Runners heading to Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend can spend less time standing in line on opening day this year. runDisney is using a virtual queue to manage access to its official merchandise shop and the Disney-themed Brooks running shoes. Here is how the system works, when to join, and what to expect once you are inside.
What the Virtual Queue Covers
The queue applies to AdventHealth Arena, which sits inside the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. That building houses the official runDisney Merchandise Shop and the runDisney-themed Brooks shoes. The arena is open to all Guests, but on Thursday, October 22, Disney controls entry only through the virtual queue. You do not need to join on any other day.
This format is not new. It debuted at the 2022 Wine & Dine Expo, and runDisney has used it at several events since to keep crowds manageable. The goal is to let runners browse the other Expo vendors while they wait, rather than standing in one spot.
Join Times and Club Member Access
Guests get two chances to request a spot on October 22. The first window opens at 7:00am and the second at 1:00pm. You can join from your hotel room or from home, as long as you are within roughly 45 miles of Walt Disney World Resort.
runDisney Club members have a separate option. Platinum Club members can shop from 7:00am to 8:30am, and Gold Club members from 7:30am to 8:30am. Neither tier needs a virtual queue spot during those hours.
The Expo itself runs Thursday from 9:00am to 8:00pm, Friday from 12:00pm to 7:00pm, and Saturday from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Race day follows with the 5K on October 23, the 10K on October 24, and the half marathon on October 25.
How to Join in the My Disney Experience App
Before the window opens, make sure the My Disney Experience app is installed and that location services are turned on. Everyone in your shopping party must already appear on your Friends & Family list. Add any missing people ahead of time, because you can only join once per day.
Start by opening the app, tapping the menu icon with three lines, and selecting Virtual Queues. Next, tap Join Virtual Queue and choose the option for the runDisney Merchandise Shop and runDisney-themed Brooks running shoes. Select your shopping party, which can include up to six Guests, and tap Join Virtual Queue again.
If spots are still available, a confirmation screen will show an estimated wait time. When your party is ready, the app sends a push notification. From that point you have one hour to reach AdventHealth Arena. Follow the signs to check-in and show a Cast Member your digital entry code. Each person in your party receives their own code.
Timing, Parking, and Transportation
Disney suggests arriving onsite when about 30 minutes remain on your estimated wait. That gives you time to explore the rest of the Expo before your entry. Parking is limited, so plan accordingly. Disney Resorts Collection hotels offer complimentary transportation on Thursday from 8:15am to 8:30pm, which can simplify the trip if you are staying on property.
Brooks Shoe Purchase Rules
Inside the arena, a trial area lets you try on Brooks shoes before you reach the main floor. The try-on pairs are standard Brooks designs without Disney themes. Once you move to the main floor, you can buy runDisney merchandise and the Disney-themed shoes.
Several rules apply on the first day. You must fill out a form listing the style, size, width, and quantity before you buy. Each adult purchaser is limited to one pair of each design. Only credit and debit cards are accepted for the shoes, so cash, Disney gift cards, MagicBands, and Disney Merchandise Mobile Checkout will not work. No Disney or Brooks discounts are applied inside the arena.
Keep in mind that joining the queue does not guarantee entry or merchandise. Spots and inventory are both limited.
Background on the Brooks Partnership
Brooks became the official running shoe of runDisney through a multi-year collaboration announced in 2024. The agreement includes Disney-themed running shoes featuring popular characters, which explains the added attention on this part of the Expo.
Final Thoughts
Preparing a few items ahead of time makes the virtual queue easier to use. Update your Friends & Family list, turn on location services, decide which window works for your schedule, and review the shoe purchase rules. With that done, you can spend more of Expo day enjoying the event and less of it waiting.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
