Guests planning a visit to EPCOT in early 2026 should prepare for a change in park hours during runDisney Marathon Weekend. Scheduled from January 7 through January 11, the event will affect the park’s opening times on Saturday, January 10, and Sunday, January 11. On those two days, EPCOT will open at 10 a.m., an hour later than its usual 9 a.m. schedule.
The adjustment is due to portions of the marathon course running through or near the park. To accommodate runners and ensure guest safety amid road closures and increased foot traffic, EPCOT’s operational schedule has been modified. Visitors should be aware that traffic around Walt Disney World will likely be heavier than normal, with runners, spectators, and altered transportation contributing to delays.
Guests hoping to take advantage of early entry at the park should note that it will still begin 30 minutes before the official opening. Resort guests eligible for this benefit will still receive a head start, though it will occur slightly later than usual. Travel time to EPCOT may also be affected, as buses, monorails, and other forms of transportation could experience delays due to marathon road closures.
Those who have already planned a morning itinerary around a 9 a.m. opening may want to adjust their schedules. Popular attractions such as Test Track and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind may require a different approach, and dining reservations could need revision. Crowd levels are expected to increase once the park opens, as thousands of marathon participants and spectators move through the area.
Separately, runDisney has announced that Disneyland Resort will pause its race events following the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend. Citing construction impacts and upcoming large-scale development projects that will affect staging zones, parking, and city streets, Disney has not confirmed when the races will resume. Walt Disney World events and virtual runDisney options will continue as planned.
With some planning, this temporary schedule shift at EPCOT can be managed to ensure guests still enjoy their day at the park.
