runDisney swept slower 5K runners at the Wine and Dine weekend. Plus, bigger Magic Kingdom boat docks, a new Monstropolis sign, Project Fedora steel, crown ears and cruise patches.
runDisney 5K runners just learned the pace rule is real now.
At the Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend 5K on Friday, Oct. 23, runDisney enforced its 16-minute-per-mile pace with hard sweeps, KennythePirate reported. That’s a change for a race that used to be the relaxed one.
Here’s what happened, plus more Disney news from this week.
Is runDisney enforcing the 5K pace requirement?
Yes. The 5K “did not have a strict time limit” before, KennythePirate’s Heather Alosa wrote. Many runners took it slow or stopped for characters “without fear of being swept.”
On Friday, the course had three hard sweeps. It was cleared and reset after Start Groups C and E, then cleared for good after Group G.
Runners reported seeing the Balloon Ladies at the end of those groups. They aren’t the official sweep, though, KennythePirate noted. They’re a visual guide to the 16-minute pace.
Why did runDisney change the 5K?
It added more spots. runDisney announced earlier this year that it would expand 5K availability starting with this weekend’s Wine and Dine events, KennythePirate said.
To handle the bigger crowd, runners got Start Group assignments a month ahead. The new bib has a tear-off tag at the bottom that gets you into your group.
The result was “in theory three 5k’s,” Alosa wrote, and many more people got to run.
How did the new 5K format go?
Mixed. Runners near the back of Groups C, E and G reported long character lines, some over an hour, and characters that closed. Others reported a crowded course.
Some runners may start choosing a later Start Group to get a fresh, clear course, KennythePirate said. You can move back to any group until the start line clears, but you can’t move up.
KennythePirate will watch for more changes at the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in January. Brent Dodge ran Friday’s race and posted his experience on YouTube:
Why is Magic Kingdom expanding its North Marina?
To make room for more boats. The South Florida Water Management District approved Disney’s plan to expand the North Service Area Marina, WDW News Today reported.
The marina sits north of Magic Kingdom off Bay Lake and stores Disney’s watercraft when they’re not in use. It’s also where the resort’s fourth ferryboat is being built.
The plan adds floating dock extensions, a new floating dock with three 40-foot fingers and new pilings. Total dock area grows from 3,400 square feet to about 4,800.
Will the marina work affect Disney World boats?
Probably not. The construction won’t be visible to guests and probably won’t affect boat service, WDWNT said.
Crews are also expanding the Magic Kingdom ferryboat dock.
What does “Try Our Cans” mean at Monstropolis?
It’s a new sign at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Painters were spotted adding “Try Our Cans” in yellow block letters to the future Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza, which replaces PizzeRizzo, WDWNT reported.
WDWNT suspects it’s a nod to the scream canisters from Monsters, Inc. The sign isn’t in the original concept art.
The old MuppetVision 3D theater building is also being repainted. Monstropolis opens in phases starting next year.
What is Project Fedora at Hollywood Studios?
Disney still won’t say. More steel framework has gone up near the exit of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, WDWNT reported.
It could be a building, a tent or something else. Online speculation suggests an Indiana Jones play area for younger guests, as PNP reported last week. Disney didn’t respond to WDWNT’s request for comment.
What are the new crown ears at EPCOT?
A royal purple United Kingdom Royal Ear Headband, $38.99, at the Sportsman’s Shoppe in the U.K. pavilion, WDWNT reported.
The gold crown looks inspired by St. Edward’s Crown, England’s coronation crown. Red and blue gems on its tips form hidden Mickeys, and white faux fur lines the bottom.
It matches the royal purple collection that came out in August.
What Stoney Clover patches are on Disney Cruise Line?
Three new Stoney Clover Lane x Disney Parks patches, $25 each, at Diamonds and Wishes aboard the Disney Fantasy, WDWNT reported.
There’s a rainbow Disney Cruise Line logo, Captain Mickey in a light blue jacket and Captain Minnie in pink. All three have gold glitter borders.
They stick on with adhesive, and a few stitches make them permanent. Disney Cruise Line also switched its website to show prices per person this week, WDWNT noted.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
KennythePirate, Heather Alosa (Oct. 23, 2026), the runDisney 5K changes
WDW News Today, Shannen Ace, Arica Conrad, Hannah and Megan K (Oct. 23, 2026), the marina, Monstropolis, Project Fedora, the crown ears and the patches
Pirates & Princesses (Oct. 15, 2026), the Project Fedora play area reports
Brent Dodge on YouTube (Oct. 23, 2026), the Wine and Dine 5K
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