Springtime Surprise Weekend 2025 (April 3-6)

[1lilspark]

Thank you! I’ve only heard stories from people I’ve seen wearing the runDisney New Balances on line at the expo (before the VQ began and they’d hold everyone in that large room before the merch building officially opened). That doesn’t sound terrible at all, and a VQ makes sense. I wonder how much time would be allotted for this, because sneaker shopping isn’t usually a quick thing (at least it isn’t for me). Now I guess the next question is, if it’s a VQ will it it open at a different time than the runDisney merch VQ, or will they make people choose one over the other…

I don’t know if I’ll be interested in buying a pair but I am interested in seeing what they come up with! I hope they have multiple options and they share detailed descriptions online in advance to help the decision making process a little.

I assume if it’s a VQ system it will be more one like Gideons where there is a CM physically at the expo and you give them your number than you go back to the booth

 

[PrincessV]

Costume question: how strict do we think they are about capes needing to be “waist” length? I’m only 5’ tall and short-waisted: if they’re literally wanting capes to end at a person’s natural waistline, that’s a mighty short cape! But I don’t imagine they’re being quite that literal - think if it comes down just past my rear end, a few inches above my skirt line, it’ll be okay?

 

[Livelovedance]

Costume question: how strict do we think they are about capes needing to be “waist” length? I’m only 5’ tall and short-waisted: if they’re literally wanting capes to end at a person’s natural waistline, that’s a mighty short cape! But I don’t imagine they’re being quite that literal - think if it comes down just past my rear end, a few inches above my skirt line, it’ll be okay?

I’m not creative enough to come up with costumes that would give me experience in this area, but I’ve always wondered with the large crowds of people, who is actually checking for costumes that don’t match the guidelines? Security? The people that check when you enter your specific corral? How does that work when people are bundled in their mylar blankets and throwaway clothes?

I’m imagining your cape should be okay, but hopefully someone with more experience in this area will chime in. If it is a concern, maybe you can bring some safety pins with you, and if you are questioned you can fold and safety pin it to waist length.

 

[fatmanatee]

Costume question: how strict do we think they are about capes needing to be “waist” length? I’m only 5’ tall and short-waisted: if they’re literally wanting capes to end at a person’s natural waistline, that’s a mighty short cape! But I don’t imagine they’re being quite that literal - think if it comes down just past my rear end, a few inches above my skirt line, it’ll be okay?

RD continues to post costume pics that are beyond the restrictions so I think you're good. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Really though I think things just got way out of hand a couple of years ago, I still remember the guy at Springtime Surprise running in a full-on claw costume. Probably had some issues with people tripping on capes that went down to someone's ankles. But I can't recall any reports of people being stopped since.

 

[PrincessV]

I’m not creative enough to come up with costumes that would give me experience in this area, but I’ve always wondered with the large crowds of people, who is actually checking for costumes that don’t match the guidelines? Security? The people that check when you enter your specific corral? How does that work when people are bundled in their mylar blankets and throwaway clothes?

I’m imagining your cape should be okay, but hopefully someone with more experience in this area will chime in. If it is a concern, maybe you can bring some safety pins with you, and if you are questioned you can fold and safety pin it to waist length.

Okay, safety pins is a MUCH better solution than what I was thinking, which was tying a bunch of knots in the fabric if I needed to shorten it, so thank you for the idea!

 

[DisneyParrothead]

I definitely saw long capes at Princess, but they did not drag. I think that’s the main concern.

 

[The Expert]

I wonder how much time would be allotted for this, because sneaker shopping isn’t usually a quick thing (at least it isn’t for me).

Chances are the Disney designs will come in one or two existing Brooks models. Many runners will already know if they can wear Ghosts, Glycerin, etc and will be deciding which character/color combo they want. But even if they are starting from scratch, it wouldn't be like going to a running store with dozens of brands and models to choose from.

 

[Herding_Cats]

@PrincessV my DH wore a cape for mw (2023) and it went to just below his butt. No issues.


Not sure if you’re making your own, or buying one that is intended to attach to a costume, but we added soft elastic wrist loops to DH’s to help control the billow effect (would have been necessary if it had been super windy like 2024 was)

 

[PrincessV]

@PrincessV my DH wore a cape for mw (2023) and it went to just below his butt. No issues.
View attachment 948423

Not sure if you’re making your own, or buying one that is intended to attach to a costume, but we added soft elastic wrist loops to DH’s to help control the billow effect (would have been necessary if it had been super windy like 2024 was)

Perfect, thank you! It’s a very lightweight children’s costume cloak that attaches around the neck. I haven’t tested it yet so I’m not sure how it’ll move, exactly, but it’s pretty insubstantial and I don’t intend to move very fast, so I don’t think I’ll have any issues lol!

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

Couldn't resist.....

 

[PrincessV]

View attachment 948833

Couldn't resist.....

This is, indeed, the intended theme!

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

OK, going to sound like a noob again, but I now have a new situation: my DS says he'll get up to spectate and cheer me on for the 10-miler! I've never had family members come to spectate before, so I know there is and has been a lot of discussion on where/how, but haven't taken notes before.
The question is how to get from Pop Century to a spectating location, and where should he go? I don't want to try to get him up with me and have him waiting for hours while I run. The Skyliner would be perfect, but looks like it won't be running until the race is over. Will the resorts still be running busses over to Epcot more towards the end of the race? Thanks for any help on this.

