If you're heading to EPCOT during Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend this fall, plan for a later-than-usual start. Disney's posted operating calendar shows EPCOT opening at 10 a.m. — rather than the standard 9 a.m. — on Friday, October 23, and Sunday, October 25, 2026. Those two dates align with the Wine & Dine 5K and the Half Marathon, respectively.
The shift affects Early Theme Park Entry as well. Disney Resort hotel guests and other eligible visitors who normally enjoy 30-minute early access will find that benefit adjusted to run from 9:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. on both days — meaning a resort stay won't recover that lost hour. The entire morning schedule simply moves back, with EPCOT still set to remain open until 9 p.m. on each date.
Guests who want an earlier park start that morning do have alternatives. On both affected dates, Magic Kingdom is scheduled to open at 9 a.m., Hollywood Studios at 9 a.m., and Animal Kingdom at 8 a.m. — making EPCOT the latest-opening of Walt Disney World's four theme parks during that stretch. Blizzard Beach is listed as open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, while Typhoon Lagoon is currently scheduled as closed.
There's one more scheduling note worth flagging for the days that follow. On Monday, October 26, Extended Evening Hours — typically a perk for Deluxe Resort guests — are currently slated for Animal Kingdom rather than EPCOT. Disney's calendar suggests the switch may give EPCOT time to recover after hosting a separately ticketed post-race party Sunday night.
Planning Your Trip
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With several months still remaining before the event, Disney could revise its calendar further, so it's worth checking the official Walt Disney World schedule closer to your travel dates. Inside the Magic first reported these scheduling details.
