in the winter, maybe our focus becomes that and we just enjoy local races. Maybe WDW has run its course (no pun intended) . It’s become too difficult for the financial responsibility and reoccurring expenses if we can’t use it for what we intended

 

[Goofy2015]

I am trying to wrap my head around why this sold out so quickly.

1) The overarching theme is very good. The vibe I am getting from some runDisney veterans is that they were starting to sit out some race weekends. But, this overall theme may have grabbed them back in. Like the 2026 Springtime Surprise theme was a little meh. Although I am pumped for Zootopia and Winnie the Pooh, but the buddy theme is a stretch. This W&D theme has some properties that rD has not touched like Aristocats, Mary Poppins, plus just Grumpy in general is great.

2) From various social media groups, it feels like more and more new people are trying out runDisney. Maybe it is what people are seeing from social media or the GMA display from marathon weekend.

 

[fatmanatee]

I am trying to wrap my head around why this sold out so quickly.

1) The overarching theme is very good. The vibe I am getting from some runDisney veterans is that they were starting to sit out some race weekends. But, this overall theme may have grabbed them back in. Like the 2026 Springtime Surprise theme was a little meh. Although I am pumped for Zootopia and Winnie the Pooh, but the buddy theme is a stretch. This W&D theme has some properties that rD has not touched like Aristocats, Mary Poppins, plus just Grumpy in general is great.

2) From various social media groups, it feels like more and more new people are trying out runDisney. Maybe it is what people are seeing from social media or the GMA display from marathon weekend.

The GMA spots did a lot IMO. Had a Savannah Bananas guy doing two of the races. Then they started doing more general promo for the increase in 5k spots. It's a lot of new eyeballs on races that didn't really need them.

The themes are nice but I don't think that explains it. I've never seen so many people say stuff like "I've been doing this for several years and this is the first time I missed out".

 

[The Expert]

I am never gonna give up my club rD membership …

THIS!

The GMA spots did a lot IMO. Had a Savannah Bananas guy doing two of the races. Then they started doing more general promo for the increase in 5k spots. It's a lot of new eyeballs on races that didn't really need them.

The themes are nice but I don't think that explains it. I've never seen so many people say stuff like "I've been doing this for several years and this is the first time I missed out".

I think themes and publicity combined probably drove a lot of new interest, and Disney redesigning the page to eliminate link sharing (purposeful or not) impacted the veteran community's ability to virtually guarantee entry.

If it was a design decision, I wonder if they got enough complaints about not being able to move your own queue (due to wifi outage, having to commute to work during the wait, etc) if they'd reconsider adding it back? If it was indeed on purpose and they intended to break up the clique, I think they are going to regret it. The community that's been created around rD is something a lot of companies work really hard for, and to purposefully destroy that is truly shortsighted.

 

[jmasgat]

back? If it was indeed on purpose and they intended to break up the clique, I think they are going to regret it. The community that's been created around rD is something a lot of companies work really hard for, and to purposefully destroy that is truly shortsighted.

Sadly, I don't think “community” matters at all. Only $$$, and they have shown that they will monetize the events as hard as they can and it all sells.

 

[marty3d]

THIS!

I think themes and publicity combined probably drove a lot of new interest, and Disney redesigning the page to eliminate link sharing (purposeful or not) impacted the veteran community's ability to virtually guarantee entry.

If it was a design decision, I wonder if they got enough complaints about not being able to move your own queue (due to wifi outage, having to commute to work during the wait, etc) if they'd reconsider adding it back? If it was indeed on purpose and they intended to break up the clique, I think they are going to regret it. The community that's been created around rD is something a lot of companies work really hard for, and to purposefully destroy that is truly shortsighted.

Call me naive but I don't usually subscribe to grand plans or conspiracy theories. While I think Disney wants to promote the races to more people and is gradually increasing the field size as a result, I doubt there's a deliberate plan to squeeze out the community that's been built around rD. The most likely scenario is someone felt queue sharing wasn't "fair", wanted to even the playing field and didn't fully consider the consequences of the move. Same result I know.

