Marathon Weekend 2026

[The Expert]

This isn’t MW related but this thread seems to have more members than Springtime Surprise. Has anyone seen the AdventHealth RunPFX advertisement on runDisney’s Instagram story? It’s $300 but it sounds like it could be interesting. It looks like that woman was gifted the experience in return for advertising it, but does anyone know if this is something they’ve offered before?

Edit: I did a search and saw someone posted it on the 2025 MW thread. Did anyone actually do it? Was it worthwhile?

The first time I recall seeing this was MW this year, and they also offered it at Princess. I'm not sure it sold out as they continued advertising it through both weekends.

This is likely something you could schedule at home.

This. I had one done at a university running lab when I lived in Utah. Insurance covered part of it, so it was only about $150. Mine went beyond just gait analysis, too. They did lactate threshold, V02 and balance assessments in addition. I came away with a full report that included all my suggested paces, video clips, graphs and documentation of all my tests. If you have something like this near you, it's probably worth investigating.

 

[Disney at Heart]

I’ve only eaten at one of the final four, but I’ll go ahead and vote anyway.

Les Halles
Satu'li Canteen

Over 30+ years, I’ve eaten at almost all of the QS restaurants, many of the snack kiosks, and many of the TS restaurants. The ones I haven’t tried are your favorites, Victoria and Albert’s and Takumi-Tei because as a “tea-totaler” and a child raised by Depression Era parents (translation: cheap), I just don’t think I can justify the cost. Convince me I’m wrong.

 

[nekonekoneko]

Over 30+ years, I’ve eaten at almost all of the QS restaurants, many of the snack kiosks, and many of the TS restaurants. The ones I haven’t tried are your favorites, Victoria and Albert’s and Takumi-Tei because as a “tea-totaler” and a child raised by Depression Era parents (translation: cheap), I just don’t think I can justify the cost. Convince me I’m wrong.

I can't, and I won't try

There is the "live to eat" crowd, those who love fancy hoity-toity food. Where things like "molecular gastronomy" isn't just two words stitched together. Then there's the "eat to live" crowd, where, like my dad, will eat pretty much anything in front of him, but will eat everything edible. He eats cartilage off of chicken. He'll microwave a potato or an ear of corn, grab it with a towel, and then just peel it back like a banana and munch on it. Most everyone is somewhere in between. They like the occasional "fine dinner" but understand that chili was a way to use leftover ground beef of "maybe not to great" quality.

If you're in the "tea totaler" category, I can't convince you about the wonders of V&A and TT. It's the wrong side for your palette. It may be something you'd try once, and you can determine if you like it or if it's not for you.

How do you feel about places like HBD or Tiffin's or Cali Grill?

 

[matt and beth]

Ronto and Skippers

 

[jrsharp21]

Anyone have any ideas when WDW is going to open up 2026 reservations?

 

[Novatrix]

I can't, and I won't try

There is the "live to eat" crowd, those who love fancy hoity-toity food. Where things like "molecular gastronomy" isn't just two words stitched together. Then there's the "eat to live" crowd, where, like my dad, will eat pretty much anything in front of him, but will eat everything edible. He eats cartilage off of chicken. He'll microwave a potato or an ear of corn, grab it with a towel, and then just peel it back like a banana and munch on it. Most everyone is somewhere in between. They like the occasional "fine dinner" but understand that chili was a way to use leftover ground beef of "maybe not to great" quality.

If you're in the "tea totaler" category, I can't convince you about the wonders of V&A and TT. It's the wrong side for your palette. It may be something you'd try once, and you can determine if you like it or if it's not for you.

How do you feel about places like HBD or Tiffin's or Cali Grill?

I just want to note that "teetotaler" and "foodie" are not mutually exclusive categories. Not drinking alcohol doesn't impact whether you prefer more "pedestrian" or more "adventurous" food, whatever that definition may be to a person.

Similar to @Disney at Heart, I've always wondered about whether Takumi Tei and V&A would be worth the price point to me, either due to the quality or the overall experience. I suspect they would not, as I typically prefer less formal dining environments. (Incidentally, the lounges associated with all the restaurants you listed are all amongst my favorite Disney dining spots.)

Doesn't mean that one day I won't try the Chef's Table at V&A or TT if someone else I know wants to go, but I'm not going to go out of my way to book them either. I would be interested to hear @FFigawi's take on why he finds them worth it though!

