It’s the kind of thing that can throw off even the most meticulously planned Disney itinerary: You wake up early, MagicBand charged, Genie+ ready to go, and excitement bubbling—only to find that your day at EPCOT won’t begin when you thought it would.
For thousands of guests planning to rope drop the park on Sunday, April 6, 2025, the revelation may come as a bit of a shock: EPCOT won’t open until 10 a.m.—a full hour later than usual. And even if you’re a Walt Disney World Resort hotel guest counting on Early Entry, you’ll need to wait until 9:30 a.m.
So what’s going on behind the scenes that’s shifting the magic to mid-morning?
Why the Delay? A Race Against the Clock at Disney
The answer lies not in technical difficulties or construction projects, but in one of Disney’s most beloved (and physically demanding) events: the 2025 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend.
This unique race event draws thousands of runners to the Walt Disney World Resort for a whirlwind of fitness, fandom, and fun. As part of the weekend’s final race, participants will wind their way through park pathways and backstage areas—including EPCOT. The park’s delayed opening gives runners time to finish the course safely while allowing Cast Members time to reset the park for regular guests.
It’s a tradition that mixes Disney magic with marathon endurance. But if you weren’t expecting it, it might feel more like a disruption than a celebration.
What This Means for Your Day at EPCOT
If you were hoping to rope drop Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind before the crowds roll in, you’ll have to tweak your game plan. EPCOT’s new hours for that day are:
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Early Entry: 9:30 a.m. (for Resort hotel guests)
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General Admission: 10:00 a.m.
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Closing Time: 9:00 p.m.
In comparison, other parks will be operating on regular schedules:
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Magic Kingdom: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
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Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
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Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
While the EPCOT delay may initially seem inconvenient, it offers an unexpected opportunity—especially for those with Park Hopper tickets or flexibility in their itinerary.
How to Make the Most of It
So, what should you do with that unexpected free hour (or two)? Here are a few savvy suggestions:
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Head to Another Park First: If you have Park Hopper access, consider starting your day at Animal Kingdom or Magic Kingdom. Both open earlier and offer great early-morning experiences with typically lower crowd levels.
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Enjoy a Leisurely Breakfast: Sleep in a bit and enjoy a sit-down breakfast at your resort or one of Disney’s iconic dining locations. It’s rare to have a relaxed morning at Disney—lean into it.
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Spectate or Celebrate the Runners: If you’re staying at a Disney Resort or near EPCOT, take a moment to cheer on the runDisney participants. The energy of the event is infectious, and it’s a wholesome way to feel part of something magical.
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Plan Strategically: Use the time to lock in Lightning Lane selections, mobile order meals, or review your day’s itinerary on the My Disney Experience app.
Will This Happen Again at Disney World?
Most likely—yes. runDisney events are held multiple times a year and often affect park hours, particularly for EPCOT and Magic Kingdom. Future race weekends could see similar adjustments, so if you’re planning a visit during one of those weekends, it’s wise to check Disney’s official calendar ahead of time. For Springtime Surprise Weekend 2025, April 4–6 is the key window to watch.
Expect increased crowds, modified transportation, and the possibility of other slight shifts in operation. While a delayed opening might ruffle a few feathers, it underscores something deeper about the Disney experience—it’s not just about attractions, but about community and creativity.
runDisney weekends bring together fans from around the world—many of whom train for months—to celebrate health, personal milestones, and yes, their love of Disney. These races give the parks a pulse that’s different from the typical tourist rhythm, and while it might briefly change how you navigate your day, it’s also a reminder of just how many ways there are to “do Disney.”
