Overview
- Walt Disney World posted park hours showing EPCOT will open at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23 and Sunday, October 25, 2026 with Early Entry beginning at 9:30 a.m.
- The Friday change coincides with the Wine & Dine 5K and the Sunday delay follows the half marathon, which reporters link to larger runner fields that lengthen the time needed to clear race routes.
- EPCOT will host the race weekend’s post‑race party on Sunday, October 25, with party ticket holders admitted at 5:00 p.m. and official party programming starting at 10:00 p.m.
- Extended Evening Hours that week were moved to Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Monday, October 26 to give EPCOT additional turnaround time after the post‑race event.
- Guests should expect heavier crowds on the affected dates, factor the shifted hours into plans, and monitor Walt Disney World’s posted hours for any further updates.