4 Changes Coming to EPCOT Next Month

Heads up if you’re going to EPCOT next month because there are some changes headed your way!

EPCOT

From new dining locations to delayed openings, there are a few things that could affect your trip. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are four changes coming to EPCOT in October!

Four Food & Wine Festival Booths Open

The 2026 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival is officially underway, but not every booth has opened. The last four booths will open on October 2nd and be available through the end of the festival. These booths include Coastal Eats, Earth Eats, The Alps, and India. For our thoughts on this year’s BEST menu items, CLICK HERE!

The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

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Delayed Opening On Two Days

Yes, you read that right — EPCOT will have a delayed opening on TWO days this October. Instead of its usual 9 AM opening (8:30 AM Early Entry), the park will open at 10 AM (9:30 AM Early Entry) on Friday, October 23rd and Sunday, October 25th. This is due to the runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, with the 5K taking place on Friday and the Half Marathon taking place on Sunday. Be prepared for increased crowd levels during this time.

©runDisney

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Shiki-Sai Fireworks Dining Packages Begin

The first day for the Japan Pavilion’s sushi restaurant’s fireworks dining packages is October 2nd. Shiki Sai’s dining package includes an appetizer, traditional sashimi, a selection of sushi, and “an exclusive dessert and beverages available only with this package.” It is available for $120 per adult, plus tax and gratuity ($149.50 total, including tax and gratuity), and $60 per child, plus tax and gratuity ($74.70 total, including tax and gratuity).

Shiki-Sai

Fireworks dining packages offer a great view of EPCOT’s nightly fireworks spectacular, Luminous, The Symphony of Us. Luminous typically begins at 9 PM, but fireworks may have a later start time during peak crowd seasons such as throughout the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays. Be sure to confirm the start time when making a reservation, and then again two weeks prior to your reservation. Bookings are now open for Shiki-Sai.

Luminous in EPCOT

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Extended Evening Hours Continue

On three nights in October, Extended Evening Hours will be available to guests staying at deluxe resorts. These nights include Monday, October 5th, 12th, and 19th from 9 PM until 11 PM. During this time, guests will experience fewer crowds with shorter wait times. The EPCOT attractions included are:

Frozen Ever After
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana – New!
Mission: SPACE
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Soarin’ Around the World
Spaceship Earth
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Test Track

Spaceship Earth

Now that you know about these changes, you can have a smooth and worry-free vacation! Follow us at the Disney Food Blog for more Disney news and updates!

Your Ultimate 1-Day Plan for EPCOT

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