Why Visiting Disney World Will Be Extra Complicated Next Weekend

One of runDisney’s most anticipated annual race weekends is about arrive, and while runners are eager to go, non-competing Disney World guests should be aware of some infrastructure effects.

This year’s Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is scheduled for February 26th through March 2nd. As always, the weekend will feature several events for competitors and their families alike. However, they can cause some consternation for non-race visitors visiting the resort that weekend.

The weekend’s events include the Merida-themed Disney Princess 5K on the 27th, the Moana-themed Disney Princess 10K on the 28th, and the Rapunzel-themed Disney Princess Marathon on the 1st. Runners who complete the 10K and the Half Marathon will receive the Belle-themed Disney Fairytale Challenge medal.

While runners have those prizes to shoot for, Disney guests not participating in the races should be prepared for road closures early on each of the mornings, as each race begins at 5 AM.

The 5K and 10K races see their courses moving through EPCOT, so it may be wise to avoid planning an early trip to Walt Disney World’s second gate on the mornings of the 27th and 28th. However, since the race starts so early, the park still opens at its regular time (9 AM) with Early Entry for resort guests 30 minutes before (8:30 AM).

The Princess Half Marathon expands out, across Disney World, as the course takes runners from EPCOT, through the Magic Kingdom, and back again. In other words, it may be wise not plan on heading to either of Disney World’s first two theme parks early on the morning of March 1st. While the latest road closures are scheduled to last until 10 AM, it’s still likely that traffic may be snarled past that period.

A further tip: If you’re planning on attending EPCOT on any of the race days, be aware that there will likely be a lot of runners celebrating their achievement at the park, possibly increasing crowd levels. In addition, EPCOT will be opening an hour later than usual — 10 AM — on March 1st, with Early Entry for Disney hotel guests beginning at 9:30 AM. In other words, you may be better off planning to visit Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom that day.

February 26th through March 2nd will see the 2026 edition of Disney’s 2026 Princess Half Marathon Weekend, and non-competing guests should be warned that the early morning hours will see road closures, higher crowds, snarled traffic, and even a delayed opening at EPCOT. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on the weekend’s events and infrastructure changes.

9 Huge Expansion Announcements We Expect Disney to Make This Year

Are you heading to the Princess Half Marathon Weekend? Let us know in the comments below.