Dining reservation in EPCOT after park closing

[ElsieLew]

I've got a dinner reservation in France at 9:15 on a night the park closes at 9:00. Do I have to be in the park by 9:00? I'm staying at BWI and plan on zipping over via the IG.

Thanks!

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

I'm curious to hear the answers because I've never heard of this! I guess if it was me I'd make sure to be in the park before they close. I've honestly never seen options to dine in a park after they close, but maybe I don't look that late? Maybe that's just a clue that they're going to bump EPCOT's closing time to 10 that night?

 

[alltwelve]

When is the date? I only ask as it seems like the park must be open until either 9:30 or 10pm instead of 9

 

[Bjkandma]

Even if park closes at 9, that is usually when the night time show starts. If the park closes at 9, you will need to be in the park before that time. Also, it is possible that regular park hours are til 9, with EMH being 9-11 (usually a Tuesday evening).

 

[ElsieLew]

Thanks! It’s for 1/2. No evening EMH, park closure at 9:00 pm. I agree, it seems weird!

 

[Hopefully]

I believe Yes you need to be IN Epcot before 9

 

[purple figment]

Thanks! It’s for 1/2. No evening EMH, park closure at 9:00 pm. I agree, it seems weird!

Actually, it is not unusual for restaurants to have reservations available for times shortly after the park's official closing. We have had reservations 15-30 minutes after park closing. There will be guests in Epcot until 10:30-11:00 on any given night and especially when you are going since many schools won't resume until Jan 6 so DW will still be busy. At Epcot there will be the nighttime show that starts at 9 PM. Also, the main store in Epcot will remain open for an hour after park closing. There will be other guests with late dining reservations in World Showcase.

You will need to be in Epcot before 9 PM and Disney prefers that guests arrive at the restaurants 10-15 minutes early.

 

[gharter]

i would plan to be close to the restaurant by 8:45. Not sure if they will let you in the park after 9 if it closes at 9.
It may be difficult to walk through World Showcase in the dark as the show is going on to get to the restaurant.

 

[alltwelve]

Just went on the WDW website as a test, and sure enough there's a table available at both Marrakesh and Spice Road table after 9pm- thats pretty cool that you'll be able to have dinner in France right as the masses leave! Nice!

 

[kaytieeldr]

It may be difficult to walk through World Showcase in the dark as the show is going on to get to the restaurant.

This shouldn't be that hard, though. France is right over the bridge once you enter through the IG; street lights should be dimmed but on; and viewers line the bridge might well be wearing neon bright enough clothing to help see the way .