Springtime Surprise Weekend 2025 (April 3-6)

[Let's Get Kronk]

Team FORCE has *reduced* fundraising for Challenge Bibs only. I do not know what the reduced amount is. They are out of single-distance bibs.

This is the contact email for them:

TeamFORCE@facingourrisk.org


It also appears that Give Kids the World also has *reduced* bibs. I do not know what they have, nor what the reduced amount is.

Email contact:

markr@gktw.org

I've run with both of these organizations and they're both amazing. I hope someone snatches these up.

 

[Vent417]

Event Guide and maps are up.

https://www.rundisneyexpo.run/

 

[fatmanatee]

No ummmm... surprises here, looks like same maps as January and February, as expected based on the course certification notes.

 

[The Expert]

No ummmm... surprises here, looks like same maps as January and February, as expected based on the course certification notes.

::sigh::

 

[fatmanatee]

No ummmm... surprises here, looks like same maps as January and February, as expected based on the course certification notes.

5k/10k obv in this case, 10 miler same as last year. Vid showing the 10 miler route posted to IG about an hour ago.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Eye-rolling at myself a bit with this sort of silly comment, but it irrationally annoys me that Epcot's center section has been done for what, a year or so now, and they're still using these construction-era park maps as the base for course maps.

 

[Naomeri]

Anyone else annoyed that the Groot-themed 5K doesn't go past Cosmic Rewind?

 

[furiated]

Anyone else annoyed that the Groot-themed 5K doesn't go past Cosmic Rewind?

It goes kinda close though, right? Obviously they could have and should have routed the course to go in front and have a photo op. But it's close enough that I think you'd be able to do a quick off course detour for a photo.

 

[fatmanatee]

Definitely a missed opportunity but that's what we end up getting when they certify one 5k that goes for the entire season.

If I have this right they had the 5k circle around the ship last year? Boo.

 

[1lilspark]

Definitely a missed opportunity but that's what we end up getting when they certify one 5k that goes for the entire season.

If I have this right they had the 5k circle around the ship last year? Boo.

View attachment 942774

Yes

 

[The Expert]

Club early access emails are hitting inboxes. Same hours as MW and PW and looks like they are keeping the half hour closing between early access and VQ starting up.

 

[Naomeri]

We kind of got our answer on the Splash Party--they're celebrating Blizzard Beach's 30th anniversary for the whole month of April and Typhoon will be reopening on May 1. It still doesn't explain why they didn't think of this sooner and just plan for a Splash party at BB.

 

[Livelovedance]

EDIT: As a “woke up in the middle of the night decision” I decided to just keep my original reservation. Saves some points and I won’t have to switch rooms.

Resort question (DVC rooms specifically). I just stayed at Wilderness Lodge for Princess, and have a studio booked there again for Springtime. I just found a studio at the Polynesian available for every night but the my first night, so if I choose it I’d have to do a one night split stay (not a huge deal) unless that night pops up later. I know there’s no monorail transportation for the 10 miler, so as a solo traveler is there any reason why I might prefer the Poly vs my current stay? I’ve stayed at both in the past. I tend to like Wilderness because everything’s in one building (and it’s my home and favorite resort overall ), but I was wondering if there was any reason I might prefer the Poly for this race weekend for a change.

 

[The Expert]

EDIT: As a “woke up in the middle of the night decision” I decided to just keep my original reservation. Saves some points and I won’t have to switch rooms.

Resort question (DVC rooms specifically). I just stayed at Wilderness Lodge for Princess, and have a studio booked there again for Springtime. I just found a studio at the Polynesian available for every night but the my first night, so if I choose it I’d have to do a one night split stay (not a huge deal) unless that night pops up later. I know there’s no monorail transportation for the 10 miler, so as a solo traveler is there any reason why I might prefer the Poly vs my current stay? I’ve stayed at both in the past. I tend to like Wilderness because everything’s in one building (and it’s my home and favorite resort overall ), but I was wondering if there was any reason I might prefer the Poly for this race weekend for a change.

