Hi Peter, and welcome to planDisney!
Your question was definitely a concern of mine once upon a time until I experienced runDisney race weekends for myself. I also live locally to the Disney Parks, so I’m just the gal to share what crowd levels could be like on your upcoming trip to Walt Disney World.
First, your mid-April trip is actually at a relatively good time. Keep in mind that crowd levels can fluctuate and there is no sure way to know exactly what they will be like during your vacation. But in general, mid-April is after the influx of Spring Break and Easter weekend visitors and before the incoming summer peak.
Yes, the
runDisney Springtime Surprise weekend will bring in runners and spectators between the day before the Expo opens until the day after the last event (April 16-21). The good news is that of all of the runDisney races, traditionally, the Springtime Surprise has the lowest number of participants. Also, most races require such early wake-up calls that many participants are resting midday and into the early afternoon, which is the prime time for you to hit the parks.
The courses will run through EPCOT and Hollywood Studios (and most likely the
BoardWalk area). But the official courses will be announced on the
runDisney Instagram a few weeks before the race weekend. The 10-Miler on Sunday, April 19 will be the longest of the three races, but as long as you take advantage of the
free Disney transportation around property, this will barely affect your day. It’s local drivers like me who are sometimes delayed in the early morning hours because of the courses’ use of the roads.
Now, the one way it could negatively affect your trip is that runners love pre- and post-race celebrations in the form of rides and restaurants. So, you’ll want to book
Lightning Lanes (up to 7 days before) and advance dining reservations (up to 60 days before) in the
My Disney Experience app sooner than later once your booking windows open.
Peter, I’m wishing on a star that you have an amazing vacation in April! I hope that you’ve included the
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival in your plans because it is truly the highlight of springtime at Disney World. If you have any other vacation planning questions,
give us a holler here at planDisney!
Magic always,
LeAndra