runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend
Lake Buena Vista, FL
- 10 Miler, 10K, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Come journey through the Disney Vault on racecourses that explore the history of Walt Disney Animation Studios during the runDisney® Springtime Surprise Weekend at Walt Disney World® Resort! Join as we go “Running Through the Years” with races featuring beloved Characters ranging from the modern to the nostalgic. Feel the … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Apr 09):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 75 | 77 | 81 | 78 | 72 |
| L (°F) | 66 | 63 | 62 | 66 | 57 |
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Disney knows how to run a race
I read some complaints about bib pick-up and shirt pick up being in different buildings. I believe everything how Disney designed logistics is to keep people moving. All throughout the … MORE
I read some complaints about bib pick-up and shirt pick up being in different buildings. I believe everything how Disney designed logistics is to keep people moving. All throughout the process, there are people guiding you where to go and to keep you moving. Disney does a great job at this.
From parking your car, to going through security, to bag drop, and getting to your corral people are there to help you. The one mistake I see people make is right after getting through security, waiting in line for the first set of restrooms. The port-o-potties didn’t have lines at the bag drop, and right outside the corral entrances there is a parking lot with a TON of port-o-potties. One thing that upset some people is that Disney strictly closes the corrals at their scheduled time so if you miss it, you have to go to the next one down. That wasn’t well advertised.
The first half of the race is better in that you run through the park. The second half is mostly highway in between the parks except for the last mile as you head towards the finish.
If you want to take pictures along the course with the Disney characters, you can expect to see long lines. I elected not to wait. Instead I took selfies at the mile markers that had video screens depicting various Disney characters.
This is a race where people race in costumes and come to have fun. Some of the costumes are crazy and I don’t know how people run in them. The most impressive one I saw this year was Darth Vader with an oversized helmet out of Spaceballs!
It’s Disney, what’s not to love?
This was my first RunDisney race and even better it was a Marvel race (I am Groot!). As expected, Disney puts on a good organized race. You can run it … MORE
This was my first RunDisney race and even better it was a Marvel race (I am Groot!). As expected, Disney puts on a good organized race. You can run it or you can run and stop along the route to meet characters. We chose the latter of course!
Ohana Challenge!
This was my first time doing a Disney run and as a runner + Disney fan, I was super excited. I didn't know what exactly to expect other than it … MORE
This was my first time doing a Disney run and as a runner + Disney fan, I was super excited. I didn’t know what exactly to expect other than it would be BIG.
I went to the expo on Thursday to pick up my bib and shirt. It was a little annoying that they were in separate buildings of the ESPN sports complex because personally I wasn’t that interested in the expo, I just wanted to get my stuff and get back to the parks. However it was pretty quick to grab my stuff and go.
Friday – 5k. I was staying at a Disney resort so they had buses available for getting to (and from) the run. I got up extra early to allow plenty of time, but that whole process was very easy. The starting area had plenty of porta potties and snacks, but could have used more seating. (I know, we were there to RUN! But when you’re waiting for an hour+ before going to stand in your starting corral, it would be nice to relax.) Starting corrals were well marked and they had large screens so you could see what was going on at the stage next to the starting line. The hosts kept the energy UP in those early morning hours! The course for the 5k went around the EPCOT parking lot and “backstage” before coming out into the EPCOT park. It then went around the World Showcase lake, back towards the entrance, then came out the side and back into the parking lot for the finish. The lighting was adequate since it was still dark out, no worry about tripping.
Saturday – 10k. Starting out there was an out and back on the road before coming into EPCOT, it went over to the Disney Boardwalk Resort and back to EPCOT, finishing in the same spot. This day we got some daylight, and it was a beautiful sunrise as you were running 🙂
Sunday – 10 miler. Wow. Now I know why they call it a “challenge!” Completing these three runs under normal circumstances would be no problem, but with the early wake ups and loooong days in the parks after, I was exhausted by this day. The course went through EPCOT, the Boardwalk, and over to Hollywood Studios. There is a stretch out on the highway back to EPCOT, this was a real killer. There’s no real Disney magic out there so I struggled during that part of the course!
Disney knows what it’s doing and the whole operation is very smooth. Waiting to start, you are in your corral and eventually moved over to the starting line – there is no personal space here, it’s CROWDED. But everyone is very courteous and patient. Out of 5 starting groups, I was in the 4th. (Not sure how the placing works….I submitted my time when I registered and I’m about a 10:30/mile runner??) For the 5k and 10k, it took about 30 minutes from when they officially started the run until I actually crossed the start line. For the 10 mile, it was an hour.
They send out waves of runners to try and space everyone out but the course is still very crowded because well there’s just a LOT of people. I knew not to expect a PR on these, but I was a little disappointed at how often I got stuck in a bottleneck of walkers. (I don’t mean to sound like a snob and by all means I am NOT a fast runner! But when you get into your groove, you hate to constantly be stopping.)
I enjoyed the experience, took some pictures along the way, but did not stand in the looooong lines for character pictures.
The finish area was well organized. Runners moved through the chute collecting their medal, Powerade, wet towel (YES!!!!), snack box (double YES!!!). Traffic flowed smoothly through there. Oh and the medals are AWESOME!
I did not use the gear check but I would assume it ran as well as everything else, this is a well-oiled machine!
It would have been nice if the courses were different each day, and you got to experience more parks. But I understand for such a large production, it makes more sense to have the start/finish set up once and left there for the duration of the event weekend.
