EPCOT will open one hour late on three mornings in early January 2027. The delays line up with Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, when runDisney takes over Walt Disney World.
If EPCOT is part of your January plans, here’s what you need to know.
The Late Opening Dates
- Thursday, January 7
- Saturday, January 9
- Sunday, January 10
On these days:
- EPCOT opens at 10:00 AM instead of 9:00 AM
- Early Theme Park Entry starts at 9:30 AM
- Closing time stays at 9:00 PM
Full EPCOT Schedule
| Date | Early Entry | Park Hours | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed., Jan. 6 | 8:30 AM | 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM | Regular |
| Thu., Jan. 7 | 9:30 AM | 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM | Delayed |
| Fri., Jan. 8 | 8:30 AM | 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM | Regular |
| Sat., Jan. 9 | 9:30 AM | 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM | Delayed |
| Sun., Jan. 10 | 9:30 AM | 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM | Delayed |
Why EPCOT Is Opening Late
EPCOT will be opening late due to the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, which runs January 6 through 10. It’s one of runDisney’s biggest events of the year. This also means that there will be some massive road closures around Disney World.
Races include:
- 5K
- 10K
- Half marathon
- Full marathon
2027 highlights:
- 30th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Half Marathon
- Donald Duck stars in every race
The late openings fall on the 5K, half marathon, and marathon mornings. The 10K morning on Friday keeps EPCOT’s regular hours.
What’s New This Year
The Thursday delay is new.
- January 2025: Late openings on half and full marathon days only
- January 2026: Same as 2025
- January 2027: Thursday added as a third late day
Disney hasn’t explained the change. Check park hours again before your trip.
What Race Mornings Look Like
Based on last year’s races:
| Race | Start Time | Final Finishers | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Marathon | 5:00 AM | About 9:45 AM | EPCOT to Magic Kingdom and back |
| Full Marathon | 4:30 AM | About 12:30 PM | Through all four parks, finishing at EPCOT |
What this means if 2027 is similar:
- Most half marathon runners should finish before EPCOT opens
- Marathon runners may be in EPCOT until at least noon on Sunday
- Expect crowds near the finish area at opening
Road Closures
Race mornings bring road closures around Walt Disney World. Buses and rideshares may be slower, so allow extra time even if you’re going to another park.
Other Parks Open on Time
| Park | Opening Time |
|---|---|
| Animal Kingdom | 8:00 AM |
| Magic Kingdom | 9:00 AM |
| Hollywood Studios | 9:00 AM |
All three keep regular hours on EPCOT’s late-opening days.
Planning Tips
- Start at another park. Animal Kingdom opens the earliest.
- Visit EPCOT later. Crowds thin out after the morning rush.
- Avoid EPCOT Sunday morning. Marathon runners may be there until noon.
- Use Park Hopper. Makes it easy to switch parks midday.
- Leave early. Road closures can slow travel.
Final Thoughts
EPCOT’s late openings are common during runDisney events, but the extra Thursday delay could catch guests off guard. Adding these dates to your plans now can help you avoid a frustrating morning.
Will you be visiting Walt Disney World during Marathon Weekend?
