Credit: Rick Wagner, FlickrGuests planning a visit to Walt Disney World this weekend should be prepared for a few significant changes across the resort, as road closures, park hour adjustments, and special events are set to impact EPCOT.
According to Kenny the Pirate, both Saturday and Sunday will see operational shifts tied to the runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, coinciding with the ongoing EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and the recent updates surrounding Spaceship Earth.
On Saturday, October 25, EPCOT Center Drive will be closed from 4:15 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., potentially causing early-morning traffic delays for guests traveling to or from the park. The situation becomes more extensive on Sunday, October 26, when Floridian Way, World Drive South, and Buena Vista Drive will all be closed from 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. EPCOT Center Drive will also remain closed until about 9:00 a.m. to accommodate runners and event logistics, meaning resort transportation and guest arrival times could be affected.
In addition to the travel disruptions, EPCOT will open later than usual on Sunday. Resort guests will be welcomed starting at 9:30 a.m., with general park admission beginning at 10:00 a.m. These changes are designed to allow marathon participants to finish safely while the park transitions to regular operation. However, guests should also expect heavier-than-normal crowds throughout the day, especially in the evening, as EPCOT hosts the Wine & Dine Post-Race Party. The after-hours event begins at 10:00 p.m., with ticketed entry starting at 5:00 p.m., drawing even more visitors to the park as the night goes on.
Adding to the weekend’s excitement, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival continues to be a major draw, offering global marketplaces, culinary demos, and live performances as part of the Eat to the Beat concert series. With both the marathon and festival overlapping, the park will be especially lively, making early dining reservations and strategic touring plans more important than ever.
Amid all this activity, Spaceship Earth is also in the spotlight. After a brief closure for routine maintenance earlier this month, the park’s iconic geodesic sphere soft opened to guests. While the long-rumored overhaul of the attraction has yet to materialize, the official reopening on October 25, comes as a relief for visitors eager to experience one of EPCOT’s most recognizable rides during the busy festival and race weekend.
Between the road closures, adjusted park hours, and multiple special events, guests are encouraged to allow extra travel time and consider alternate transportation options such as Disney Skyliner, monorail, or resort buses. Those planning to spend the morning elsewhere might find it easier to visit another park early before heading to EPCOT later in the day.
With some flexibility and planning, visitors can still enjoy a full day of Disney magic—whether savoring international flavors, celebrating the marathon spirit, or finally gliding through the story of human innovation beneath Spaceship Earth’s iconic glow.
How do you feel about the changes to EPCOT this weekend? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!