Guests planning a January 2027 visit to EPCOT should note three later opening times tied to Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.
According to Disney’s operating calendar, EPCOT will open to general admission guests at 10 a.m. rather than its usual 9 a.m. on Jan. 7, Jan. 9 and Jan. 10, 2027. The park is still scheduled to close at 9 p.m. each night, leaving 11 hours of regular park time on those dates.
The schedule changes coincide with Marathon Weekend, running Jan. 6-10 across Walt Disney World property. The affected mornings align with the 5K, which begins at 4:30 a.m. on Jan. 7; the Half Marathon, beginning at 5 a.m. on Jan. 9; and the Marathon, beginning at 4:30 a.m. on Jan. 10. Disney needs time for runners to complete the EPCOT portions of those routes before regular park operations begin.
Eligible Disney Resort hotel guests will also see their Early Theme Park Entry shift later. The benefit is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. on the three affected dates, instead of the usual 8:30 a.m., while retaining its 30-minute head start ahead of the general opening.
Planning Your Trip
Undercover Tourist is an authorized seller of Walt Disney World tickets, often at a discount off gate price.
Travelers seeking EPCOT’s currently scheduled 9 a.m. opening may want to consider Jan. 6, Jan. 8 or Jan. 11. Marathon Weekend can also bring temporary road restrictions and transportation adjustments around Walt Disney World, so guests should allow extra travel time and check the operating calendar before heading to the park.
