I blinked and the season was over!! It’s been a bit of a blur since Princess and truth told I’m ready to focus more on cross training and rest and come into the 2025-26 season feeling better than ever. That said, we’re not done quite yet—because it’s time for Springtime Surprise. Here’s everything you’ll need to know, from now until the end of your last race (or yoga session). All of this information is gathered from runDisney’s provided information, including especially runDisney’s Official Digital Expo & Event Guide for the weekend—with a dash of personal experience since I’ve run close to 100 runDisney races over the last 10 years. (Actually I just did the math and after this weekend I’ll be at 98 in person races here in Walt Disney World!) 

Graphics provided here are from the aforementioned Event Guide.

This is a long article. If you’re only looking for details on one specific race or topic, go ahead and hop straight there:

• Skip to runDisney Springtime Surprise 5K
• Skip to runDisney Springtime Surprise 10K
• Skip to runDisney Springtime Surprise 10-Miler
• Skip to runDisney Springtime Surprise Yoga
• Skip to Costume Guidelines
• Skip to Virtual Queue and Brooks Running Release Instructions
• Skip to General Transportation Information
• Skip to PhotoPass Information

Storyline for the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

Normally I’d paraphrase it but they’ve done such a good job of describing things in their weekend overview that I’ll just quote them here:

“runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend promises to be an epic experience! Come lace up and become the hero of your own story as you conquer magical miles throughout Walt Disney World® Resort, April 3–6.

Choose from an adventurous 5K, 10K or 10-Miler, or participate in a Challenge that combines all three races for a total of 19.3 miles. But no matter which you choose, you’ll be immersed in everything from meet-and-greets with rarely seen Characters to inspiring movie clips and more. There’s even a morning yoga session to kick off the weekend stretch and prepare you for the journey. Best of all? Upon completing your quest, you’ll earn a one-of-a-kind themed medal for each race you run. Complete all three races and take home a fourth Challenge medal!

From start to finish, being part of a runDisney event means you’re part of a brave community of athletes who come together to cheer each other on and to ensure that Every Mile is Magic.”

Become the hero of your own story. Love it.

Pre-Weekend Details

Before we dive into the weekend itself, there are a handful of things you’ll need to make sure to do first. 

Digital Waiver

Make sure to sign your digital participant waiver as soon as possible if you haven’t already. To sign it, log into your runDisney Account and follow the prompts under your runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend registration. If per chance you forget or otherwise aren’t able to do this beforehand, there will be paper copies to sign at Expo, but you’ll save yourself (and everyone else) some time by getting it done in advance. 

Expo Check-In Pass

You’ll need your Expo Check-in Pass to pick up your race bib at the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo. The Expo Check-in Pass is available in your runDisney Account—you likely also got an email with a link to it. Bring a printed or digital copy of your pass for each event you’re participating in along with your photo ID to the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo to pick up your race bib(s). If you’re participating in a challenge, there will be one pass for it. If you’re registered for an individual race or races and/or yoga, there will be a separate pass for each.

Your Check-In Pass will indicate whether you’ve already signed your digital waiver. It will also include your race bib number.

RUNDISNEY COSTUME GUIDELINES

runDisney’s races are one of the few occasions when adults can dress as their favorite characters in the parks, but there are still some guidelines to follow since we’ll be running in these outfits. Most of these rules are safety and common sense driven, but it’s a good idea to review runDisney’s current costume guidelines to make sure that your planned outfit(s) comply. Here’s an overview:

• Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
• Participants 14 and older may not wear costume masks of any kind. Participants 13 and younger may wear costume masks so long as their eyes are visible and their entire face isn’t covered.
• Participants who dress like characters may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other guests.
• Costumes may not drag on the ground.
• Costumes may not contain sharp or pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike other participants.
• Costumes may not include anything that resembles an actual weapon.
• Layered costumes, such as ball gowns that do not follow the natural contour of the human body, or other costumes that could conceal prohibited items are not permitted.  
• Layered clothing that doesn’t present a safety hazard, including tutus over running shorts, cold-weather gear, and clothing that follows the natural contour of the body, is permitted. 
• Costumes or large props, including items that present a safety hazard, those that surround the entire body, those that are inflatable, or those that physically connect multiple participants to each other, are not permitted. 
• Small inflatable or soft-bodied handheld props are permitted. 
• Tutus, transparent wings, and headwear are permitted so long as they don’t cover your face.
• Capes should not go below the waist.

