NEWS: runDisney Announces Theme for 2023 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

runDisney has announced the theme of the 2023 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend. The weekend will feature some of our favorite Pixar pals, and we’re so excited. Learn more below.

Here are the details from Sarah Harris:

Get ready to reach for the sky and grab your rootinest, tootinest crew! We’re not toying around as the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend returns to Walt Disney World Resort for its second year, April 13-16, 2023. The final event in the 2022-2023 runDisney race season celebrates the power of friendship and the magic of Pixar with the Pixar Pals. Racers are encouraged to celebrate the running buddies that keep them going, the support systems that cheer from the sidelines, and the iconic characters that lift each other up time and time again.

The 2023 event sees the return of the 10-Miler distance and runDisney Springtime Surprise Challenge for completing all weekend races as well as runDisney Springtime Surprise Yoga. Today we are excited to share the individual race themes! Take a look:

Disney Pixar Cars 5K

You are SPEED. Whether you’re aiming for a leisurely jog or a personal record, get ready to speed through the lanes of this 3.1 mile course with Lightning McQueen, Mater, and all their friends.

Disney Pixar Monsters 10K

It’s time to get those scary feet ready! Canisters at each mile marker get fuller and fuller as racers take a step in the ‘fright’ direction through a 6.2 mile course with Mike, Sulley, and all their friends from the world of Monstropolis.

Disney Pixar Toy Story 10 Miler

Saddle up for a 10-mile event! Racers set out on the adventure of a lifetime with Buzz, Woody, Bo Peep, and more, as they push themselves to infinity and … the finish line!

runDisney Springtime Surprise Challenge

Just keep running … just keep running! Racers with the perseverance to complete all three weekend events are awarded for finishing the runDisney Springtime Surprise Challenge, complete with a medal featuring Nemo and his friends from all over the big blue world.

Not able to join us at Walt Disney World Resort in April? Join us virtually and run on a course of your choosing! From 3.1 to 19.3 miles, add a little character to your at-home race adventure. Learn more about Virtual runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend events here.

Runners wanting to join this year’s event should mark their calendars for the following registration dates and times:

runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort

• • • • General Registration | August 23, 2022 at 10 a.m. ET

Virtual runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

• • • • General Registration | August 26, 2022 at 10 a.m. ET

Get ready to celebrate the magic of Pixar along with some of your favorite Disney Pixar Pals during the 2023 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend! Which race theme are you most excited about? Share with us on social using #SpringtimeSurprise.

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RELATED ARTICLE: 9 Things to Know Before You Visit Disney World in the Spring

by Matt and Kim

Looking for a perfect time to visit Walt Disney World? Let us recommend the spring season! You may think of spring as a chance to get organized with “spring cleaning” or time to prepare the lawn for the summer ahead… but our minds think spring equals Disney. That early March to early June spring season awaits, but before you “spring” to meet the Mouse, check out these nine things to know before you visit Disney World in the spring.

9 – Lower Crowd Levels (well, mostly)

While there really isn’t a “slow” time at Disney World, historically, spring does typically hold lower crowd levels than other times of the year. The kids are in school, and adults are in their work routine, which means the parks clear out slightly. That said, spring also means Spring Break, which for most schools falls the week before or the week after Easter. Try to avoid this time frame, if at all possible! Check out other holidays below that may also contribute to crowd levels.

8 – Discounts

Disney knows how to fill the parks even during the lower crowd times – they offer discounts! Spring is a great time to stay at the different Disney Resorts with value rates or special discounts offered. We often see 30% off select rooms. Ticket prices are also on the lower side, with the best deals being during the weekdays and non-holidays. Any savings can help!

7 – Tax Return Anyone?

Since we’re talking about saving money – does anyone else have a hard time not spending their tax return as soon as it hits the bank in the spring? It burns a hole in our pockets! So, what better way to spend your money than on a memorable experience for the family? Have some spring fun with that excellent tax return!

