Credit: runDisneyRunDisney events are an essential part of Walt Disney World’s yearly schedule and impact EPCOT the most. They attract many participants who enjoy running and are passionate about Disney parks and characters. The races vary from 5K runs to full marathons and feature themed weekends based on Disney movies and seasonal celebrations.
One popular event is the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. It draws runners who want to celebrate Disney princesses and enjoy running through Disney World in the early morning when the parks are closed to the public. The 2026 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend will happen from February 26 to March 2. It will offer different race distances, bringing families and friends together to celebrate their athletic accomplishments and love for Disney.
While exciting, events like races at Disney World can disrupt regular operations. They may cause road closures and affect traffic patterns and park opening times. For instance, the Disney Princess Half Marathon on March 1, 2026, will cause EPCOT’s opening to be delayed, so guests should plan ahead to avoid arriving during the closure.
EPCOT’s Modified Opening Time March 1
EPCOT will open at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026, instead of the usual 9:00 a.m. opening time. This one-hour delay applies to general park admission, while Early Entry for eligible resort guests will begin at 9:30 a.m., an adjustment from the typical 8:30 a.m. start. The modified schedule is in response to the Disney Princess Half Marathon, which utilizes roads around and possibly near EPCOT. This change ensures the safety of the runners and allows race operations to continue smoothly without interference from regular park activities.
Guests visiting EPCOT on March 1 should adjust their morning plans. The park will open at 10:00 a.m. instead of the usual 9:00 a.m., allowing for a more relaxed morning routine. Eligible guests at Disney resorts or select partner hotels can still enjoy Early Entry at 9:30 a.m., granting 30 minutes of access to popular attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Test Track before the park opens to all guests.
RunDisney Impact on Disney World Operations
The Disney Princess Half Marathon and other runDisney events involve significant operational coordination that impacts multiple areas of Disney World, especially regarding road access. Race courses use roads typically busy with guest traffic, and during race hours (starting around 5:00 a.m.), these roads are closed to ensure runner safety.
This results in traffic delays and necessitates alternate routes for guests traveling to parks or dining. While Disney informs guests of road closures and suggests detours, those driving on race mornings should expect heavier traffic and longer travel times. For guests at Disney resort hotels using Disney transportation, services may also experience delays. It’s advisable to build extra travel time into plans for any time-sensitive commitments on race mornings.
Planning Your March 1 EPCOT Visit
Knowing EPCOT opens at 10:00 a.m. on March 1 allows you to plan your day more effectively. If you’re staying at a Disney resort and have Early Entry access, arriving at EPCOT around 9:15 to 9:20 a.m. positions you to take advantage of the 9:30 a.m. early access period. If you don’t have Early Entry, arriving shortly before 10:00 a.m. makes sure you’re positioned to enter when the park opens to all guests.
The later opening time might actually benefit some visitors who are looking to sleep in or avoid the early morning rush. EPCOT typically sees intense morning crowds as guests rush to experience popular attractions early in the day. The 10:00 a.m. opening condenses that morning rush period, but it also means everyone enters simultaneously rather than crowds building gradually throughout the morning. Attraction wait times may spike more quickly after opening compared to typical days when guests trickle in starting at 9:00 a.m.
If you’re at Disney World for multiple days, you might consider visiting EPCOT on a different day with regular operating hours and use March 1 for another park or resort relaxation day. Alternatively, if March 1 is your only EPCOT day, understanding the modified schedule ensures you plan appropriately rather than wasting time showing up when the park isn’t open yet.
About RunDisney Events
The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is one of several runDisney events held each year at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. These races attract runners of all skill levels, from seasoned marathoners to casual participants. They enjoy the fun of running through Disney parks and seeing characters along the way. The events feature a festive atmosphere, complete with themed medals, costumes, entertainment, and celebrations, which sets them apart from regular road races.
runDisney events open registration months in advance and frequently sell out quickly, especially popular ones like the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. If you want to participate, keep an eye on the runDisney website for registration dates and be ready to sign up as soon as it opens, as high demand often outpaces available spots.
The Bottom Line for March 1 at EPCOT
EPCOT will open at 10:00 AM on Sunday, March 1, 2026, with Early Entry at 9:30 AM because of the Disney Princess Half Marathon. Guests visiting EPCOT that day should plan their mornings accordingly. Expect possible road closures and traffic delays if you are traveling on Disney World property early in the morning. The later opening time allows for a more relaxed morning while still giving you a full day at EPCOT once the park opens. Whether you are racing, cheering for runners, or just visiting Disney World that weekend, knowing how runDisney events affect park operations will help you plan and avoid surprises on race day.