For many Disney fans, registration day can be just as stressful as race day. That’s especially true when it comes to runDisney events, where thousands of hopeful participants compete for a limited number of race bibs within minutes of registration opening.
That moment has officially arrived for the 2027 Springtime Surprise Weekend.
General registration opens today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern, and Disney has already activated its virtual waiting room for guests hoping to secure a place before the event sells out. While joining early is recommended, Disney reminds runners that the system doesn’t reward those who arrive first.
Everyone who enters the waiting room before registration opens will be randomly assigned a place in the virtual queue once the clock strikes 10:00 a.m. Guests who arrive after registration begins, however, will be added behind everyone already waiting.
Disney also encourages runners to avoid refreshing the page after entering the waiting room. The page updates automatically, and manually refreshing or leaving the browser could interfere with your place in line.
Even getting through the queue doesn’t guarantee entry.
Registration isn’t considered complete until payment has been successfully processed. Once everything goes through, Disney will send a confirmation email to the address provided during checkout.
This year’s Springtime Surprise Weekend takes place April 8-11, 2027, at Walt Disney World Resort and celebrates the history of Walt Disney Animation Studios with race themes spanning several fan-favorite films and characters.
The weekend begins with the 5K on April 9, starring Ralph and Vanellope von Schweetz. The following day features the Robin Hood-themed 10K with Prince John and Sir Hiss. On April 11, runners will tackle the Alice in Wonderland-inspired 10-Miler featuring Alice and the Cheshire Cat.
Those looking for an even bigger accomplishment can register for the Springtime Surprise Challenge, which combines all three races for a total of 19.3 miles over the weekend. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse headline the Challenge.
Pricing starts at $125 for the 5K, while the 10K costs $175. The 10-Miler is priced at $239, and runners completing the Challenge will pay $555.
None of these prices have discouraged demand.
runDisney race weekends have consistently become some of Disney’s fastest-selling events. Popular distances have frequently disappeared within hours, and in some cases, much sooner.
That growing popularity has transformed registration day into an event of its own. Many runners log in with multiple devices, verify their accounts ahead of time, and have payment information ready before registration even opens.
The randomized waiting room has also become one of the most discussed parts of the process. While Disney says the system gives everyone already waiting an equal opportunity once registration begins, some longtime participants continue debating whether the experience could be improved.
Regardless of where runners stand on the process, one thing hasn’t changed: if you’re hoping to participate in Springtime Surprise Weekend, waiting too long usually isn’t an option. With registration now live, those race bibs are expected to disappear quickly once again.