6 – Rain…

You know the saying, “Spring showers bring May flowers.” This is true even at Walt Disney World… although there are always flowers! You can expect rain regularly, so pack those ponchos and a couple of pairs of shoes. No worries, however, because there is still plenty to do at Disney in the rain. If you channel your inner Donald Duck, you can waddle along in the rain and enjoy yourself despite being damp.

5 – Hurricane Season Begins

Speaking of rain… did you know that Hurricane Season begins on the first of June? Many assume we only have to worry about hurricanes in the fall, but we’re sorry to report that all of the spring isn’t completely clear of hurricane possibilities. Be sure to review Disney’s Hurricane Policy if you are planning to visit at the later end of the spring season. Fingers crossed, it’s not something you’ll have to worry about!

4 – How to Pack

So, with all this weather chat, how do you pack? We’ve covered you’ll want to pack ponchos and extra shoes, but we’d also recommend a light jacket and a pair or two of pants. On the flip side, you should bring your swimsuit and flip-flops to enjoy the warm Florida spring weather. We’ve seen temperatures range from the 60s to the 90s during the spring. Expect the 60s in early spring, but just understand that the next day could be in the 80s. As spring inches closer to summer, start to plan for the warmer 80s and 90s. So, in other words – you’ll need to pack a little bit of everything.

3 – runDisney Events

If you haven’t experienced a runDisney event, you’re missing out! Over the spring, runDisney has at least one runDisney event. A new runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend is in April and is a perfect time to check out Disney and get a nice run in! You’ll conquer the 5K, 10K, and/or the Half-Marathon. You can also sign up for the Challenge Run (both 10K and Half-Marathon) for a Challenger Medal. There are also Kids Races to get the entire family involved!

2 – Special Holiday Celebrations

When you think of holidays at Disney World, your mind probably goes to Christmas or New Year. Spring has a handful of Holiday celebrations not to be missed!

• The biggest holiday celebration over the spring is Easter (April). The Easter date jumps around from early to mid to late April (or even late March), so be sure to check the calendar well in advance. At Magic Kingdom, in the past, there has been a special Easter Parade with the Easter Bunny! You can even see beautifully crafted eggs on display at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. There are also special church services held at the Contemporary. And if you’re hungry, check out one of the special Easter Brunch locations.
• Earth Day (April 22) is an especially fun day to be at Animal Kingdom as this is the day the park opened in 1998. Disney has special Earth Day events in the park, special character appearances, tasty Earth Day treats, and specialty merchandise.
• An excellent place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (May 5) is the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot. Taste all the delicious Mexican flavors and have a refreshing margarita or two.
• Bring Mom to Disney with you over Mother’s Day! You can celebrate by taking her to her favorite park, favorite restaurant (maybe a Mother’s Day Brunch), and even shop till you drop at Disney Springs. This might just be a perfect time for a girls’ trip to Disney World.
• A very busy time to visit over spring is Memorial Day (the last Monday in May). Expect large crowds if you plan to visit this weekend. An especially memorable event on Memorial Day is the Flag Retreat at Magic Kingdom.
• The last holiday in spring is Father’s Day, as summer is just around the corner. This is a great time to celebrate the Father and/or man in your life that deserves to let loose and be a kid again at Walt Disney World.

1 – Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

No surprise here! No spring trip to Disney World is complete without a visit to the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. While many prefer the fall International Food and Wine Festival, we much rather vacation during the Flower and Garden Festival. There are fewer crowds, the temperatures are just right, and Epcot is at its finest. See Epcot littered with colorful flowers and character-inspired topiaries. The Flower and Garden Festival is included in your Epcot admission, but you can expect to pay extra if you’re planning to sample the many delicious “spring” inspired food and beverage options. Don’t forget to enjoy the entertainment as well as the special event merchandise. 

There you have it! Put down that spring cleaning and prepare for what awaits at Walt Disney World.