An October trip to EPCOT comes with plenty to look forward to, especially with the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival underway. However, visitors will find a few differences around the park as the month progresses.
Some of those changes bring more experiences to EPCOT, including additional festival booths and a new fireworks dining package. Others could have a bigger effect on how guests plan their day.
In particular, two October dates will feature later-than-normal park openings because of runDisney events.
Meanwhile, eligible Disney Resort guests will have several opportunities to remain in EPCOT after the park closes to most visitors.
Here are four changes worth knowing before heading to EPCOT in October 2026.
The Food & Wine Festival Gets Four More Booths
The 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival has already started, but Disney hasn’t rolled out its entire booth lineup just yet.
That changes on October 2.
Coastal Eats, Earth Eats, The Alps, and India will all open that day. The four locations will then remain available through the end of the festival.
For anyone planning an EPCOT visit specifically around Food & Wine, that date could make a difference.
Guests visiting before October 2 will encounter fewer booths than those arriving later. Those waiting until October will have four more stops to consider as they make their way around the park.
The additions could be especially appealing to repeat visitors who have already spent time at the festival and want something new to experience during another trip.
October 2 will also bring another food-related addition, although this one comes with a much higher price.
Shiki-Sai Adds a Fireworks Dining Experience
Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya will launch a new fireworks dining package on October 2.
Located in EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion, the restaurant will give guests the opportunity to enjoy a meal while also getting a view of Luminous The Symphony of Us.
The package includes an appetizer, traditional sashimi, a sushi selection, beverages, and an exclusive dessert.
Adults will pay $120 before tax and gratuity, with the final listed total reaching $149.50. The children’s price starts at $60 and reaches $74.70 after tax and gratuity.
That’s certainly not a small addition to a family’s Disney World budget. However, some visitors may find value in combining a table-service meal with their plans for the nighttime spectacular.
Luminous typically begins at 9 p.m., although Disney can change its schedule. Guests should verify the showtime before their reservation.
Bookings for the new Shiki-Sai package are already available.
Two EPCOT Days Will Start an Hour Later
Not every October change adds something to the park.
Guests visiting Friday, October 23, or Sunday, October 25, should pay particularly close attention to EPCOT’s operating hours.
The park will open at 10 a.m. on both dates rather than its normal 9 a.m. opening. Early Entry will begin at 9:30 a.m. instead of 8:30 a.m.
The temporary schedule changes are connected to the runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. The 5K takes place October 23, while the Half Marathon takes place October 25.
An hour may not seem like a huge difference, but it can throw off a carefully planned Disney morning.
Guests accustomed to arriving for Early Entry will have less morning park time, and the runDisney events could also contribute to increased crowds.
Anyone visiting on either date should make sure they’re working with the correct EPCOT hours before leaving their hotel.
Deluxe Resort Guests Get Three Late Nights
Some visitors will actually gain additional EPCOT time in October.
Extended Evening Hours will take place October 5, October 12, and October 19 from 9 p.m. until 11 p.m.
The benefit is available to eligible guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts and other qualifying hotels.
Several popular attractions are expected to operate, including Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Test Track, Mission: SPACE, Spaceship Earth, Soarin’ Around the World, and The Seas with Nemo & Friends.
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana and Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros are also included.
For qualifying guests, those extra two hours could provide a chance to save some attractions for later instead of trying to fit everything into the daytime schedule.
October is already shaping up to be an active month at EPCOT. With new festival offerings, a dining experience, runDisney schedule changes, and Extended Evening Hours, checking the calendar before arriving could save guests from a few surprises.