I've stayed at the Poly for several races and I'm not sure there's a huge advantage over WL without the monorail. Is this studio in the new tower or is it in one of the long buildings? If the latter, the Poly may be quieter with fewer people coming and going from the building. I usually end up in Moorea, which makes it super easy to get to my car (self parked in that far parking lot near DVC check-in) and it's right next to the path to TTC.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

EDIT: As a “woke up in the middle of the night decision” I decided to just keep my original reservation. Saves some points and I won’t have to switch rooms.

Resort question (DVC rooms specifically). I just stayed at Wilderness Lodge for Princess, and have a studio booked there again for Springtime. I just found a studio at the Polynesian available for every night but the my first night, so if I choose it I’d have to do a one night split stay (not a huge deal) unless that night pops up later. I know there’s no monorail transportation for the 10 miler, so as a solo traveler is there any reason why I might prefer the Poly vs my current stay? I’ve stayed at both in the past. I tend to like Wilderness because everything’s in one building (and it’s my home and favorite resort overall ), but I was wondering if there was any reason I might prefer the Poly for this race weekend for a change.

I've done both for runD weekends and think I err towards WL as a preferred destination. It's quieter, calmer, and has (in my opinion) better (by better I mean a little healthier) food options than Poly, when thinking about a running weekend. The food options at Poly tend to be a little heavier/salty for my liking, although the new Island Tower restaurant has some more interesting lighter dishes (and like Geyser Point has a to go option which can be convenient). If food isn't a factor and you're doing your own thing in your room, I'd still lean WL just for the vibe, I think.

 

[Livelovedance]

I've stayed at the Poly for several races and I'm not sure there's a huge advantage over WL without the monorail. Is this studio in the new tower or is it in one of the long buildings? If the latter, the Poly may be quieter with fewer people coming and going from the building. I usually end up in Moorea, which makes it super easy to get to my car (self parked in that far parking lot near DVC check-in) and it's right next to the path to TTC.

I've done both for runD weekends and think I err towards WL as a preferred destination. It's quieter, calmer, and has (in my opinion) better (by better I mean a little healthier) food options than Poly, when thinking about a running weekend. The food options at Poly tend to be a little heavier/salty for my liking, although the new Island Tower restaurant has some more interesting lighter dishes (and like Geyser Point has a to go option which can be convenient). If food isn't a factor and you're doing your own thing in your room, I'd still lean WL just for the vibe, I think.

Thank you both for your insight! This was a studio in the original longhouses. Food was a consideration, and I think I probably will be better off with the choices at WL.

I feel better about my decision to stick with my current reservation. I thought I might want a change of scenery, but with this being a solo trip I think I’ll feel more comfortable in a resort that I’m more familiar with. I’d also rather save the points this trip and choose a monorail resort for a race weekend that actually uses it!

Thanks again!

 

[Baloo in MI]

EDIT: As a “woke up in the middle of the night decision” I decided to just keep my original reservation. Saves some points and I won’t have to switch rooms.

Resort question (DVC rooms specifically). I just stayed at Wilderness Lodge for Princess, and have a studio booked there again for Springtime. I just found a studio at the Polynesian available for every night but the my first night, so if I choose it I’d have to do a one night split stay (not a huge deal) unless that night pops up later. I know there’s no monorail transportation for the 10 miler, so as a solo traveler is there any reason why I might prefer the Poly vs my current stay? I’ve stayed at both in the past. I tend to like Wilderness because everything’s in one building (and it’s my home and favorite resort overall ), but I was wondering if there was any reason I might prefer the Poly for this race weekend for a change.

You already got good feedback and nothing I could add other than I just love the Wilderness Lodge, you just can’t go wrong with it. It’s my home resort also, but too many trips this year, so ran out of points for this use year and headed to Pop instead. Enjoy WL!

 

[rick1zoo2]

EDIT: As a “woke up in the middle of the night decision” I decided to just keep my original reservation. Saves some points and I won’t have to switch rooms.

