Run, Karla, Run!

Looking for 2016 info? Look here: Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Registration Opens With New Races

UPDATE 3/17/15

The Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon and Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K sold out in 30 minutes! If you want to run, you can still register with a charity or tour provider: Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2015 Charity and Tour Bibs

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Registration for the 2015 Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World from November 6-7 opens Tuesday, March 17 at 12 p.m. EST. The race celebrates its sixth year.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: this might be my all-time favorite half-marathon. I ran Disney Wine and Dine in 2011 and 2013, as part of press trip courtesy of runDisney and New Balance, and loved every minute. I hope to keep running it for years to come. My husband proposed at the Finish Line Party after the race in 2011, so it’s our anniversary race of sorts.

But the proposal isn’t the only reason I love Disney Wine and Dine Half. The night-time race means dazzling Disney park lights and one killer after party that bumps all night long. This race is the best bang for your buck of all of runDisney’s half-marathons.

The Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon starts at 10 p.m. outside the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and traditionally takes runners through Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, past Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, and finally to the finish at Epcot. It’s a route runners won’t find at any other half-marathon. The Walt Disney World Half Marathon and Disney Princess Half Marathon share the same course. But Disney Wine and Dine is truly unique.

Plus, the race finishes with the best post-race party I’ve found—at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, which stays open until 4 a.m. just for runners. Admission to the Finish Line party is included in race registration, along with a $15 Disney gift card and a complimentary beer or wine at the finish.

The party includes more than 25 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival kiosks, live bands, DJs, and meet and greets with Disney characters. Plus, select Epcot attractions—like Test Track and Soarin’—stay open into the wee hours. Friends and family can also buy tickets to the Finish Line Party.

In both 2011 and 2013, I stayed until the party closed; it was that much fun. My husband and I got a photo with Aladdin and Jasmine while we were dressed as Aladdin and Jasmine at the 2013 race—the holy grail of race photos. In 2011, we photographed ourselves around the world. If you want the low-down on what it’s like and how much the party really costs, check out my race report from the 2013 Wine and Dine Half Marathon, where I break it all down.

The weekend also includes the holiday-themed Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, runDisney Kids Races at the New Balance Track and Field Complex, and Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Runners can also opt to buy tickets to the Disney Wine and Dine Pre-Race Taste, a party at Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! Theater that includes entry to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, four tastes from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and Disney characters and entertainment.

For more information or to register, visit rundisney.com.

Read my 2011 and 2013 race reports:

Race Report: Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2013

Race Report: Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2011

Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Slideshow

Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Registration Fees

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon

• $190 by March 31, 2015
• $205 between April 1 and April 14, 2015
• $220 on or after April 15, 2015

Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K

• $65 by April 14, 2015
• $75 on or after April 15, 2015

runDisney Kids’ Races

• $15 by April 14, 2015
• $20 on or after April 15, 2015

runDisney 1-Mile Run

• $30 by April 14, 2015
• $35 on or after April 15, 2015

Finish Line Party Tickets

• $75 by August 12, 2015
• $85 between August 13 and October 28, 2015
• $95 on or after October 29, 2015

As a member of the media, I have attended runDisney events courtesy of Disney. But as always, all opinions are purely my own. I really do believe in being honest about my experiences. For more information read my Disclosure Policy.