For guests visiting EPCOT in early 2026, an operational change will affect morning plans. During runDisney Marathon Weekend, taking place January 7–11, EPCOT will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, and Sunday, January 11, instead of the usual 9 a.m. This change comes as parts of the marathon route run through or near the park, requiring adjustments to manage road closures, runner traffic, and guest safety.
Travelers should also expect heavier traffic around Walt Disney World. Spectators, runners, and rerouted transportation may add delays when arriving at EPCOT. Early entry for resort guests will still occur, beginning 30 minutes before the official opening, though it will start slightly later than typical early entry hours.
Visitors with pre-planned morning itineraries may want to revise their schedules. Attractions such as Test Track and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind could require different timing. Dining reservations and other morning experiences may also need adjustment. With thousands of runners participating, crowd levels in the late morning could be higher than usual.
While EPCOT’s schedule is affected only for those two days, runDisney has shared a broader update for Disneyland Resort. After the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, Disneyland race events will pause indefinitely. Disney attributes the suspension to construction projects impacting staging areas, parking access, and city streets, similar to a pause that occurred in 2018. Walt Disney World races and virtual events are not affected and will continue as planned.
This operational change at EPCOT may require guests to allow extra time for travel and adjust their morning plans. By planning around the later opening, visitors can still enjoy the park’s attractions once the gates open at 10 a.m.
With so much activity at the parks this year and in the near future, it is worth keeping an eye on these regularly occurring events to see how they will impact your vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort.