 

[rick1zoo2]

OK, going to sound like a noob again, but I now have a new situation: my DS says he'll get up to spectate and cheer me on for the 10-miler! I've never had family members come to spectate before, so I know there is and has been a lot of discussion on where/how, but haven't taken notes before.
The question is how to get from Pop Century to a spectating location, and where should he go? I don't want to try to get him up with me and have him waiting for hours while I run. The Skyliner would be perfect, but looks like it won't be running until the race is over. Will the resorts still be running busses over to Epcot more towards the end of the race? Thanks for any help on this.

For the Princess Weekend, my wife's sister came along to spectate and just rode the bus with us to get there. We also stayed at POP. For the 10k, we went all the way around to the start with her and watched corral A start, then my wife and I went back into F for our start. She was able to see us start the race and then made her way to the finish to see us there. Not applicable for Springtime Surprise, but for the half, she came with us on the bus, but then immediately got on the monorail to see us at Magic Kingdom, then back to the finish.

It will be too early to take any of the normal resort transportation like the Skyliner, so he would need to take the runDisney bus, but be careful of the time, which might depend on which corral you are starting from and also figuring out where to go might be a challenge. Since my wife and I had done a few Disney races, we were familiar with the layout and could guide her sister on where to go.


Looking at the info online: https://www.rundisneyexpo.run/expo

In the info, the table says the buses from the resorts run from 3:00AM to 5:00AM, but if you look to the info on the right, for the 10-Miler, it's 3:00AM to 4:30AM.




In the map, I marked in red the path he would take from the Resort Bus Drop Off, through security in front of EPCOT, then Spectator Viewing at the Finish, then keep going all the way around the corrals to the Start. That walk to the start is about a mile. Best bet may be for him to just find a spot near the finish. The final curve (I circled multiple times) may be a cool spot as he could see you coming and rounding that curve and it may not be as crowded there as the actual finish.




This info is also on that website:

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

For the Princess Weekend, my wife's sister came along to spectate and just rode the bus with us to get there. We also stayed at POP. For the 10k, we went all the way around to the start with her and watched corral A start, then my wife and I went back into F for our start. She was able to see us start the race and then made her way to the finish to see us there. Not applicable for Springtime Surprise, but for the half, she came with us on the bus, but then immediately got on the monorail to see us at Magic Kingdom, then back to the finish.

It will be too early to take any of the normal resort transportation like the Skyliner, so he would need to take the runDisney bus, but be careful of the time, which might depend on which corral you are starting from and also figuring out where to go might be a challenge. Since my wife and I had done a few Disney races, we were familiar with the layout and could guide her sister on where to go.


Looking at the info online: https://www.rundisneyexpo.run/expo

In the info, the table says the buses from the resorts run from 3:00AM to 5:00AM, but if you look to the info on the right, for the 10-Miler, it's 3:00AM to 4:30AM.

View attachment 949481


In the map, I marked in red the path he would take from the Resort Bus Drop Off, through security in front of EPCOT, then Spectator Viewing at the Finish, then keep going all the way around the corrals to the Start. That walk to the start is about a mile. Best bet may be for him to just find a spot near the finish. The final curve (I circled multiple times) may be a cool spot as he could see you coming and rounding that curve and it may not be as crowded there as the actual finish.

View attachment 949487


This info is also on that website:
View attachment 949489View attachment 949490

Perfect! Thank you!

 

[rick1zoo2]

Perfect! Thank you!

You are welcome! Actually, might be easier to sign him up for the race! that's what we did for my son and sister in law - signed them up for the 2025 Wine and Dine....

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

You are welcome! Actually, might be easier to sign him up for the race! that's what we did for my son and sister in law - signed them up for the 2025 Wine and Dine....

I wish. He's all focused on weight lifting and being rather resistant to adding in running.

 

[KellyKateri]

Just finished the last long run of the challenge simulation for SS. It was tough the last few miles, so hoping that means they’ll be easier during the race. I am ready to let the taper weeks begin!! So excited to be headed down soon. How is everyone’s else’s long runs going?

 

[Naomeri]

Just finished the last long run of the challenge simulation for SS. It was tough the last few miles, so hoping that means they’ll be easier during the race. I am ready to let the taper weeks begin!! So excited to be headed down soon. How is everyone’s else’s long runs going?

Wait, we were supposed to be training? I did a somewhat hilly 10K race yesterday, managed a 13:29 average pace, and didn't die, so I guess I'll survive the Springtime challenge too.

 

[Erika10021]

I was wondering if anyone else was training! I had a pretty crappy 5 mile run yesterday. It felt like it was into a cold headwind and uphill the whole way. But my pace and heartrate were where they were supposed to be (or close enough anyway). I feel like I am ready for the races but mostly ready for things to warm up. (Now watch it be super hot during the races).

 

[DIS-OH]

Completed a nice 8.5 mile long run today. Feel ready to go …as long as it’s not too hot and humid! Hard to prepare for the heat and humidity of Florida when training in Ohio in the winter/early spring. It was upper 40’s with 41% humidity during my run today.

DH has had a bumpy training cycle…he ended up having to get an injection in his hip two weeks ago but managed 4 pain free miles today.

Looking forward to my 15th runDisney weekend!