Remember that guests who are 14 and older are not permitted to wear costumes in the parks during normal operating hours, so if you’re planning to head to the parks after your race you’ll need to change first. (I trust that you were going to do that anyway…. 😉)

And, setting all of these rules aside, do a test run in your planned costume or other running attire if you haven’t already. Things move and chafe and irritate a lot more after 13+ miles—best to find out now rather than on race day.

runDisney Health & Fitness Expo

2025 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend Exhibitor/T-Shirt Pickup Floor Layout

If you’re running in any of the races, you’ll first need to head to the Expo at Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex with a valid photo ID, your signed digital waiver, and your Check-In Pass to pick up your Race Bib. (If your Check-In Pass indicates that your waiver has been signed, that generally suffices for the waiver at Expo.) You’ll also get your race shirts here, and will have the opportunity to shop runDisney’s official race merchandise, check out the vendor exhibits, take advantage of some fun photo ops, and ask any questions that you have leading up to the event. Feel free to bring your friends and family along too—everyone is welcome!

Adults need to pick up their own bibs, no exceptions, so make sure that you are in town in time to get to Expo before your first race. Unless you are a minor, no one will be able to do bib pick up for you.

Plan to visit the Expo at least one day before your first race so that you have your bib in time. This means that if you’re running the 5K or the full Challenge, you’ll need to visit on the first day—Thursday, April 3rd. For the 10K, you’ll need to visit by Friday, April 4th. For the 10-Miler, you’ll need to visit by Saturday, April 5th. 

Here are the hours for Expo and resort transportation from the Walt Disney World® Resorts, Shades of Green, and the Swan and Dolphin Resorts. You can also drive yourself or take a Minnie Van, but if you choose to use resort transportation it runs each day from 30 mins before Expo opens to 30 min after Expo closes.

• Day 1: Thursday, April 3, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Transportation 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. 
• Day 2: Friday, April 4, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Transportation 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. 
• Day 3: Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Transportation 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 

VIRTUAL QUEUE

At 8:30 a.m. AND 2:00 p.m. (they’ve added a second virtual queue entry time on the first day) on April 3, 2025, a virtual queue will open for the Official runDisney Merchandise Shop at Expo. This is ALSO where you’ll find the long awaited runDisney-themed Brooks Running shoes that are being released for the first time this weekend. This is the ONLY way to shop on the first day–no one will be able to enter without a virtual queue spot. To join the queue, make sure you have the My Disney Experience app on your phone and location services are turned on. Joining the virtual queue is then like joining a virtual queue for any attraction at Walt Disney World:

• Step 1: Open the My Disney Experience app and navigate to the Virtual Queue section on the Welcome Screen and tap Join Virtual Queue. 
• Step 2: Tap the ESPN Wide World of Sports tab and find the “runDisney Merchandise Shop” virtual queue.  The virtual queue will open at 8:30 a.m. AND 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on April 3rd, 2025. (You can only join the queue once, so if you get a spot at 8:30 a.m. you cannot get another spot at 2:00 p.m.) 
• Step 3: Select the number of guests (up to 6 people total) in your shopping party. Select “Join Virtual Queue” once more. Note: All members of your shopping party must be added to your My Disney Experience Friends & Family list prior to joining the virtual queue. 
• Step 4: If there are open spots in the virtual queue, you’ll see a confirmation screen. Your estimated wait time will be based on the Expo opening time of 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, so don’t be alarmed if your wait appears long! runDisney recommends that you arrive at Expo around 60 minutes before your scheduled entry time.
• Step 5: You’ll receive a push notification with a link to your QR code for entry when your group is ready. Once received, you’ll have 60 minutes to check in. 
• Step 6: Upon your arrival, follow the signs to the check-in area and prepare to show the Cast Member your QR code or MagicBand.

Here are the details on the process for getting shoes from Brooks Running:

The Virtual Queue gets you into the AdventHealth Arena, where you’ll find both the runDisney Merchandise Shop and the new runDisney-themed Brooks Running shoes. Once you’re inside the Arena, you have the option to try on Brooks Running shoes in a trial area to figure out your size and fit. The shoes in this area will be generic and non-Disney themed and will be provided just to let you figure out sizing prior to entering the show floor. 

