Epcot Will Open Slightly Later on Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in Early 2026

If you are visiting Walt Disney World in early January 2026, you’ll want to be aware that EPCOT is scheduled to open later than usual on Saturday, January 10th, and Sunday, January 11th. The park will open at 10:00 a.m. on both days due to Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. The early theme park entry period for resort guests will be available on both days between 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

This later opening is due to road closures associated with the half-marathon race held on Saturday and the full marathon, which takes place on Sunday. If you have plans to drive to Epcot on either morning, make sure you’re aware of road closures in the immediate area. Here is the map with road closures and times for the half-marathon, which is held on January 10th.

Here is the map for the full marathon, which is held on Sunday, the 11th.

A portion of Epcot’s parking lot serves as the start and finish points for both races. 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.

Ultimately, these weekend dates may be better suited for visiting another park or planning an afternoon arrival at Epcot after the park has had time to open. When I’ve driven to the parks on the day of a major race, I usually wait until after lunchtime. 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 January 2026 planning guide. Make sure to check back with Resorts Gal soon for the latest Disney news, planning, and reviews. You might also enjoy joining our newsletter list.

In the Comments

Did you find this information helpful? Will you avoid driving to Epcot on race weekend? Let us know in the comments below.