Guests arriving at Disneyland early this morning were greeted with more than the usual lines and coffee runs — they were met with locked gates and a surprise delay, as Disneyland Resort didn’t begin letting visitors in until 9:00 AM PST, a full hour later than its regularly scheduled 8:00 AM opening time.
The reason? Thousands of runners in themed athletic gear (and more than a few wearing horns, wigs, and villain capes) had taken over Disneyland for the final day of the runDisney Halloween Half Marathon Weekend — a spectacle of spooky athleticism that’s quickly becoming one of the biggest annual events in Anaheim.
But for unsuspecting guests who weren’t there to sweat it out alongside Maleficent, the late start created some early-morning confusion — and more than a few grumbles outside the gates.
The Runners Took Over — Literally
From September 4 through 7, Disneyland Resort played host to runDisney’s villain-themed Halloween Half Marathon Weekend, a multi-day event that turned the parks and surrounding areas into a giant, glow-in-the-dark race course.
This year’s race lineup had a distinctly devilish vibe:
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A 5K hosted by Ursula, complete with themed signage and eerie sea-themed music
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A 10K featuring Cruella De Vil, where dalmatian spots dotted the race bibs and banners
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A full 13.1-mile half marathon led by Maleficent, with her dark aesthetic bleeding into every mile marker
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And the “Pain and Panic Challenge” — for runners bold enough to tackle the 10K and the half marathon back to back
The half marathon was held early this morning, and with runners weaving through Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, and even parts of the city streets surrounding the resort, Disney needed to block off access to the parks entirely until the last runners were safely out and the magic could be “reset.”
Not Everyone Got the Memo
Despite being noted on Disney’s official website and app, the late opening caught many guests off guard. A number of families and early risers — including those with breakfast reservations or early Genie+ bookings — were left idling outside the entrance gates, surprised to learn that the 8 a.m. opening had quietly shifted to 9 a.m. for the day.
With the new park hours, guests planning their day around rope drop strategy or early rides like Rise of the Resistance or Space Mountain were forced to rethink their morning game plan.
Though Cast Members were on hand to manage the crowd and offer explanations, the overall guest experience felt a bit disrupted, especially for those who had shelled out full price for a ticket, only to lose an hour of park time without warning.
The Hour-Change Trend Continues
This isn’t the first — or last — time this fall that Disneyland Resort guests will see modified hours. Starting August 31, both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure began shifting to earlier closures as the summer season wound down and the resort began prepping for its seasonal Halloween offerings.
Current posted hours are:
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Disneyland Park: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
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Disney California Adventure: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
But keep in mind — on nights when the Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween party takes over California Adventure, that park can close even earlier to day guests. These event-specific schedule changes, paired with the runDisney takeover, mean guests should absolutely be double-checking hours before they show up.
Park hours are always subject to change — but lately, they’ve been changing more than usual.
The Race Itself Was Pure Disney (with a Dash of Chaos)
While the delayed park entry was an inconvenience for some, the race event was anything but ordinary. Thousands of runners — many in full villain cosplay — participated in the weekend’s events, earning custom medals themed to the villains hosting each race. For those who completed both the 10K and the half marathon, an extra Pain and Panic Challenge medal was awarded.
In true Disney fashion, the event also included:
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Kids’ Races, managed by Captain Hook
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A sunrise yoga session with the Queen of Hearts
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On-course character sightings, immersive backdrops, and villain-inspired music
For returning runDisney athletes and first-timers alike, the weekend delivered the kind of high-level production Disney is known for — even if it meant guests in the park had to wait a little longer for their churros.
The Price of Magic?
For some parkgoers, the late start highlighted a larger frustration: the rising cost of a Disney day and the sense that guests are getting less time for more money.
With a one-day park ticket costing upwards of $150, every hour inside the park matters. The unannounced (at least in-park) opening delay left some feeling like they were missing out — especially those who had booked early dining, paid for Genie+, or planned to hit popular rides before the crowds arrived.
While Disney has made no formal apology or statement about today’s delayed opening, it’s a reminder that guest communication around schedule changes needs to be clearer, especially on high-volume event weekends.
What You Can Do If You’re Visiting During a runDisney Event
If you’re planning a visit during a runDisney weekend (or anytime during seasonal events), here’s how to avoid the morning surprise:
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Check the Disneyland app or website the night before and morning of your visit.
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Be aware of special events, including runDisney, Oogie Boogie Bash, and Grad Nite, which can impact operating hours.
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Avoid booking early dining or Lightning Lanes on days with major events.
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Consider staying on property, where Cast Members often give the most up-to-date info to guests.
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Expect the unexpected — especially in September and October, when Halloween and holiday prep dominate the calendar.
Today’s 9:00 AM opening wasn’t a glitch — it was part of an elaborate, villain-filled weekend that brought thousands of runners to the Disneyland Resort for a little cardio and a lot of magic. But for guests who weren’t part of the running scene, it was a reminder that even the most carefully planned Disney day can hit a snag.
Whether you’re there for churros, castle photos, or character meets, the best tip heading into fall at Disneyland is simple: know before you go. The villains may run the race, but you don’t have to let them run your day.