Any guest who wants to purchase the new, themed Brooks Running shoes will need to get a form from someone working in the trialing area. This form is required before entering to purchase runDisney-themed Brooks Running shoes inside the AdventHealth Arena. On the form, you’ll need to provide the following information: 

• Desired style
• Size
• Width
• Quantity (there will be a limit on quantities per person on the first day of the expo – one of each design per adult purchaser).

Only credit/debit card payments will be accepted for Brooks Running shoes—no cash, Disney gift cards, or Magic Bands. Disney Merchandise Mobile Checkout will not be available for runDisney-themed Brooks Running shoes, and no discounts (Disney or Brooks) will be applicable to any runDisney-themed Brooks inside the Arena.

Bib & Shirt Pickup

You’ll need to visit the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at least one day prior to your first race to pick up your race bib(s), participant shirt(s) and gEAR bag. Again, you cannot pick up for another runner unless they are a minor, so you’ll need to go yourself.

If your shirts don’t fit, you can exchange for another size (quantities permitting) while you’re at Expo.

General Race Information

You’ll find specific information for each race (course maps, spectator viewpoints, road closures, etc.) below—but here are some details that will apply no matter what you’re running.

Arrival & Transportation

All athletes and spectators should arrive at EPCOT no later than 4:00 a.m. for the 5K, 10K and 10-Miler. 

runDisney Event Transportation

To minimize traffic congestion, Disney encourages participants and spectators who are staying at any Walt Disney World resort, Shades of Green, or the Swan or Dolphin to utilize the provided runDisney event transportation to and from their races. Transportation times and pick-up locations will be posted on signs in the lobby of each resort but here are the general schedules:

Buses:

• 5K: Resorts to Start Line 3:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. | Finish Line to Resorts 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
• 10K: Resorts to Start Line 3:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. | Finish Line to Resorts 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
• 10-Miler: Resorts to Start Line 3:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. | Finish Line to Resorts 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

There will be no monorail or skyliner transportation for any of the races.

Personal Transportation/Drivers

If you’re not staying at a host resort or are otherwise driving yourself, you will be parking in the EPCOT lot. Parking at EPCOT is free before 6:00 a.m. on race mornings. If you’re using a non-Disney ride share service like Uber or Lyft, have your driver follow the signs to the designated Ride Share Drop Off area. You can find road closure information for the 10K and 10-Miler in their respective sections below.

Minnie Vans

Disney’s Minnie Van™ service will also be available throughout the weekend for an added cost. If you’re interested in this, I’d recommend talking to your resort concierge prior to race morning to make arrangements. 

gEAR Bag Check

gEAR Bag check is available for each of the races. You’ll find it in the Reunion area. (Pro tip…the porta potties over there tend to be better in the mornings…) 

The bag that you’ll use for your stuff is the clear plastic bag that you get your shirt(s) in at Expo. When you drop off your bag, you’ll get a sticker to put on the back of your bib to remind you which truck you used and to identify your bag. It’s a pretty seamless process. If you’re looking for more specific advice on how this process works and what to bring, I delve deep into race day gear and gEAR check tips in THIS article.

Corrals

The letter at the top corner of your bib is your corral placement for the race(s). It’s based on your predicted pace for the event–this is why you were invited to share a proof of time from another race when you registered for the 10K and/or 10-Miler. Corrals aim to group people together who run a similar pace for crowd control during the event–so rather than release 20,000 people all at once, which would of course lead to absurd bottleneck–we get the fastest people out first so that they can run unobstructed and clear out and then people of different paces can tackle the course at their own speed, so long as they maintain the required 16 minute mile pacing requirement.

If you want to run with a friend who is in a different corral than you, whoever is in the higher/earlier corral may drop back so that you can start together. You are not permitted to start in an earlier corral than what is on your bib.

Weather & Clothing

runDisney’s Springtime Surprise Weekend is in early April, so the weather can get warm. Overnight lows for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are currently in the upper 60s, so we should be comfortable waiting and starting out, but if you expect to be on the course for an extended period of time know that things will be heating up. The expected high for each day is around 90 degrees, which it won’t likely hit until long after we’re finished—but you’re definitely going to start feeling the heat out there as we get later into the morning. Be sure to dress, hydrate, and replace your electrolytes accordingly before, during, and after the races. 

