This Is the WORST Weekend To Visit EPCOT

Will you be visiting Disney World in January?

EPCOT

January is certainly a great time to visit. The holiday crowds usually disappear by the first week of the month, plus you usually get cooler weather (and sometimes, it’s even COLD). The EPCOT Festival of the Arts also starts on January 17th, so there’s that, too! However, there is one weekend in January when you should avoid EPCOT altogether — and we’re going to tell you about it.

The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is January 8th through 12th, and yes, that could bring some crowds to the park. However, that’s not why we’re telling you to skip EPCOT that weekend. Here’s the thing: on two of the race days, January 10th and 11th, EPCOT doesn’t open until 10AM — one hour later than it usually opens. That’s because the marathon goes THROUGH EPCOT, which gives the runners the chance to get through the park before it opens.

EPCOT entrance

So that means if you visit EPCOT on those days, you’ll get one less hour in the park — and who wants that? So you’ll want to plan accordingly if you’ll be in Disney World that weekend. If you do end up seeing some runners throughout the weekend, be sure to cheer them on!

Spaceship Earth

So, what else can you expect on a race weekend? Well, you will certainly see more crowds in the parks, although it won’t be anything like the crowds we see on holidays. You’ll just need to be a little extra patient and consider purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass if you don’t want to wait in long ride standby lines.

Stay tuned to DFB for more.

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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Will you be in Disney World for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend? Let us know in the comments!