2026 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Themes Announced!

The 2026 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is barely in the rearview mirror and we already have a look at the themes for next fall's Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. The 2025 W&D themes were somewhat underwhelming (breakfast-lunch-dinner-dessert progression with overdone characters), but the 2026 themes are definitely a step up. Each race (and the Challenge) features a different World Showcase pavilion along with a corresponding film and food item. For what feels like the first time in several years, runDisney chose some older, under-represented films to feature, giving some new characters a chance to shine. The W&D Weekend is a favorite runDisney event for many, and the new themes will definitely draw a crowd when registration opens (although every runDisney weekend is a big draw, anyway). Let's dive in!

5k - France Pavilion/The Aristocats

The Aristocats get their due for the France-themed 5k. There's not much Aristocats in Disney World, but you do see Marie T-shirts and stuffed animals here and there. The France design with the cheese-Eiffel Tower is a great touch for the poster and, presumably, the race shirt and merchandise. The France theme also lends itself to some good character stops, with characters from Aristocats, Ratatouille, Beauty and the Beast, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame all in play.

10k - Mexico Pavilion/The Three Caballeros

The 10k is themed for the Mexico Pavilion and The Three Caballeros. We love The Three Caballeros, and my son and I were lucky enough to get our photo with Jose Carioca and Panchito at the tail end of the 2025 WDW 5k. They're featured here along with the beloved Mexico pavilion made out of tamales. Don't be surprised to see some characters from Coco pop up here and there.

Half Marathon - UK Pavilion/Mary Poppins

The penguins from Mary Poppins and the UK pavilion (complete with tea and "biscuits" Big Ben) carry the W&D Half Marathon. Mary Poppins is one of Disney's most acclaimed films (with another movie about acquiring the rights to even make the film), so it's great to finally see it featured by runDisney. Additionally, there are tons of Disney movies that are UK-centric that are sure to show up along the course. That's not even mentioning the additional Challenge characters who may make an appearance...

Two Course Challenge - Germany Pavilion/Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

While not its own race, the Two Course Challenge theme features a Dopey colleague, Grumpy, and the Germany pavilion complete with pretzel-and-sausage cuckoo clock. The Germany pavilion might be my favorite, with Biergarten, Karamell-Kuche, and the amazing miniature village and train set. It's also fun to see a Snow White character other than Dopey and Snow White featured. Wouldn't it be great to see Doc at one of the medical stations? Happy at the finish line? Sneezy at the Springtime Surprise when allergies are high?

Overall, refocusing the W&D Weekend from strictly food to the various World Showcase pavilions is a great move. All of the four themes are fun and new, and I'm sure there will be no shortage of people crowding general registration on February 10th.