 

[Dopey 2020]

I won’t try to convince anyone as tastes and opinions on value vary far and wide, but I will say I find V&A to be worth my $$. My wife and I were lucky enough to get the chefs table pre Covid when you could get it for a party of two. We have been back for the queens room twice post Covid and found the experience to be just as memorable. They call a couple days prior to verify your menu and any special wants or needs and I have never left a bite on any plate there. The food is exceptional, the service is exceptional, and it is an epic date night. The table is yours for as long as you’d like, typically about 4 hours or so for us.
That being said it isn’t cheap so it’s more of an every couple years thing maybe. Haven’t tried Takumi-Tei yet. For a less expensive celebration meal Jiko is a favorite. We’ve even ordered a modified entree there to split as an appetizer before the meal when we couldn’t decide on only two choices and sat for a few hours with a bottle of wine and a multi course meal for a third of the cost.

 

[The Expert]

I just want to note that "teetotaler" and "foodie" are not mutually exclusive categories. Not drinking alcohol doesn't impact whether you prefer more "pedestrian" or more "adventurous" food, whatever that definition may be to a person.

True! And the last time DH and I did V&A they had a non-alcoholic drink pairing option. Since I'm not a big drinker and rarely finish my wine pairings anyway, I tried it and loved it. They created some really interesting options you'd see anywhere else.

Beyond the fact that an evening at V&A it is truly an experience, there is thought put into every detail of it. I think that's what elevates it beyond just a nice dinner for me. They will prepare items or put ingredients together in a way you'd never think to do yourself. Because they are working with small quantities and a known schedule, they source items of impeccable quality (often locally) and tailor the menu for each specific night. The pairings -- drinks, water, even bread and butter -- are intentional and always on the mark.

I think everyone can appreciate the true craftsmanship and level of hospitality that goes into every single table there, but whether that is worth what they charge to YOU is truly a personal choice.

 

[nekonekoneko]

I just want to note that "teetotaler" and "foodie" are not mutually exclusive categories. Not drinking alcohol doesn't impact whether you prefer more "pedestrian" or more "adventurous" food, whatever that definition may be to a person.

I don't mean that they are mutually exclusive. I say that most people are on some kind of scale between the two sides. There's the "chicken fingers and mac & cheese" and the "chilean sea bass with a garlic gastrique and some roasted brassicas" I can enjoy both, and I do. There are days I just want a hot dog.

I've eaten at TT and V&A. I love them both. Are they for everyone? No. But for people who do enjoy that type of cuisine, they are both wonderful choices. I think that TT is cuisine in the same vein as V&A, just with that Japanese focus.

 

[Disney at Heart]

How do you feel about places like HBD or Tiffin's or Cali Grill?

Love HBD, Tiffins, and Cali Grill. We actually hosted DS and DDIL’s rehearsal dinner in the Napa Room at Cali Grill and had like 8 courses and it was great, but I felt that a good bit of the $$$$$ per person was, not so much the food, but the wine selections. And the prix fixe prices don’t allow any difference between wine and water drinkers.
Got some “food for thought” from several of you, though. E.g. I actually did not know that there were any non-alcoholic drink pairings. Thanks, although I am not sure I could sit at any table for four hours!

 

[Novatrix]

I've eaten at TT and V&A. I love them both. Are they for everyone? No. But for people who do enjoy that type of cuisine, they are both wonderful choices. I think that TT is cuisine in the same vein as V&A, just with that Japanese focus.

As I said, haven't eaten at either yet, but reading both @Dopey 2020 and @The Expert's descriptions, it seems what sets them apart is more the level of service and the attention to detail, particularly for V&A, rather than type of cuisine. That's a particular level of personalization and care that adds to making the meal an event rather than just well prepared/interesting dishes.

V&A is on my list to get to eventually, I'm sure to make it sometime before 2057!

 

[rick1zoo2]

So my wife, after reading posts here about it, asks if we should go to V&A after the Marathon to celebrate the Dopey Challenge. I answered that I don't think I could do another marathon (dining) to celebrate an actual marathon....I might get swept!

We went to V&A a few years ago with my youngest son (22 at the time) and although it was an amazing experience, it did take several hours, we had a 5:40 seating and were there until 9 - I needed to get up several times just to walk and stretch a bit.

 

[The Expert]

I actually did not know that there were any non-alcoholic drink pairings. Thanks, although I am not sure I could sit at any table for four hours!

...or more. It's very leisurely and lovely but you can also ask them to take it a bit faster or get the desert courses to go. We did that a few years ago when the only time we could get was a 7pm seating during a race weekend. If it's your one and only visit, maybe don't do it during a race weekend unless it's AFTER all the races.

