EPCOT Reduces Operating Hours This Fall
We love to learn of extended Park hours, but we don't like hearing of less time in the Parks. Find out which dates are affected at EPCOT.
Disney World Fall 2026
We follow along with Walt Disney World park hours on a regular basis. Most of the time, they stay pretty standard, with a few exceptions based on higher crowd levels.
As we move into the fall, Magic Kingdom closes early on several nights for both Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (now until the end of October) and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (November and December).
Disney's Hollywood Studios will close early this October for a private event and will close early for Jollywood Nights (select nights November through the beginning of January).
EPCOT Opening Late
October is a busy month at Walt Disney World and will also include the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. This race weekend consists of a 5k on Friday, October 23rd; a 10K on Saturday, October 24th; and a half marathon on Sunday, October 25th.
Earlier we shared that runDisney will allow even more participants to register for the 5k starting with the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend and this affects EPCOT's operational hours.
Both the 5k race on Friday, October 23rd, and the half-marathon course on Sunday October 25th affects the opening of EPCOT. Typically, EPCOT opens for Early Entry for Resort Guests at 8:30 am and for all Guests at 9:00 am.
On October 23rd and October 25, 2026, EPCOT will open a full hour later. Early Entry will begin at 9:30 am, and all Guests may enter at 10:00 am.
Why to avoid EPCOT This October
Along with opening later, several other factors may cause you to rethink visiting EPCOT on Sunday, October 25, 2026. During the morning, there may be more Guests than usual due to runners completing the race and taking photos in the park.
EPCOT has a delayed opening on October 23rd and 25th, 2026.
EPCOT will also host the Post-Race Party that evening. The party officially begins at 10:00 pm after the park is closed to guests with park tickets, but guests coming to the Post-Race Party may enter EPCOT at 5:00 pm.
Due to the late opening and additional guests in the morning after the race and in the evening for the Post-Race Party, this may be a busy day at EPCOT.
What do you think of these busy fall dates at Walt Disney World? Will this affect your travel plans? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Donna loved Disney from an early age. As a child, her family would joke that she lived in "Donna Land." As an adult, she enjoys planning and creating magical vacations for her family. She always brings a little faith, trust, and a little bit of Pixie Dust!
