A virtual queue will manage access to the official runDisney Merchandise Shop and runDisney-themed Brooks running shoes at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo on October 22nd. Guests can request a spot at 7:00am or 1:00pm through the My Disney Experience app. Disney says the queue lets runners spend more of their time visiting Expo vendors. Platinum Club runDisney Members shop from 7:00am to 8:30am and Gold Members from 7:30am to 8:30am without a Virtual Queue requirement. Here’s what you need to know.
2026 Wine & Dine Expo Virtual Queue for runDisney Merchandise and Brooks Shoes
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- When the two join windows open on October 22nd, plus early shopping times for Club members
- How to join in the My Disney Experience app, step by step
- Brooks shoe purchase rules and what to expect inside AdventHealth Arena
Runners arriving for Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend can spend their opening-day wait exploring the Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex instead of waiting in a massive line. Disney has deployed a Virtual Queue for runners who want to shop at select locations. The virtual queue format first debuted at the 2022 Wine & Dine Expo. runDisney has implemented it many times since then to manage crowds. This year, the queue covers AdventHealth Arena, home to the official runDisney Merchandise Shop and the runDisney-themed Brooks running shoes.
AdventHealth Arena sits inside the Wide World of Sports complex. Guests have two chances to request a Virtual Queue spot on Thursday, October 22nd. One opportunity will be at 7:00am, and the other will be at 1:00pm. Disney says you can join from your hotel room or home, up to approximately 45 miles from Walt Disney World Resort.
The Expo is open Thursday from 9:00am to 8:00pm, Friday from 12:00pm to 7:00pm, and Saturday from 11:00am to 3:00pm. After the Expo, the 5K takes place on October 23rd, the 10K on October 24th, and the half marathon on October 25th. Our first look at this year’s finisher medals shows the theme for every race.
How to Join the Virtual Queue
You will need the My Disney Experience app with location services turned on. Every member of your shopping party must be on your Friends & Family list before you join. Add anyone who is missing ahead of time, since you can only join once per day.
- Step 1: Open the app, tap the 3-line “hamburger” icon (☰) and select “Virtual Queues”.
- Step 2: Tap “Join Virtual Queue,” then select “runDisney Merchandise Shop and runDisney-themed Brooks Running shoes.”
- Step 3: Select your shopping party, up to 6 Guests total, and tap “Join Virtual Queue” again.
- Step 4: If spots are open, you will see a confirmation screen with an estimated wait time.
- Step 5: A push notification tells you when your party can return, and you will have one hour to arrive at AdventHealth Arena in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
- Step 6: Follow the signs to the check-in area and show the Cast Member your digital entry code.
Each Guest in your party receives a digital entry code to present at check-in. Disney asks Guests to arrive onsite with about 30 minutes left on their estimated wait, so they can enjoy all of the Expo offerings.
Expect limited parking, and Disney Resorts Collection hotels offer complimentary Thursday transportation from 8:15am to 8:30pm.
What to Know Before You Go
The arena is open to all Guests, but Disney manages access on October 22nd exclusively through the virtual queue. You only need the queue that day.
Once inside AdventHealth Arena, you can try on Brooks running shoes in the trial area before entering the main floor, where you can purchase runDisney merchandise and Brooks exclusive shoes. Try-on pairs are generic, non-Disney designs. Joining the queue does not guarantee entry or merchandise, since Disney has limited spots and inventory.
Buying the runDisney-themed Brooks shoes comes with a few rules on the first day:
- Fill out a form for style, size, width, and quantity before you buy.
- The limit is one of each design per adult purchaser.
- Disney accepts only credit or debit cards for the shoes, not cash, Disney gift cards, MagicBands or Disney Merchandise Mobile Checkout.
- No Disney or Brooks discounts apply inside the arena.
Brooks became the official running shoe of runDisney through a multi-year collaboration announced in 2024, which includes Brooks creating Disney-themed running shoes featuring popular Disney characters.
Keep Reading
- See every finisher medal for this year’s race weekend, from the Aristocats-themed 5K to the Mary Poppins half marathon.
- Catch up on how Brooks became the official running shoe of runDisney and what the partnership means for Disney-themed shoes.
- Read how virtual queues first came to Expo merchandise shopping in 2022 at the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!