EPCOTFeaturedNews

Disney to Shut out Thousands of Guests: Theme Park Plans to Delay Opening This Weekend

This weekend is looking to be especially busy at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Known for being the host of millions of magical experiences every year, Walt Disney World is known worldwide for its theme park offerings. In addition to its dozens of attractions, resort hotels, restaurants, and experiences, the resort also hosts numerous special events throughout the year. This weekend, in particular, the resort will hold a runDisney 10k weekend known as the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend.

With this event drawing in more crowds than usual, many fans are charting their course to decide how they should spend their trip wisely. Fans who are looking to maximize their hours in the parks by beating the crowds will surely want to know about one major delayed opening in particular.

Related: Thousands of Walt Disney World Vacations Delayed and Cancelled Without Warning

runDisney marathon
Credit: Disney, Canva

Busy Weekend Reflects in Hour Changes

Walt Disney World hours are subject to change depending on the season and special events happening at the park. Check the official Walt Disney World website or app for the most up-to-date information on operating hours. Planning your visit in advance and being aware of the park hours can help you make the most of your time in the magical world of Disney.

Whether you are heading to the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom, knowing the opening and closing times allows you to schedule your day effectively and experience all the attractions, shows, and parades that each park has to offer.

Additionally, being aware of any extended hours events, such as Extra Magic Hours or Early Theme Park Entry, can give you exclusive access to the parks either before they open to the public or after they close, enhancing your overall Disney experience.

epcot, spaceship earth
Credit: Disney

What to Expect This Sunday

According to the Disney World website, this Sunday, April 21, EPCOT will experience a delayed opening. The park usually opens at 9:00 a.m., with early entry offered at 8:30 a.m. This Sunday, the park will be pushed back an hour and open instead at 10:00 a.m. Early entry will take place from 9:30–10:00 a.m.

While the reason for the delay is not specifically mentioned, it could be assumed that the delay probably has something to do with the festivities surrounding the race this weekend. While this may be a bummer for guests hoping to get in those early morning hours, the delay should be short and minimal in the long run.

epcot monorail
Credit: Becky Burkett

As always, Disney Dining will keep you updated on changes made to the schedule and operating hours of EPCOT and all other theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort.

Eva Miller

Eva was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon but has since relocated and lives in New York City. Since she was young, Eva has loved to perform in musicals, especially Disney ones! Through performing, Disney’s music became the soundtrack of her childhood. Today, Eva loves to write about all the exciting happenings for the Walt Disney Company. In her free time, Eva loves to travel, spend time in nature, and go to Broadway shows. Her favorite Disney movie is 'Lilo and Stitch,' and her favorite Park is Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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