According to the Walt Disney World park hours calendar, EPCOT will experience a delayed opening this weekend due to the Walt Disney World Half-Marathon and Walt Disney World Marathon. Delayed openings have become common in recent years as runDisney tries to get most runners through the theme parks before opening to day guests. There will still be some runners out on the course during the morning hours, so if you’re visiting, keep in mind that foot traffic may be impacted.
EPCOT Delayed Opening due to runDisney Marathon
EPCOT will have a delayed opening on Saturday, Jan. 11th and Sunday, Jan. 12th due to the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend races. EPCOT will open at 10am on both days instead of its typical 9am opening. Early Entry will still be offered to eligible Resort Hotel guests 30 minutes before official park opening.
The route for the Walt Disney World Half Marathon takes runners from near the Seas Pavilion, through World Celebration Gardens and out of EPCOT near Test Track. The relevant part of the Full Marathon route will take guests through a portion of World Showcase after running through the BoardWalk Resort area, through World Celebration Gardens and out of EPCOT near Test Track.
In terms of timing, most of the Half-Marathon runners should be off of the course by the time EPCOT officially opens on Saturday. On Sunday, runners are expected to be in EPCOT through at least noon, but no later than 1pm.
Runners will pass through all four Walt Disney World theme parks, but they will only be in three of the theme parks during normal operating hours. Only EPCOT will have a delayed opening. Here’s a look at the spectator viewing guide for the Full Marathon on Sunday, which includes approximate times that runners will be in various locations around Walt Disney World property.
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