Credit: Erica Lauren Inside the MagicEPCOT will change its operating hours on Sunday, March 1, 2026. The park will open at 10 a.m. instead of the usual 9 a.m., with Early Entry for eligible Disney resort guests beginning at 9:30 a.m. instead of 8:30 a.m. This adjustment is due to the Disney Princess Half Marathon, which starts early in the morning.
If you’re planning to visit EPCOT on March 1, make sure to adjust your schedule to avoid waiting outside the gates. The shift in opening hours significantly impacts how you can plan your day, especially if you were aiming to enjoy the park’s attractions at the usual opening time. Arriving at your original time will mean watching the marathon instead of enjoying the attractions.
Why the Change Is Happening
The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend runs February 26 through March 2, 2026, featuring multiple race distances that bring families and friends together to celebrate athletic accomplishments while experiencing Disney theming throughout the courses. The signature event, the Disney Princess Half Marathon on March 1, utilizes roads that typically handle guest traffic throughout Walt Disney World property, including areas around EPCOT that must be closed to vehicles and pedestrians to ensure runner safety.
Race operations begin around 5 a.m. with thousands of participants starting their 13.1-mile journey through Disney property. Those runners need clear, protected routes without interference from regular park activities or guest traffic, which means Disney must coordinate significant operational changes affecting multiple areas of the resort. EPCOT’s delayed opening is the most visible guest-facing impact, but road closures and traffic pattern disruptions affect the entire property throughout the morning.
For guests unfamiliar with how runDisney events impact Walt Disney World operations, March 1 can feel like chaos. Roads that are normally open suddenly have barriers and detours. Traffic that typically flows smoothly becomes congested as vehicles funnel through alternate routes. And parks that usually open at predictable times shift their schedules in ways that catch unprepared visitors completely off guard.
What the Schedule Actually Looks Like
EPCOT opens to all guests at 10 a.m. on March 1. If you don’t have Early Entry access through a Disney resort or eligible partner hotel, you cannot enter before 10 a.m. Arriving earlier only means waiting.
Guests with Early Entry can enter at 9:30 a.m., which is 30 minutes before the general opening. To maximize this time, arrive around 9:15 to 9:20 a.m. to clear security before 9:30 a.m.
Without Early Entry, arrive just before 10 a.m. to enter when the park opens. There’s no benefit to arriving at 9 a.m. or 9:30 a.m.; you’ll just be waiting outside.
Disney Traffic and Transportation Complications
The Disney Princess Half Marathon on March 1 will cause traffic delays throughout Walt Disney World, especially affecting EPCOT’s opening. Road closures will lead to congestion as vehicles are rerouted, so expect longer travel times up to 30 minutes instead of the usual 10 to 15 if you’re driving from a resort or off-property.
Additionally, Disney transportation services like buses, monorails, and Skyliner may experience disruptions. Plan for extra travel time if you’re relying on these services to get to EPCOT that morning.
Disney Crowd Dynamics Will Be Different
EPCOT’s 10 a.m. opening time might benefit visitors who prefer sleeping in, as it shifts the morning crowd rush later for popular attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Test Track. However, this later opening means all guests enter simultaneously, which could lead to intense initial crowding and longer wait times.
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World for multiple days, consider choosing another day with regular hours for EPCOT and use March 1 for a different park, Disney Springs, or a resort day. Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom will maintain normal hours that day.
If March 1 is your only EPCOT day, plan accordingly. Adjust your morning schedule, allow for extra travel time, and set realistic expectations for crowd levels and wait times since everyone will be entering at the same time.
About runDisney Events
The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is one of several runDisney events held annually at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. These races attract runners of all skill levels who enjoy running through Disney parks, seeing characters along race routes, and earning themed medals. The events feature festive atmospheres with costumes, entertainment, and celebrations that distinguish them from standard road races.
runDisney events typically open registration months in advance and frequently sell out quickly, especially popular ones like Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. If you’re interested in participating in future events, monitor the runDisney website for registration dates and be prepared to sign up immediately when registration opens, as high demand often exceeds available spots.
The Reminder for Disney Guests
This is your reminder: EPCOT opens at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026, with Early Entry at 9:30 a.m. for eligible guests. If you’re planning to visit EPCOT that day, adjust your morning schedule accordingly. Expect road closures and traffic delays if traveling on Disney World property early in the morning. The later opening allows for a more relaxed morning while still providing a full park day once EPCOT opens.
Whether you’re racing, cheering for runners, or just visiting Disney World that weekend, knowing how runDisney events affect park operations helps you plan effectively and avoid surprises on race day. Don’t be the guest standing outside EPCOT at 9 a.m. wondering why the gates are still closed. Adjust your plans now and save yourself the frustration.