Unexpected Change for Operating Hours Today at Disney World

runDisney’s Springtime Surprise Weekend is in full swing this weekend, and with it comes some unexpected changes. If you are headed to Epcot, you need to know about this as it will greatly affect your plans!

Springtime Surprise

The last race weekend of the runDisney season is Springtime Surprise. Consisting of a 5k, 10k, and 10-miler, runners get to run through the parks!

This year’s theme is Embrace the Adventure with Peter Pan, Up, The Lion King, and Lilo and Stitch as the main characters/movies.

Today is the last day of the weekend, with runners participating in the the 10-miler currently. Unfortunately, the length of the race is having a negative impact on operating hours.

New Hours

While we cannot be for certain, we believe the 10-miler may be the cause for Epcot’s new hours today. Now, the park opens an hour later at 10:00 am. Early Entry begins at 9:30 am for onsite Guests.

The course starts and finishes in Epcot with the middle of the race taking place at Hollywood Studios. Runners race through the World Showcase, Boardwalk, areas of Hollywood Studios, and then back to the front of Epcot.

This also occured back in February for Princess Weekend. It’s safe to say this may become a trend for the longer races.

What does this mean for you?

Well, this means a lot for you actually! Not only does it give you one less hour in Epcot, but since it now opens later all those late risers will be entering at the same time as you.

Epcot opens an hour later at 10:00 am today, April 21.

This will likely create busier queues and less availability for Genie+. It is also disappointing that this change was made on short notice and you may be up and planning your day at Epcot already.

Are you planning to visit Epcot today? Or, will you start somewhere else that opens earlier and hop over later? Let us know in the comments below, and share this post with a friend who is also at Disney today.