So my wife, after reading posts here about it, asks if we should go to V&A after the Marathon to celebrate the Dopey Challenge. I answered that I don't think I could do another marathon (dining) to celebrate an actual marathon....I might get swept!

The trick is they are still closed on Sundays and Mondays, which has been the case since they reopened after the pandemic. I don't see that changing soon, but it makes it VERY difficult to do as a celebration meal unless you're staying for your vacation time after the races are done.

Also, for booking, I have not had luck online since they reopened. CALL DIRECTLY (407) WDW-DVNA or (407) 939-3862 the morning of your 60 or 60+10 window opens and leave a voicemail. They call everyone back in order until they fill up. Also note that their cancel window (without penalty) is five days out, so that's a good time to check online or call again in case someone has dropped. They used to have a waitlist, but not sure they do that any longer.

 

[marty3d]

...or more. It's very leisurely and lovely but you can also ask them to take it a bit faster or get the desert courses to go. We did that a few years ago when the only time we could get was a 7pm seating during a race weekend. If it's your one and only visit, maybe don't do it during a race weekend unless it's AFTER all the races.


The trick is they are still closed on Sundays and Mondays, which has been the case since they reopened after the pandemic. I don't see that changing soon, but it makes it VERY difficult to do as a celebration meal unless you're staying for your vacation time after the races are done.

Also, for booking, I have not had luck online since they reopened. CALL DIRECTLY (407) WDW-DVNA or (407) 939-3862 the morning of your 60 or 60+10 window opens and leave a voicemail. They call everyone back in order until they fill up. Also note that their cancel window (without penalty) is five days out, so that's a good time to check online or call again in case someone has dropped. They used to have a waitlist, but not sure they do that any longer.

I had never seriously considered V&A because I do tend to prefer more casual settings. Reading these posts I think I'm now adding to my list. Will likely be several years before I can get there (MW26 is a solo trip) but I'm adding to my list now! (along with some of the March Madness locations I haven't visited - this has been a great SAFD to build up my food list!)

 

[The Expert]

I had never seriously considered V&A because I do tend to prefer more casual settings. Reading these posts I think I'm now adding to my list. Will likely be several years before I can get there (MW26 is a solo trip) but I'm adding to my list now! (along with some of the March Madness locations I haven't visited - this has been a great SAFD to build up my food list!)

It's for sure not an every trip thing, but for a special occasion, it is perfect. For example, we ate there on our 25th anniversary and I kept the personalized menus. It was fun to get all dressed up and really celebrate.

 

[rick1zoo2]

It's for sure not an every trip thing, but for a special occasion, it is perfect. For example, we ate there on our 25th anniversary and I kept the personalized menus. It was fun to get all dressed up and really celebrate.

When we did it, we needed an additional suitcase just for the clothes for that evening: my wife's gown, my suit, my son's suit, dress shirts, and all the dress shoes.

My wife wore a very beautiful full length blue gown along with a pair of matching Mickey Ears that she found that trip. We got a lot of pictures.


For contrast, we are doing the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue for our post race celebration at next week's Springtime Surprise...

 

[DisneyParrothead]

I had never seriously considered V&A because I do tend to prefer more casual settings. Reading these posts I think I'm now adding to my list. Will likely be several years before I can get there (MW26 is a solo trip) but I'm adding to my list now! (along with some of the March Madness locations I haven't visited - this has been a great SAFD to build up my food list!)

I would love to try Yachtsman Steakhouse but I also prefer more casual dining/dining I don’t have to wear a dress and heels for. The last thing I want to do during a race weekend is squeeze my feet into heels.

 

[nancipants]

I would love to try Yachtsman Steakhouse but I also prefer more casual dining/dining I don’t have to wear a dress and heels for. The last thing I want to do during a race weekend is squeeze my feet into heels.

My husband has worn shorts and nicer sneakers to Yachstman! The dress code is very lax. I've worn a dress, pants, and flats. You can also try Crew Cup lounge which is right next door and has a lot of the same food!

 

[camaker]

My husband has worn shorts and nicer sneakers to Yachstman! The dress code is very lax. I've worn a dress, pants, and flats. You can also try Crew Cup lounge which is right next door and has a lot of the same food!

Agreed. My wife and I have gone to Yachtsman and didn't dress up at all. It was very good, too, btw.

 

[Let's Get Kronk]

I would love to try Yachtsman Steakhouse but I also prefer more casual dining/dining I don’t have to wear a dress and heels for. The last thing I want to do during a race weekend is squeeze my feet into heels.

I've done Yachtsman the last two years as my pre-marathon dinner and I've definitely been wearing shorts, my race shirt, and sneakers. They don't care.