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  • On Jan 12, 2025
    Lilly from OR Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I'm visiting the parks in April, and my first two park days are during Run Disney Weekend. How bad are the crowds leading into the following week? Any tips for attending during a Run Disney event? Thanks!

    Hi Lilly!

    Thanks for running over to planDisney with your question—I’m happy to help!

    First of all, April is such a lovely time to visit Walt Disney World. The weather is typically warm and pleasant, and you’ll also get to enjoy the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Be sure to check out the gorgeous topiaries and grab a bite at the outdoor kitchens—my personal favorite is the Orange Sesame Tempura Shrimp at Citrus Blossom!

    As for Springtime Surprise Weekend, I completely understand your concerns. While the races do bring more guests to Walt Disney World Resort, the impact on the parks isn’t as big as you might think. Most races start and finish at EPCOT in the early morning (around 5–9 AM), so if you plan to arrive at the parks early or take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry, you can get a lot done before the post-race crowds arrive. Also, you'll see the parks clearing out in the evenings, as most runners have early bedtimes (this is also a good time to snag those hard to get Dining Reservations). 

    If you’re worried about wait times in the afternoons, I recommend purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass in advance of your vacation. It’s a great way to skip the standby lines for some of the most popular attractions and helps make your day more relaxing, especially when the parks are a bit busier. You might notice more guests wearing race medals and gear in the parks, especially later in the day, but it’s not overwhelming. Once the race weekend winds down (usually by Monday), you'll see lower crowd levels across all the theme parks. Plus, since Easter is late in April this year, you’ll likely miss the peak Spring Break crowds.

    One tip: allow extra time to get around, as there may be road closures during race mornings. And if you’re planning your park days, EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios might be busier due to the race routes, so consider starting your mornings at Magic Kingdom Park or Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

    I hope this puts your mind at ease, Lilly! You’ve got an amazing trip ahead; please let me know if you have any other questions.

    Wishing you a magical visit,
    Eean
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Meet the Panelist: Eean, Pennsylvania

Hi, I'm Eean from Pennsylvania! My name may be unique, but my love for Disney is something I share with many. I'm the mom who's always ready to sprinkle a little pixie dust at PTO meetings, in the grocery store aisle, or during my monthly Bunco club. Whether it's sharing tips for navigating the parks or helping someone plan their dream trip, I can't resist the chance to make someone's Disney vacation even more magical! Learn More About Eean

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