Epcot Will Open Slightly Later On This Sunday in Early March (2026)
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World in early March, be aware that Epcot is scheduled to open later than usual on Sunday, March 1st. The park is scheduled to open at 10:00 a.m. due to the Princess Half Marathon. The park will open at 9:30 a.m. that morning for guests who are eligible for the early entry period.
This later opening is typical for runDisney race weekends. Most races start and finish on the far end of Epcot’s parking lot. If you’re driving in the area over this weekend, you’ll also want to be aware of potential road closures on the morning of the race. Here is the map with road closures and times for the half-marathon, which is held on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Here are the details for the Princess Half-Marathon:
- Sunday, March 1, 2026
- Race Start/Finish: EPCOT Parking Lot
- Event Open: 2:30 AM
- Official Race Start: 5:00 AM
- Estimated Final Finisher: 9:45 AM
- Event Close: 10:30 AM
Regular Disney transportation will still be provided from the resorts to the parks. So if you’re staying at a Disney Resort, you shouldn’t encounter an issue when using Disney transportation, other than the later start. If you’re an early riser, this Sunday might be better suited for visiting another park or planning an afternoon arrival at Epcot. With the late start and road closures, you can expect more traffic near the park’s entrance up until about lunchtime or 1:00 p.m. If we’re driving to Epcot on a race date, we always wait until things have had a chance to settle down. It is not uncommon for long lines of traffic to build as guests attempt to park at Epcot.
For a complete overview of weather, crowd patterns, and events for the entire month, see our guide to Disney World in March.
Disney World in March 2026 (Dates, Weather, and Crowd Expectations)
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In the Comments
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