If you showed up early to Disneyland this morning expecting rope drop at 8:00 a.m., you may have been surprised to find the gates still closed. That’s because today, Sunday, September 7, 2025, the Happiest Place on Earth took a bit longer to wake up, officially opening at 9:00 a.m. PST — a rare one-hour delay that left some early birds scratching their heads.
But the reason behind the schedule change wasn’t just any routine adjustment. It was all in service of runDisney’s Halloween Half Marathon Weekend, which brought thousands of runners — many dressed as villains, monsters, and mischievous sidekicks — to the Disneyland Resort for one of its most popular fall events.
Why the Late Start?
Each year, the runDisney event series transforms the parks into race courses, complete with character appearances, photo ops, and exclusive medals. This year’s Halloween Half Marathon was particularly high-energy, thanks to its villain-centric theme.
Runners took part in several races over the weekend, including:
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A 5K hosted by Ursula
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A 10K led by Cruella De Vil
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A 13.1-mile half marathon featuring Maleficent
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And a “Pain and Panic Challenge” for those daring enough to take on both the 10K and the half marathon back-to-back.
Because the half marathon course cuts through Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, and nearby public areas, it’s not just a simple street run — it’s a massive, coordinated production that requires park access hours before regular guests arrive. With the last of the runners clearing out early this morning, Disney needed additional time to reset the park before welcoming guests.
Some Guests Left in the Dark
While fans of the runDisney series knew to expect the delay, several park guests were caught off guard by the later start time. And with the current pricing structure — where a single-day, single-park ticket can easily top $150 — some were understandably frustrated.
Although Disneyland had posted the modified hours on its website and app, not every guest double-checks the schedule before arriving. Social media featured a few grumbles from visitors who had breakfast reservations they couldn’t make, or early Lightning Lane bookings they had to scramble to modify.
For those staying at a Disney hotel, cast members were quick to explain the delay and offer assistance rebooking morning plans. But off-property guests? They were left waiting.
A Trend of Shortened Hours
The later start time isn’t the only schedule shift at Disneyland right now. As of August 31, both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure are closing earlier than they did during the peak summer months.
Here’s the current daily schedule:
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Disneyland Park: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
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Disney California Adventure: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
It’s part of a seasonal shift that many long-time guests recognize: as fall approaches, crowd levels dip slightly, and Disney uses the time to prepare for upcoming holiday events, maintenance, and of course, after-hours parties like the Oogie Boogie Bash, which causes DCA to close early on select nights.
This means we can expect more early closures and potential delayed openings over the next few months, particularly surrounding Halloween and holiday ticketed events.
Is It Still Worth Visiting During runDisney?
For some guests, a delayed opening or early closure can feel like they’re missing out on valuable park time — and in a way, that’s true. But the energy that comes with a runDisney weekend can be its own kind of magic. The resort is buzzing with excitement, from hotel lobbies filled with runners in costume to rare character sightings during the races themselves.
Plus, the medals this year are downright collector-worthy. Finishers walked away with:
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A stylized Ursula medal for the 5K
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A Cruella De Vil-themed medal for the 10K
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A Maleficent half marathon medal
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And for those who completed both races, a bonus “Pain and Panic Challenge” medal
Other highlights included Kids’ Races hosted by Captain Hook and even a sunrise yoga session led by the Queen of Hearts.
What You Can Do to Prepare Next Time
If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland during a runDisney event — or really any seasonal shift — here are a few quick planning tips:
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Check park hours the day before and the morning of your visit. The Disneyland app is your best friend here.
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Be aware of special events like Oogie Boogie Bash, Grad Nite, or runDisney weekends, which often mean modified operating hours.
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Schedule Genie+ selections and dining later in the morning on days when events are happening.
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Follow Disney Parks Blog and social media for last-minute updates.
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If staying off-property, leave a little flexibility in your schedule to avoid surprises at the gate.
Today’s one-hour delay may have thrown a wrench in a few family plans, but for the thousands of runners who laced up and conquered 13.1 miles before breakfast, the morning was anything but slow.
runDisney continues to grow as one of Disney’s most beloved niche events, blending athletic challenge with Disney storytelling in a way that no other race can. As long as these events keep drawing crowds, expect more early mornings, delayed openings, and packed weekends ahead — especially around holiday season.
So if you’re planning a Disneyland day anytime from now through the end of the year, remember: even the most magical day needs a little prep.
Because when Maleficent is leading a half marathon through Sleeping Beauty Castle, the gates aren’t opening on time.