(Also I fully acknowledge that I'm the same person who's paranoid enough to use multiple networks/ IPs in the incredibly slight chance they were doing any IP tracking/ matching of browsers /queues )

 

[PrincessV]

Sadly, I don't think “community” matters at all. Only $$$, and they have shown that they will monetize the events as hard as they can and it all sells.

As a 30+ year Floridian AP who’s watched WDW steadily increase costs while reducing benefits, I agree. But guess who’s being targeted for all sorts of “deals” now that FL tourism is taking a nosedive?

 

[The Expert]

Call me naive but I don't usually subscribe to grand plans or conspiracy theories. While I think Disney wants to promote the races to more people and is gradually increasing the field size as a result, I doubt there's a deliberate plan to squeeze out the community that's been built around rD. The most likely scenario is someone felt queue sharing wasn't "fair", wanted to even the playing field and didn't fully consider the consequences of the move. Same result I know.

(Also I fully acknowledge that I'm the same person who's paranoid enough to use multiple networks/ IPs in the incredibly slight chance they were doing any IP tracking/ matching of browsers /queues )

I'm sure I am giving Disney (and especially Disney IT) way too much credit. I just wonder if they're capable of recognizing and correcting the hiccups along the way. Probably not. As everyone has said, they're monetizing for every cent they can get and it's working, so why should they?

As a 30+ year Floridian AP who’s watched WDW steadily increase costs while reducing benefits, I agree. But guess who’s being targeted for all sorts of “deals” now that FL tourism is taking a nosedive?

View attachment 1047123

True. And thank you for putting Jonathan Groff in my head for the day!

 

[PrincessV]

The giant mystery to me is why they bothered with extra promotion when races were already selling out quickly for years? There’s been no dip in popularity overall, though they’ve no doubt lost some repeat runners who’ve balked at higher prices - but clearly others have taken their places, or we’d have races still sitting open for months. The only reason I can come up with is a hope that more people get in who are more likely to spend on merch/hotels/extras… but promotion alone can’t do that if registration is truly a lottery system. As a marketing professional, it makes no sense to me at all.

 

[The Expert]

As a marketing professional, it makes no sense to me at all.

THIS!

 

[Zutroy]

As a 30+ year Floridian AP who’s watched WDW steadily increase costs while reducing benefits, I agree. But guess who’s being targeted for all sorts of “deals” now that FL tourism is taking a nosedive?

It’s pretty much an open secret that Disney is targeting the top 20% earners, and it’s working. The top 20% of American households spend more on travel than the bottom 80% combined. Last year Disney parks made $10 billion in operating income, per guest spending increased 3%, and earning grew 8% for the year. And this is after attendance at the parks was down and hotel occupancy was flat.

Increasing prices and cutting benefits is working for Disney. Apparently WDW is looking at eliminating early park entry for on-site guests just like they did at Disneyland.

 

[JediKnightXan]

The thing I liked about the sharing of the ques was it allowed folks who really wanted to do this and did some extra research a better chance if getting in vs someone who decides to run on whim if that makes sense.

Only thing I can think of for trying to drive up demand is to allow for even bigger price hikes once they can confirm the supply/demand curve has structurally shifted.

 

[fatmanatee]

The giant mystery to me is why they bothered with extra promotion when races were already selling out quickly for years? There’s been no dip in popularity overall, though they’ve no doubt lost some repeat runners who’ve balked at higher prices - but clearly others have taken their places, or we’d have races still sitting open for months. The only reason I can come up with is a hope that more people get in who are more likely to spend on merch/hotels/extras… but promotion alone can’t do that if registration is truly a lottery system. As a marketing professional, it makes no sense to me at all.

Keep thinking about this and my guess is that this is well above RD. Corporate saw a nice opportunity for synergy, it's easy, harmless content for GMA. It's a very nice weekend and deserves the attention! And I'm very annoyed that they're getting it lol.

 

[EPCOT-O.G.]

The giant mystery to me is why they bothered with extra promotion when races were already selling out quickly for years? There’s been no dip in popularity overall, though they’ve no doubt lost some repeat runners who’ve balked at higher prices - but clearly others have taken their places, or we’d have races still sitting open for months. The only reason I can come up with is a hope that more people get in who are more likely to spend on merch/hotels/extras… but promotion alone can’t do that if registration is truly a lottery system. As a marketing professional, it makes no sense to me at all.

