Heads up, Walt Disney World visitors: EPCOT is running late on purpose this weekend. On two days, the park opens at 10 a.m. instead of 9 a.m. while runners finish the Disney Wine & Dine races, and a long list of roads closes before sunrise.
Consider this your one-stop cheat sheet. Every time below comes from the report, and where the report doesn’t say something, we don’t either. Let’s go.
Quick Hits
- Delayed openings: Friday, October 23, and Sunday, October 25, 2026.
- New opening time: 10 a.m. instead of 9 a.m.
- Resort guest early entry: begins at 9:30 a.m.
- Closing time: 9 p.m.
- Reason: Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend.
Why the Delay?
According to the report, the delayed openings give runners extra time to complete their races before the park opens. Three runDisney races are part of the weekend, all starting in EPCOT: the 5K on Friday, the 10K on Saturday, and the Half Marathon on Sunday.
The Race Lineup
| Date | Race |
|---|---|
| October 23 | Disney Wine & Dine 5K |
| October 24 | Disney Wine & Dine 10K |
| October 25 | Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon |
Saturday Road Closures (10K)
| Road | Closed |
|---|---|
| Backstage Lane at Red Lot Entrance | 3:00 AM to 8:00 AM |
| Crush Lot Exit Bridge to Epcot Center Drive East | 3:30 AM to 7:30 AM |
| Epcot Center Drive West to Epcot Auto Plaza | 4:15 AM to 7:30 AM |
| Epcot Parking Exit Loops to Epcot Center Drive East | 3:00 AM to 7:30 AM |
| Epcot Center Drive West (Bonnet Creek to World Drive) | 4:15 AM to 7:30 AM |
| Overpass Road West at Bonnet Creek | 3:00 AM to 9:00 AM |
| Woodpecker Lane (Yellow Lot) | 3:00 AM to 9:00 AM |
| World Drive South Ramp to Epcot Center Drive East | 3:45 AM to 7:30 AM |
The report calls Saturday fairly contained. Five of the eight roads reopen by 7:30 AM, Backstage Lane at 8:00 AM, and Overpass Road West and Woodpecker Lane at 9:00 AM.
Sunday Road Closures (Half Marathon)
The report calls Sunday the big one, since the Half Marathon covers far more ground than the 10K.
| Road | Closed |
|---|---|
| Backstage Lane North at Red Lot Entrance | 3:00 AM to 8:00 AM |
| Buena Vista Drive East (Osceola Parkway to Cypress Drive) | 4:00 AM to 9:30 AM |
| Buena Vista Drive West Ramp to World Drive South | 4:00 AM to 9:30 AM |
| Crush Lot Exit Bridge to Epcot Center Drive East | 3:30 AM to 10:00 AM (modified) |
| Epcot Center Drive West (Vacation Club Way to World Drive) | 4:30 AM to 9:00 AM |
| Epcot Center Drive West Ramp to World Drive South | 3:45 AM to 9:30 AM |
| Floridian Way South at Bear Island Road Exit Ramp | 3:45 AM to 9:30 AM |
| Osceola Parkway West Ramp to Buena Vista Drive East | 4:00 AM to 9:30 AM |
| Overpass Road West at Bonnet Creek | 3:00 AM to 10:30 AM |
| Epcot Parking Exit Loops to Epcot Center Drive East | 3:00 AM to 7:00 AM |
| Vista Boulevard Ramp to World Drive South | 3:45 AM to 9:30 AM |
| Woodpecker Lane (Yellow Lot) | 3:00 AM to 10:30 AM |
| World Drive North Ramp to Buena Vista Drive | 4:00 AM to 9:00 AM |
| World Drive South Ramp to Epcot Center Drive East | 3:45 AM to 10:00 AM |
| World Drive South Flyover Ramp | 3:45 AM to 9:30 AM |
| World Drive South to Osceola Parkway | 3:45 AM to 9:30 AM |
The latest reopenings are 10:30 AM, for Overpass Road West and Woodpecker Lane.
Who Gets Hit Hardest?
According to the report, with World Drive, Buena Vista Drive, and Osceola Parkway ramps all affected, Sunday morning is when guests who aren’t running are most likely to feel the impact. Its advice for guests near Disney Springs or the Magic Kingdom area planning an early start: give yourself extra travel time or use Disney transportation.
Free Rides to the Expo
Disney is offering complimentary event transportation to each race and to the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Service is available from all Disney hotels, Shades of Green, the Swan Hotel, the Dolphin Hotel, and the Swan Reserve.
| Day | Expo bus hours |
|---|---|
| Thursday, October 22 | 8:15 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Friday, October 23 | 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM |
| Saturday, October 24 | 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
The report notes that Thursday has the longest window by far for picking up a bib, and that Saturday’s service ends mid-afternoon.
Race Day Buses
| Race | Buses |
|---|---|
| 5K, Friday, October 23 | Continuous service in both directions, 2:30 AM to 10:00 AM |
| 10K, Saturday, October 24 | Resorts to EPCOT, 3:00 AM to 5:00 AM. EPCOT to resorts, 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM |
| Half Marathon, Sunday, October 25 | Resorts to EPCOT, 2:30 AM to 5:00 AM. EPCOT to resorts, 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM |
The report says the cutoffs matter. If you miss the last bus to EPCOT at 5:00 AM, you’ll need to find your own way there, and many surrounding roads will already be closed.
Putting It Together
If EPCOT is on your list for October 23 or 25, plan around a 10 a.m. opening, with early entry at 9:30 a.m. for guests staying at a Walt Disney World resort. If you’re driving near the park on race mornings, check the closure windows and allow extra time. Schedules can change, so confirm everything in the official app.
Your Turn
Does this affect your Walt Disney World vacation? Running, cheering, or just trying to get into EPCOT? Tell us in the comments how you’re planning, and share any tips for early mornings on race days.
