Disney World can be chaotic on any given day, for any number of reasons — but certain weekends garner more crowds than most.

Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle

runDisney race weekends happen to be some of those times, and it can make doing things around the parks and hotels a bit more daunting than usual. The Springtime Surprise race weekend is quickly approaching at Disney World, but don’t worry! If you’re heading to Disney World next weekend, there are still plenty of ways to have a good time and avoid those crowds.

Ready, get set, GO! The 2026 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend will take place from April 16th through the 20th, bringing runners and their families to Disney World. This year’s theme celebrates “the power of friendship with races centered around some dynamic Disney duos!”

©runDisney

Here’s a look at the dates, times, and locations for each race:

• April 17th: Springtime Surprise 5K at 5 AM — Multiple parks
• April 18th: Springtime Surprise 10K at 5 AM — Multiple parks
• April 19th: Springtime Surprise 10-Miler at 5 AM — Hollywood Studios
• April 20th: Sunrise Yoga at 5 AM — Hollywood Studios

©runDisney

If you’re planning to be at Disney World during any of these races, be prepared for additional crowds in the parks. While the races will be over before the parks open, runners and their families often spend the day celebrating their victories in the parks.

You’ll likely also see an influx of people staying at Disney World hotels, due to the runners participating in the races.

Crowds at EPCOT on a runDisney weekend

Oftentimes, Disney will also close down certain roads around the property to allow for races, so if you’re driving, keep in mind that your normal route to the parks might be disrupted. Don’t worry, though, Disney will always provide an alternate route to get you to where you need to go!

Detour at Disney World

Our top tips for avoiding long lines without spending any extra money are to rope drop the parks (get there right when — or before — they open), get in line during meal times or during parades and fireworks, or wait until people start leaving for the night!

Main Street, U.S.A. at rope drop

You can also take advantage of things like Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours, depending on which Disney hotel you’re staying at. These offerings allow hotel guests to enjoy a little extra time in the parks before everyone else arrives.

Early Entry

And, you can always take advantage of Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Single Pass (and Premier Pass!) These are skip-the-line services that allow you to bypass the standby lines at popular Disney World rides.

While it’s entirely possible to still have a great time at Disney World during a runDisney race weekend, we just want you to be as prepared as possible so you have the best trip!

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

We’ll be on the lookout for more updates you need to know about from Disney World and beyond. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more!

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Have you been to Disney World during a runDisney race weekend? Let us know in the comments below!