Walt Disney World Faces Schedule Changes This October
This October, Walt Disney World is facing an unusual month of schedule changes and access restrictions across its four theme parks. The disruptions are caused by a mix of private events, runDisney weekends, and Halloween programming.
The first major change occurs on October 20 at Disney's Hollywood Studios, which will close early at 5 p.m., four hours earlier than usual. This is due to a private evening event tied to the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2026, taking place from October 19-22.
Another change affects EPCOT on two separate mornings: October 23 and 25. On these dates, the park will open late at 10 a.m., rather than its usual 9 a.m. This is connected to the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, with runDisney courses passing through and around the park.
Magic Kingdom faces the most frequent restrictions throughout October, as it hosts Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select evenings. On 16 dates in October, guests without a party ticket must leave Magic Kingdom at 6 p.m., missing out on standard nighttime entertainment lineup.