Chef Mickey has some news for you!
We thought something looked a little fishy about the Wine and Dine Half Marathon last week. After talking about it on social media some semi-confirmations came through from unofficial sources. It was pretty exciting to think of the possibilities, but we knew we had to wait until today to hear the details.
It’s true: all of it.

Photo Credit: Disney
The Wine and Dine Half Marathon will now offer a challenge.
The new challenge will be called the Lumiere’s Two Course Challenge and the biggest shocker of all, none of the races will be held at night.
Dun dun duuuunnnnnn!
I know, I know, people are going to lose their minds over that aspect. I get it. But without the Osborne Lights, I think a lot of us would be disappointed anyway.
They were ahhhhmazing!
Don’t worry, the fun doesn’t stop after your run.
The after race party is still being offered in Epcot. It’s just wayyyy after the race.
Personally, I love that idea as it allows me to run, rest, and party into the wee hours of the morning celebrating my accomplishments. When I ran this race in 2013 I skipped the party because right after a half, I’m pooped! I need to recovery before letting my party animal come out.
So there’s a lot to discuss here.
Races are Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings with the party on Sunday night.
Prices are as follows:
Will this be another fast sellout? WHO KNOWS.
Traditionally when a challenge and 10K are added, those races sell very fast. But this race will add extra days to the trip (more than repeat runners were expecting) so it remains to be seen how the runners respond.
Plus. It’s another daytime race. Does this make it better or worse for most runners?
I know it’s certainly unexpected.
Let me know what you think about the changes. You can find all the details on rundisney.com.
Patty Holliday has been running Disney since 2011. She knows just about every tip, trick, and hack there is to cover the runDisney Magical Miles at Disney World and Disneyland. She knows every mile isn’t *always* magical- but with training, tips, and a little bit of pixie dust, they can be a lot of fun! You can also find her at noguiltlife.com and noguiltfangirl.com
robert
Saturday 12th of March 2016
My wife and I have been running in the Wine and Dine every year since it started. We are both disappointed that it will no longer be a night race. Will miss running through Animal Kingdom at night as well as Hollywood Studios. Hope that they change it back to a night race in the future.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy
Thursday 10th of March 2016
I was really interested in Wine & Dine, but it starts when I'm usually in bed! So an earlier start sounds great.
Except now I *think* I've got my FL half picked, and it's not Disney.
patty
Thursday 10th of March 2016
Ohhh? What are you eyeing Judy?
Fred
Thursday 10th of March 2016
Extremely disappointed. Being at night is what set this race apart. For once I didn't have to wake up at 3am. I may skip this race until late they put it back to nights
patty
Thursday 10th of March 2016
It may help a smidge to consider you get to "fall back" on Saturday night. One extra hour hour of sleep on Sunday! I know, I know... It's a stretch.
ben
Thursday 10th of March 2016
Unfortunate change, it was one thing that set this race apart and running at night might not be for everyone but many of us loved it. I'll be skipping it for a few years I suspect (I plan to run each race at least once).
patty
Thursday 10th of March 2016
Who knows? Maybe the night race can be brought back after the construction settles down? I don't know. But yes, I know MOST runners are extremely disappointed in this news.
Kristin
Thursday 10th of March 2016
I guess on the plus side, the back of the packers now get just as long at the after party as the speedy people.
patty
Thursday 10th of March 2016
Yes! Holla for the BOP runners! I'm not sure that's the reason for the change, but I like it. Now add a party to Hollywood Studios after SW and I'd be one happy Shenanigans. ;)