Tonight 125 lucky runDisney runners met up at Epcot to celebrate the Wine and Dine Half Marathon Meet-Up.
The event started off with early check in at Epcot. Participants received a ticket to the park, a fast pass for Test Track, and the fantastic event specific runDisney shirts! DisBroad Tania and I lined up early, picked up our swag and hit the park!
After a spin around Test Track we made a quick stop to grab a drink and something to eat. I’m sure y’all know where.
Soon it was time to watch some Illuminations. We were told to meet at the Mexico vista, but no one really knew where that was! Moms Panel Hopeful Fail! We finally found the group and headed over to our viewing spot.
This was my favorite part of the event. You know I’m not so much a fan of running as I am of the runDisney people! So many blogger, twitter, and Facebook friends were lucky enough to get into the event. I got to hug some of my favorite people for the first time and loved it.
Illuminations was incredible, as always. We had a prime viewing spot and I really enjoyed my first full watching of illuminations. Yes. You read that right. First time! I’m usually riding the rides while you are watching the show. #TrueStory
We had to wait around for a bit as the parks cleared of guests. We then headed back to the American Pavillion for food, wine, and the speakers.
Tania scored big on the walk over- anyone drop $5?
We found Mickey and friends.
Got some great Food and Wine Festival grub. Did you know there’s vegan wine? We sampled some last night along with a vegetarian dish that tasted a lot like chicken.
New Balance talked about their new shoes coming for 2014. No sneak peeks but they did share the new box design and some fun accessories coming: inserts specific to each race.
After the presentations, it was time to run! Honestly- bah. I’m not a night runner anyway but after the good food and drinks the last thing I wanted to do was run.
But I grabbed my pacer RunMel (it’s his birthday by the way!) and off we went with the Galloway group.
After the run, we stopped for a group picture and headed out the front of the park. Just under Spaceship Earth, we shared a runners toast of champagne including a wish that our splits always be negative! Loved it.
runDisney put together a fun night after hours at Epcot. Thanks for inviting us and hope you continue to offer these great events!
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
Tania
Monday 11th of November 2013
I had so much fun! You know..minus that whole shirt debacle ;)
Longhorns2
Monday 11th of November 2013
I wish we had checked it before we walked off- maybe they could have swapped it out. Remember that at Tink! ;)
Jac @ Running in the Bike Lane
Sunday 10th of November 2013
Oooo, what a fun event. I am really really really hoping I can get in for the Tink meet!!!!
Longhorns2
Monday 11th of November 2013
Tink was an awesome meetup- good luck!
Kim
Saturday 9th of November 2013
Looks like such a great time! So glad you got to experience it! Can't wait to meet you in January! :)
Longhorns2
Monday 11th of November 2013
I know- cant wait for tink and meeting new/old friends!
Karen Orozco
Saturday 9th of November 2013
Whoohooo! Sounds fantastic Patty! I'm already preparing myself that I won't be able to do the RunDisney meetup for the Princess b/c of time constraints, but I'm determined to meet up with the blogger friends I have made over the weekend! So jealous you got a picture with two of my favorite peeps, Meg & April!
Longhorns2
Monday 11th of November 2013
Meg and April are even more fabulous in person than online! Love these girls! DisBroads are planning a get together at PHM so I hope you can come!
April S
Saturday 9th of November 2013
It was a wonderful night and I'm so glad we got that awesome photo together! Good luck at the race tomorrow!!
April S
Wednesday 13th of November 2013
Yes and Yes (ouch my bank account!!) I'm doing the 10k and Half at both of them. My big runDisney goal is to get out of my shell a little and be more social next time! I am pretty sure I saw Julie and Amy at POFQ but didn't say hi because it felt wierd and stalker-ish, LOL. Dumb, I know! Hope to stalk, I mean see you at Tink!
Longhorns2
Monday 11th of November 2013
Thanks April! I lived seeing you again! Tink? Princess?