I had the same thought this morning. They’re clearly tapped out in terms of their ability to expand the races.* So why this push?

A few thoughts. One, marketing isnt viewed just by raw sales/customers, but social media impressions. It’s a ton of free marketing and advertising for the company. Which is why they’re leaning more into the influencer crowd. Two, I think they want to raise the profile of the races and have more legit runners and influencer types participating in it. A level or two below World Majors in terms of attention or prestige.

And third - they’ve been losing the battle with park operations. I had hoped that having the first CEO that’s a rD alum would help, but then I reminded myself that he’s been over WDW and the Parks for years at a time when rD has been curtailed time and time again in service of park operations. Course time starts, course maps, and overall running experience seem to have degraded markedly if it in any way affects that 9:30am park opening time.

*Some solutions would be to offer more races, or expand the window of time the races could be done, or - and this would be somewhat unpopular - require more POT or cut down on walkers.

 

[PrincessV]

It’s pretty much an open secret that Disney is targeting the top 20% earners, and it’s working. The top 20% of American households spend more on travel than the bottom 80% combined. Last year Disney parks made $10 billion in operating income, per guest spending increased 3%, and earning grew 8% for the year. And this is after attendance at the parks was down and hotel occupancy was flat.

Increasing prices and cutting benefits is working for Disney. Apparently WDW is looking at eliminating early park entry for on-site guests just like they did at Disneyland.

It’s definitely been working so far… but all of a sudden WDW and UOR are pushing deals for FL residents again. At the same time tourism down here is losing ground - international, especially. The tide is shifting and it’ll be interesting to see what else comes along.

I think they want to raise the profile of the races and have more legit runners and influencer types participating in it. A level or two below World Majors in terms of attention or prestige.

I have a hard time seeing a big uptick in “legit” runners TBH. My impression from several pro runners who’ve made public comments about rD races is that many are totally turned off by everything that makes an rD race: stupidly early start times, weird and unpredictable weather, no interest in stopping for photos, no cash awards. What’s the draw for anyone who isn’t a big Disney fan?

 

[Zutroy]

A few thoughts. One, marketing isnt viewed just by raw sales/customers, but social media impressions. It’s a ton of free marketing and advertising for the company. Which is why they’re leaning more into the influencer crowd. Two, I think they want to raise the profile of the races and have more legit runners and influencer types participating in it. A level or two below World Majors in terms of attention or prestige.

I know this is not accurate, since I spoke to an elite runner who qualified for the US Olympic marathon trials, and he couldn’t get into MW even after winning the Wine and Dine. RD definitely doesn’t care about legit runners, since they don’t even have an award ceremony for the winners. You get mailed a generic plaque that doesn’t even have your name on it 6 weeks later.

Mark my words, RD is going the fast pass route. I remember when paper fast passes came out in the 1990s, and they were free. Now Disney charges $450 for Lightning Lane Premier Pass, and they are selling out each day. Disney is making almost $1 million a day just from Lightning Lane.

I fully expect RD to ramp up the demand, and then expand Club RD so that people who really want to get into the races will shell out a couple of grand more.

 

[patty22407]

So, what does the collective hive mind think - did they hold back some of those "extra" 5k spots to sprinkle like pixie dust in batches from now until closer October? Sure would be nice to see #s of folks registered for each distance

 

[JediKnightXan]

I fully expect RD to ramp up the demand, and then expand Club RD so that people who really want to get into the races will shell out a couple of grand more.

Where is the CrD back market? Get a platinum sign up for the races you want and auction off the rest!

I say this in jest now but could see it happening similar to renting DvC points which I understand from some.conversations on this site they are trying to clamp down on.

 

[Mr. Drauer]

So, what does the collective hive mind think - did they hold back some of those "extra" 5k spots to sprinkle like pixie dust in batches from now until closer October? Sure would be nice to see #s of folks registered for each distance

From what I know, they did not hold any spots back. They increased the # of 5k spots by at least 5,000, to be on par with the numbers in a half marathon (which is 16 - 19K, depending on the weekend). They also increased the number of registrations for the 10k and half for Wine and Dine, but not anywhere near the 5,000 added to the 5k.