Overview
- Disney posted park hours on Monday, August 17, 2026 showing EPCOT will open at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23 and Sunday, October 25 with Early Theme Park Entry moved to 9:30 a.m.
- The delayed openings line up with the Wine & Dine 5K on Oct. 23 and the Half Marathon on Oct. 25, and reporting says expanded 5K registration may require more time to clear the race course before normal operations can begin.
- EPCOT’s operating day on both affected dates remains 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., which reduces the park’s available hours compared with a usual 9:00 a.m. opening.
- EPCOT is scheduled to host a post‑race party on Oct. 25 with reported entry at 5:00 p.m. and a 10:00 p.m. start, and Disney moved Extended Evening Hours for Oct. 26 to Animal Kingdom to give EPCOT time to reset after the event.
- These changes directly affect guests who rely on Early Entry or Park Hopper strategies so visitors should reconfirm posted hours before travel and consider starting their day at another park those mornings.