Would I do another Disney run? Yes, only because the crazy part of me wants to complete the Dopey Challenge! If it wasn’t for that, I think once would be enough.
Every Mile is Magic
Great if you enjoy Disney and are looking for a fun, non-competative 5k experience. Can't beat the pageantry, or the costumes! There is excellent first aid/medical care if needed, and … MORE
Great if you enjoy Disney and are looking for a fun, non-competative 5k experience. Can’t beat the pageantry, or the costumes! There is excellent first aid/medical care if needed, and a fun grandstand area for any guests to cheer on the runners.
An Amazing 1st Race!
This was my first race ever! I had just started training 3 months before this race. It was amazing! So many people in costumes and you could feel the excitement! … MORE
This was my first race ever! I had just started training 3 months before this race. It was amazing! So many people in costumes and you could feel the excitement! I loved that when each corral started, they shot off fireworks! It was definitely a hot one! I didn’t realize how sweaty I’d get. Definitely bring a change of clothes or a towel with you so when you drive home, you don’t soak your car seat. Going through 2 parks and a resort was an unforgettable experience!
2023 Challenge Finale - Toy Story 10 mi
Fun finale to the 2023 Springtime Surprise at Disney World. The race begins at EPCOT, running around the world, then heading along the water way to Hollywood Studios. The race … MORE
Fun finale to the 2023 Springtime Surprise at Disney World. The race begins at EPCOT, running around the world, then heading along the water way to Hollywood Studios. The race then returns via the main roads back to EPCOT for a run thru the park, before finishing.
Early morning start helps with the temperatures, and still allows for many of the signature photo stops in Disney races.
Great course support for fluids (water and electrolyte drink), cheering cast members, and many photo ops.
Post race water, sports drink, and food boxes are provided.
High quality themed medal for the race, and for the challenge.
Very fun time, and will run again.
Great Race
This was a great experience. The pre-race and post-race events were exceptional. I loved the Expo. My only regret was not wearing lighter clothes. It was very hot and humid. … MORE
This was a great experience. The pre-race and post-race events were exceptional. I loved the Expo. My only regret was not wearing lighter clothes. It was very hot and humid. I would’ve loved to have taken more pictures, as well. Overall, I would recommend this race.
Race #2 - the 10K. 2023 Monsters Inc
The 2023 Theme for the 10K was Monsters Inc. As usual, this is an early morning Disney race, so catch a quick nap on the bus. This race takes place … MORE
The 2023 Theme for the 10K was Monsters Inc.
As usual, this is an early morning Disney race, so catch a quick nap on the bus.
This race takes place around EPCOT, and around the boardwalk along crescent lake.
There is plenty of photo opportunities during the race, so get your money’s worth and have some fun.
The course is very flat, with overpasses being the “hills” of the course.
Great course support with water & electrolyte. Fun Disney themed medal, food box, water and electrolyte drink at the end of the race.
Not the cheapest race, but if you want to have fun, it is worth the investment.
Kickoff to Springtime Surprise - Cars 5k
This is the first race of the 3 race springtime surprise challenge. The 5k was an "untimed" event. The 2023 theme was Cars. As usual, if you're staying on property, … MORE
This is the first race of the 3 race springtime surprise challenge.
The 5k was an “untimed” event. The 2023 theme was Cars.
As usual, if you’re staying on property, you have to catch a bus by 4 am for the 5 am start.
Buy it is Disney!! If you’re running for time, you’re running for the wrong reasons. There are several opportunities to get photos with characters along the route, as will as a lot of creative costumes worn by the runners.
There are a few choke points along the course, but running through EPCOT is enjoyable and there are many photo ops.
Have a great time, and don’t take it too seriously!
Disney Always Great !!
Disney always put in a great race! The Ten Mile Tower of Terror was no except! Great fun course through Epcot and other places. The medal is awesome AND I … MORE
Disney always put in a great race! The Ten Mile Tower of Terror was no except! Great fun course through Epcot and other places. The medal is awesome AND I got some cool pics while finishing well. I usually don’t try to PR at Disney though due to all the turns and crowds. Great experience though every time!
Loved this race!
This was my first longer distance race and I loved the entire experience. runDisney events are incredible! Highly recommend for runners at any experience level. MORE
This was my first longer distance race and I loved the entire experience. runDisney events are incredible! Highly recommend for runners at any experience level.
Was my first "long race" but was fun
I enjoyed it being a Night Race vs an early morning race. It gave it a lot more fun feel running through the parks lit up at night and the … MORE
I enjoyed it being a Night Race vs an early morning race. It gave it a lot more fun feel running through the parks lit up at night and the villains theme was pretty cool. IMO Disney doesn’t put on a bad race, lol. Shame it went away and the new incarnation of it won’t stay the same each year.
My Wife's First 5k
I ran the Happy Haunted 5k Trail run on the morning of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. It was a decent run, mostly on trails. It was somewhat muddy … MORE
I ran the Happy Haunted 5k Trail run on the morning of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. It was a decent run, mostly on trails. It was somewhat muddy for this race. Recommend using different shoes from your night race.
Inaugural 10 Miler
This was the inaugural Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10 Miler. I was disappointed because there was little to no villains or theming for the race. MORE
This was the inaugural Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10 Miler. I was disappointed because there was little to no villains or theming for the race.