You May Want to AVOID Driving to Disney World on These 8 Dates in 2026

Traffic at Disney World can turn a magical vacation into a pretty stressful start.

Do you drive to Disney World?

Between runDisney events, cheerleading competitions, and holiday weekends, there are some days when driving to the resort is going to feel way less convenient than usual. That does not mean you have to stay home, but it does mean you’ll want to plan ahead if you’re bringing your car to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Let’s go through the 8 dates in 2026 when you may want to avoid driving to Disney World.

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (January 7th – January 11th, 2026)

The year kicks off with the biggest runDisney event of them all. Marathon Weekend is a multi-day celebration of running, and it brings thousands of athletes and their families to the resort. Roads around EPCOT and Magic Kingdom often close in the early morning hours for the races, which can mean major delays if you’re trying to drive in for a rope drop. Add in heavy traffic from spectators and resort guests, and you’ve got a recipe for long waits in the car.

©Disney

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February 26th – March 2nd, 2026)

This is another beloved runDisney event, and it’s especially popular among families and friend groups who want a fun, themed race experience. The crowds are big, the costumes are sparkly, and the traffic can get intense. Like Marathon Weekend, races take place early in the morning, with road closures impacting EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, and surrounding areas. If you’re not participating in the event, you’ll want to either rely on Disney transportation or plan to leave extra early.

©runDisney

Springtime Surprise Weekend (April 16th – 19th, 2026)

Springtime Surprise is the newer addition to the runDisney lineup, and it’s quickly grown in popularity. Each year brings different themed races, which means a fresh wave of runners looking to take part. That also means more road closures and resort-area congestion.

©runDisney

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon (Expected October 22nd – October 25th, 2026)

Disney has not confirmed the exact dates yet, but based on 2025’s schedule, it looks like the Wine & Dine Half Marathon will likely happen around late October. This race weekend overlaps with EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival, which is already a busy time at the park. You’ll get the double whammy of road closures for races and crowds of foodies heading to EPCOT. Driving in during this time almost always means traffic jams near EPCOT’s parking entrance.

©runDisney

runDisney: Disney Races and Events Schedule

Cheerleading Worlds & Junior World Cheerleading Championships (April 22nd – April 27th, 2026)

If you’re planning a late April visit, be prepared for a totally different kind of crowd. Thousands of cheerleaders and their families descend on ESPN Wide World of Sports for these major competitions. That means resort buses, hotel parking lots, and the main roads around the sports complex can get jammed. Because cheerleaders often stay at the All-Star Resorts, the entire area near Animal Kingdom can feel more crowded than usual, even outside of the actual competition venue.

©The Cheerleading Worlds

The Summit Championship (April 30th – May 3rd, 2026)

As if April was not already packed enough, the Summit Championship arrives right after the Cheerleading Worlds. Once again, ESPN Wide World of Sports will host huge groups of competitors, and once again, traffic will follow. If you’re driving during this weekend, expect a lot of buses and family cars making their way to and from the competition venues and hotels. This is especially important to keep in mind if you’re staying at or driving near the Value Resorts.

©Varsity Spirit LLC

The D2 Summit (May 8th – May 10th, 2026)

The cheerleading season continues with the D2 Summit just a few days after the Summit Championship. Even though this event is a bit smaller, it still brings in plenty of teams and fans. Crowds at the All-Star Resorts will stick around, and parking lots at ESPN Wide World of Sports will be full. If you’re planning a quick weekend Disney getaway, this may not be the best time to rely on your car to get you to the parks quickly.

©Varsity Spirit LLC

Holiday Weekends

Finally, don’t forget about the major holidays. Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are all peak times at Disney World. Not only are the parks packed, but the roads leading into them are often jammed with visitors trying to get to their hotel or to rope drop. Even if you’re local and just stopping by for the day, traffic can eat up a big chunk of your time. If you want to avoid sitting in a long line of brake lights, you may want to plan your drive around these peak holiday weekends.

Fourth of July

Disney World is always busy, but these specific dates in 2026 are when driving becomes especially tricky. Knowing what to expect can save you time, frustration, and maybe even an argument or two in the car. Our biggest piece of advice: if you’re traveling during one of these weekends, leave extra early, consider using Disney transportation, or plan some extra patience for your drive.

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Two Warnings for Your 2026 Disney World Hotel Stay

Which of these dates would be the biggest headache for you if you were driving to Disney World? Tell us in the comments below!

The post You May Want to AVOID Driving to Disney World on These 8 Dates in 2026 first appeared on the disney food blog.

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