Pacing

As you probably know all too well by now, runners will need to complete the 10K and 10-Miler within the 16-minute-per-mile pacing requirement. This pacing requirement is inclusive of character lines and photos, bathroom stops, and food and water stops, so make sure to take them into account overall. 

Remember, too, that the clock doesn’t start ticking on that 16 minute mile requirement until the last wave of the last corral crosses the start line. There’s a lovely group of people that we call “The Balloon Ladies” who clock that 16 minute mile pace at the back of the pack while carrying balloons for easy spotting. If you’re wondering if you’re at risk of getting swept, look around you and make sure the Balloon Ladies aren’t in sight.

P.S. – Balloon sightings on the course can trigger worries since runners concerned about getting swept will be watching for the Balloon Ladies, so as a courtesy to everyone please do not incorporate balloons into your race day costume.

Disney PhotoPass

Disney PhotoPass® Photographers will be on the course and at the finish line taking your photos throughout the race. You can see them in the My Disney Experience® app after the event–they’ll start to roll in within a few hours and Disney says to expect them all within 48 hours. If you have Memory Maker attached to your trip or annual pass, you’ll have access to all of your images.

Disney uses your bib number to get your pictures to you, so you’ll want to be sure it’s showing throughout the race and when you pose with characters on the course.

To link your photos in the app, you’ll need to enter the 11-digit RaceID assigned to you for the specific race or challenge. You can find yours on your Check-In Pass(es) for the weekend. 

Medical Help

The AdventHealth Medical Team will be at the races—before, during, and on the course—if you need help. Look for them on bikes on the course, in the finish chute, and walking around the family reunion area.

You should also fill out the Emergency Medical Information on the back of your bib before your race.

Spectator Tips

You’ll find spectator viewing areas for each race in the sections that follow. Generally, Disney does not allow spectators to watch the races on open roadways or overpasses. They also ask that you not hand out any food or drinks to athletes on the course. 

If you’re making a sign, try using the brightest paper you can find to help your athlete find you, especially before sunrise. A friend of mine wears a neon hat to cheer for his husband and it makes him so easy to spot in the crowds on Main Street! Knowing your athlete’s pace and tracking them on the course can help you to know when and where to look for them. And be realistic if you plan to cheer in more than one location (e..g, on the course and at the finish line) as transportation can be slow moving on race days. It’s good to know your priorities going into the morning.

runDisney Springtime Surprise 5K

• Theme: “Feel like an honorary Guardian of the Galaxy as you blast off on a galactic 3.1-mile adventure hosted by Groot and his interstellar allies.”
• Date: Friday, April 4, 2025 | 5:00 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.
• Transportation: 
  • Athletes and spectators should arrive at EPCOT by 4:00 a.m. 
  • Transportation times and pick-up locations for on property resort guests will be posted on signs in the lobby of each resort but generally: 
    • Buses: Resorts to Start Line 3:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. | Finish Line to Resorts 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
    • There will not be monorail or Skyliner transportation for any of the races. 
    • There are no posted road closures for the 5K. 
    • See the general transportation section above for driving instructions and other details. 
• Course: Start and finish, EPCOT parking lot

runDisney 2025 Disney Princess 5K – Course Map

• PhotoPass Link: See your Check-In Pass. 

• Corral Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

runDisney 2025 Springtime Surprise 5K Corral/Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

• Spectator Information: Spectator Viewing is at the start (EPCOT Rocket Parking Lot, accessible 4:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.) and finish (EPCOT Eve Parking Lot, accessible 5:15 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.).  

runDisney 2025 Springtime Surprise 5K – Spectator Viewpoints

runDisney Springtime Surprise 10K

• Theme: “Go from mile zero to hero to show off the herculean magnitude of your strength…and the strength of your heart…in 6.2 miles.”
• Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 5:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
• Transportation:
  • Athletes and spectators should arrive at EPCOT by 4:00 a.m. 
  • Transportation times and pick-up locations for on property resort guests will be posted on signs in the lobby of each resort but generally: 
    • Buses: Resorts to Start Line 3:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. | Finish Line to Resorts 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
    • There will not be monorail or Skyliner transportation for any of the races.
  • See the general transportation section above for driving instructions and other details.
  • Road Closures: .

runDisney 2025 Springtime Surprise 10K – Road Closure Map

• Course: Start and finish, EPCOT parking lot

runDisney 2025 Springtime Surprise 10K – Course Map

• PhotoPass Link: See your Check-In Pass. 

