Credit: Disney Guests heading out to Walt Disney World Resort at the start of November should be prepared for heavier crowds and later opening times for one theme park.
Walt Disney World Resort is not only known for its parks, attractions, hotels, and experiences. Throughout the year, the Central Florida destination plays host to several other events, from international festivals at EPCOT to private ceremonies at Magic Kingdom to exclusive concerts on Sunset Boulevard at Hollywood Studios.
In late October and early November, Disney World will be the backdrop to the runDisney half marathon. On November 3, the officially titled Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon will take place around EPCOT and will impact operating hours at this specific Disney park.
Per the official Walt Disney World Resort website, it can be seen that EPCOT will open an hour later than usual, with Early Theme Park Entry commencing at 9:30 a.m. (instead of the usual 8:30 a.m.) and normal park opening happening at 10 a.m. rather than 9 a.m. Those hoping to rope drop EPCOT on this day should be aware that the time has moved.
The official runDisney website reports that the half marathon is sold out. The event landing page reads, “Anyone can cook. Anyone can run. “So lace up for the 2024 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon hosted by Chef Remy and Linguini. During this tasty trek, you’ll race for 13.1 miles through some of the finest cuisine in all of Paris.”
In addition to the run, those participating in the half marathon and the 10k event (or both—the Disney Two Course Challenge) have the opportunity to gain access to an EPCOT after-party from 10 p.m. on November 3. An hour after the park closes to regular Disney World guests, runners will get exclusive access to the International Food & Wine Festival.
“This celebration at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival includes access to Global Marketplaces, select EPCOT attractions, and live entertainment with a 10:00 PM start time, giving you access to the park after regular operating hours,” runDisney writes.
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But that’s not all. Disney will admit Post-Race Party guests as early as 5 p.m., “giving them even more time to enjoy park favorites before the event begins!”
Gaining early entry to an event is not uncommon for Disney theme parks. Other hard-ticketed events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Disneyland Resort’s Oogie Boogie Bash also allow guests earlier access to the parks with their tickets.
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Those heading into EPCOT for the Post-Race Party will have the chance to experience the relatively new park attractions: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana.
The runDisney event weekend takes place from November 1 through November 3, with the 5k, 10k, and Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon taking place on November 1, November 2, and November 3, respectively.
How do you feel about EPCOT’s operating hours change at Walt Disney World? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!