EPCOT Fans Wake Up to a Surprise Change—Here’s Why the Park Is Opening Late This Weekend

It’s every Disney fan’s dream: beating the crowds, racing through the gates at EPCOT, and heading straight for their favorite ride before the lines swell.

But for EPCOT guests this Sunday, that dream may hit the snooze button.

As the sun rises over Walt Disney World on April 6, something unexpected will keep EPCOT’s iconic Spaceship Earth in shadow just a little longer.

Why is one of the world’s most beloved theme parks hitting pause on its usual magic morning? And what can guests do to make the most of it?

The Big Event at EPCOT: A Race Before the Magic

The reason for this rare schedule change isn’t a refurbishment or unexpected outage—it’s the 2025 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend. This beloved event brings thousands of runners and spectators from around the globe to the Walt Disney World Resort. On Sunday, April 6, the final leg of the race series will snake through the parks, including EPCOT, causing a temporary delay in operations.

As a result, EPCOT will open one hour later than usual—at 10:00 a.m. Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels will still enjoy Early Theme Park Entry beginning at 9:30 a.m., just slightly delayed from typical early entry times. The park will close at its usual time of 9:00 p.m.

While it may seem like a minor adjustment, this slight delay could have ripple effects across your entire Disney day.

What This Means for Guests

For families hoping to rope drop Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or dash to Frozen Ever After before the queues build, this change might come as a bit of a letdown. The good news? Knowing ahead of time gives guests a chance to pivot.

Here are a few ways to make the most of the modified hours:

• Enjoy a slower-paced morning at your resort—perhaps a character breakfast or a scenic stroll.

• Reschedule Genie+ priorities if you’ve already booked Lightning Lane selections for early EPCOT times.

• Consider visiting another park first if you have a park hopper ticket, then head to EPCOT later in the day when the race has concluded.

Walt Disney World’s other parks will operate under normal hours that day:

• Magic Kingdom: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

The Deeper Story Behind the Delay

While the late start might feel like a minor inconvenience, it highlights something greater: the growing cultural impact of runDisney events. These immersive race weekends have become a staple of the Disney experience, blending health, storytelling, and fandom in a way only Disney can.

Participants often dress as their favorite characters, run through the parks before dawn, and finish with medals that rival even the most coveted Disney merchandise. For many, these races are emotional milestones—marathons of the heart as much as the feet.

By accommodating the race, EPCOT isn’t just adjusting its schedule—it’s honoring an event that brings in a unique and passionate crowd of fans. Disney’s commitment to creating space for these moments—even if it means tweaking park hours—speaks volumes about its dedication to community and creativity.

Planning Ahead: What Guests Should Know

This won’t be the last time a runDisney event shifts the Disney routine. If you’re planning future vacations, here are a few tips to stay ahead of the game:

• Check the runDisney calendar when booking your trip. These events typically take place in January, February, April, and November.

• Monitor park hours closely in the days leading up to your visit. Even slight time changes can affect dining reservations, Genie+, and touring strategies.

• Book accommodations early if you plan to attend or avoid race weekends—rooms fill fast.

And remember, if you ever wanted to be part of the magic and run through Cinderella Castle or World Showcase at sunrise, runDisney might just be the ticket.

Final Thoughts for EPCOT Guests

So, while EPCOT will sleep in a little this Sunday, it’s for a magical cause. Whether you’re cheering on a runner or just adjusting your touring plan, this temporary delay adds yet another layer of storytelling to the Disney experience.

After all, where else can you cross a finish line and enter a world of endless possibilities—all in the same day?