Disney World guests should be aware that EPCOT’s rope drop has been shifted due to an event taking place on resort property.
The runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon is set to impact EPCOT’s operating hours in early November as thousands of guests and runners descend upon Walt Disney World Resort. This popular event marks the start of November with heavier crowds and a shifted schedule at EPCOT due to the race.
Specifically, on November 3, the park will open later than usual, with Early Theme Park Entry beginning at 9:30 a.m. instead of 8:30 a.m. and the general opening time delayed to 10 a.m. instead of 9 a.m., per the official Disney World site.
According to runDisney’s official website, the event, officially known as the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, is sold out. The website boasts the tagline, “Anyone can cook. Anyone can run,” inviting participants to lace up and run 13.1 miles. “During this tasty trek, you’ll race for 13.1 miles through some of the finest cuisine in all of Paris,” runDisney promises.
The race is a fun twist on the traditional half marathon, with Chef Remy and Linguini from Ratatouille taking center stage as hosts. Participants will not only run through EPCOT but also get a taste of Parisian cuisine as part of the experience.
A highlight for participants is the chance to attend a special Post-Race Party at EPCOT. Held during the International Food & Wine Festival, this party starts at 10 p.m., an hour after the park closes to the general public.
Those who attend the party can enjoy EPCOT’s Global Marketplaces, select attractions, and live entertainment. Early access to EPCOT is a perk for these guests, with Disney allowing entry as early as 5 p.m., giving them even more time to soak in the magic before the party officially kicks off.
The event isn’t limited to the half marathon. runDisney’s Wine & Dine Weekend spans from November 1 to November 3 and features a variety of races, including a 5k, 10k, and the Disney Two Course Challenge (a combination of the 10k and half marathon).
Guests attending the after-party will also get the chance to experience some of EPCOT’s newest attractions, such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in World Discovery and Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana in World Nature.
Like runDisney, events such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash offer guests similar early access perks, meaning guests don’t need to purchase both regular admission and an event ticket.
All in all, the runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon is an exciting event for runners and Disney fans alike, blending the magic of the parks with the thrill of racing.