• Corral Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

runDisney 2025 Springtime Surprise 10K Corral/Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

• Spectator Information: Spectator Viewing is at the start (EPCOT Rocket Parking Lot, accessible 4:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.) and finish (EPCOT Eve Parking Lot, accessible 5:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.). Family and friends can also follow their favorite runners’ split times for the Springtime Surprise 10K and 10-Miler by heading to THIS LINK. (If you would like to be removed from Live Results or Final Results, email disneysports@trackshack.com.) 

runDisney 2025 Disney Princess 10K – Spectator Viewpoints

runDisney Springtime Surprise 10-Miler

• Theme: “Show the world how super you are in just 10 miles alongside Mrs. Incredible, Mr. Incredible and Frozone. Just remember…no capes!”
• Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025 | 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
• Transportation: 
  • Athletes and spectators should arrive at EPCOT by 4:00 a.m. 
  • Transportation times and pick-up locations for on property resort guests will be posted on signs in the lobby of each resort but generally: 
    • Buses: Resorts to Start Line 3:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. | Finish Line to Resorts 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
    • There will not be monorail or Skyliner transportation for any of the races.
  • See the general transportation section above for driving instructions and other details.
  • Road Closures: 

runDisney 2025 Springtime Surprise 10-Miler – Road Closure Map

• Course: Start and finish, EPCOT parking lot

runDisney 2025 Springtime Surprise 10-Miler – Course Map

• PhotoPass Link: See your Check-In Pass. 

• Corral Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

runDisney 2025 Springtime Surprise 10-Miler Corral/Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

• Spectator Information: Spectator Viewing is at the start (EPCOT Rocket Parking Lot, accessible 4:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.) and finish (EPCOT Eve Parking Lot, accessible 5:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.) and at the spots indicated below. Family and friends can also follow their favorite runners’ split times for the Springtime Surprise 10K and 10-Miler by heading to THIS LINK. (If you would like to be removed from Live Results or Final Results, email disneysports@trackshack.com.) 

runDisney 2025 Springtime Surprise 10-Miler – Spectator Viewpoints

runDisney Springtime Surprise Yoga

Pre-registered participants are invited to kick off race weekend with some morning yoga and be inspired to find their inner hero as they stretch their body, mind and imagination. Yoga is a one hour experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 5:00 a.m. A yoga mat with a carrying strap and bottled water will be provided for each participant at the event.

Details:

• Complimentary Guest parking is provided at Disney’s Hollywood Studios between 4:00 AM – 4:45 AM
• Guests must bring a valid photo ID and completed Yoga Check-In Pass to check-in
  • {Reminder: Sign your Digital Waiver online}
• Check-In Begins at 4:15 AM at Disney’s Hollywood Studios 
• Parking Lot will open at 4:00 AM
• Security Bag Check will open at 4:00 AM
• Guests must arrive prior to 4:45 AM for Check In
• Guests will be exited from Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the end of the event and a valid Theme Park Ticket and Park Reservation is required to re-enter the park.
• You must be 10 years or older to participate. Children under age 14 must be accompanied by a guest who is 14 or older.
• The location of yoga is subject to change. Your actual location within the activity area is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

* * * * * * * * * *

And that’s a wrap on the run down!! Watch here and on my Instagram @thecastlerunner over the weekend for live updates on the races and recaps after each event. I try to start near the front of the race and provide coverage throughout during, especially for the 5K and 10K.  

* * * * * * *

Important Note: Sometimes, on my site, I will share products that I’ve personally used and that consistently work for me. If you buy these items through links on my site, I may earn a small commission. It won’t affect the price that you pay but it does help to keep the lights on around here so that we can bring you more like this, so thank you! 

* * * * * * *

Please join me on Instagram for my day-to-day adventures living a mile from the magic. 

* * * * * * * * * *

Planning a run while you’re here? You can find my complete guide to running trails on Walt Disney World property RIGHT HERE.

* * * * * * * * * *

If you’re missing home (or love someone who is) and are looking for a way to bring the magic home, I’d love for you to check out my photography prints over at Thousand Circles Images. I release a new, single-day photography every single weekday. You can subscribe on the site to receive them along with a note in your inbox each morning.