Resort question (DVC rooms specifically). I just stayed at Wilderness Lodge for Princess, and have a studio booked there again for Springtime. I just found a studio at the Polynesian available for every night but the my first night, so if I choose it I’d have to do a one night split stay (not a huge deal) unless that night pops up later. I know there’s no monorail transportation for the 10 miler, so as a solo traveler is there any reason why I might prefer the Poly vs my current stay? I’ve stayed at both in the past. I tend to like Wilderness because everything’s in one building (and it’s my home and favorite resort overall ), but I was wondering if there was any reason I might prefer the Poly for this race weekend for a change.

Can't go wrong with either. We stayed at the new Polynesian Tower for the Marathon weekend and ended up eating at all of the Polynesian restaurants: Ohana's for dinner, Capt Cooks for breakfasts, Kona Cafe for breakfast and dinner, and the new Wailulu bar and grill, all were really good. The monorail opens up more dining options at Grand Floridian and Contemporary and we liked using it for the race transportation. For last year's Springtime Surprise weekend, we stayed at Wilderness Lodge and added club lounge access which worked out great for most of our meals - breakfasts and early dinner and cobbler each night. Wine and Dine weekend we stayed using DVC points at Boulder Ridge and that worked out great (bagels in toaster set off fire alarm at 3am). Last week for the Princess Weekend, we stayed at Pop Century since there wasn't anywhere with a decent discount and that worked out good, but did feel like food options weren't awesome so we used the Skyliner to go eat at Primo Piatto at Riviera and Epcot a few times.

For this Springtime Surprise weekend we are staying again at Wilderness Lodge and going to try to add club lounge access. Today we were planning our dining and Whispering Canyon, Steakhouse 71, Teppan Edo are all possibilities.

Edit: just booked the Hoop-Dee-Doo review

 

[Livelovedance]

You already got good feedback and nothing I could add other than I just love the Wilderness Lodge, you just can’t go wrong with it. It’s my home resort also, but too many trips this year, so ran out of points for this use year and headed to Pop instead. Enjoy WL!

Thank you! It’s great to hear from amother WL fan!

Can't go wrong with either. We stayed at the new Polynesian Tower for the Marathon weekend and ended up eating at all of the Polynesian restaurants: Ohana's for dinner, Capt Cooks for breakfasts, Kona Cafe for breakfast and dinner, and the new Wailulu bar and grill, all were really good. The monorail opens up more dining options at Grand Floridian and Contemporary and we liked using it for the race transportation. For last year's Springtime Surprise weekend, we stayed at Wilderness Lodge and added club lounge access which worked out great for most of our meals - breakfasts and early dinner and cobbler each night. Wine and Dine weekend we stayed using DVC points at Boulder Ridge and that worked out great (bagels in toaster set off fire alarm at 3am). Last week for the Princess Weekend, we stayed at Pop Century since there wasn't anywhere with a decent discount and that worked out good, but did feel like food options weren't awesome so we used the Skyliner to go eat at Primo Piatto at Riviera and Epcot a few times.

For this Springtime Surprise weekend we are staying again at Wilderness Lodge and going to try to add club lounge access. Today we were planning our dining and Whispering Canyon, Steakhouse 71, Teppan Edo are all possibilities.

Edit: just booked the Hoop-Dee-Doo review

Thanks for the insight! I agree, both resorts have their perks. I think the biggest influence in my decision was not having to move rooms. I’m hoping to give a monorail resort a try next season for a race weekend that uses the monorail. I’m thinking about registering for Goofy, so that would be a great weekend to do it!

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

My son is now looking forward to our trip! So I've decided that instead of running on Sunday and checking out, that we'll hit the parks again on Sunday and drive back on Monday. I'm looking forward to having time in the parks with him, after a 15 year hiatus.

Would anyone like to share a photo pass, or have one that they'd like to share for Springtime Surprise? It'll be for both race pics and park pics. I've never done the share a pass thing before, so not sure how it works.