Epcot evening with two 8 year olds... (EMH)

[princesspaigey]

The day that works best for us to visit Epcot happens to be EMH night. We're staying on Disney property but I typically avoid EMH because of increased crowds.

Planning to RD FEA, then other rides in FW until about 1-2 pm then return to the resort for lunch and resting.

We'll probably return around 6 pm. EMH is 9 - 11 to explore WS.

I've actually never been to Epcot in the evening, so I would love some tips, especially to make it enjoyable for the girls. I think we'll all simply enjoy exploring the pavillions though. Also would love recommendations for a budget friendly dinner...

Thanks!

 

[KidaniZen]

The day that works best for us to visit Epcot happens to be EMH night. We're staying on Disney property but I typically avoid EMH because of increased crowds.

Planning to RD FEA, then other rides in FW until about 1-2 pm then return to the resort for lunch and resting.

We'll probably return around 6 pm. EMH is 9 - 11 to explore WS.

I've actually never been to Epcot in the evening, so I would love some tips, especially to make it enjoyable for the girls. I think we'll all simply enjoy exploring the pavillions though. Also would love recommendations for a budget friendly dinner...

Thanks!

WS shops and restaurants close at 9 on EMH nights, even if the park is open til 11. Just FYI. So if you plan on having snacks/food, and shopping I'd do so before 9.

 

[princesspaigey]

WS shops and restaurants close at 9 on EMH nights, even if the park is open til 11. Just FYI. So if you plan on having snacks/food, and shopping I'd do so before 9.

Oh really? Wow, thank you for the heads up. What is there to do during EMH then? Guess I'll google it lol.

 

[KidaniZen]

Oh really? Wow, thank you for the heads up. What is there to do during EMH then? Guess I'll google it lol.

Walk around and take in the atmosphere of WS. There are a few rides open IIRC in Future World, but nothing in WS.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

There are pavilions and activities open in WS during EMH. The list of all attractions that are open is at the bottom of the page linked below.

We have gone to Epcot pm EMH the last few years during a lower crowd time (May). We've been able to walk on Soarin and the kids (5, 8, 9) really enjoyed spending time in the activity areas at the end of Figment and Spaceship Earth. They had the games aynd things to themselves. We didn't go to WS either time - my kids aren't super impressed with walking around or shopping but others here have mentioned that there is a good vibe in WS during EMH. We definitely feel that way about future world.

One thing - I would not plan on doing TT during EMH unless you can stay until the end. Even during May it had a significant wait during the first hour.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/extra-magic-hours/

 

[mamaofsix]

My kids' favourite part of Epcot at night is, hands down, Illuminations. Try to get a place around the lagoon about 45 minutes before the show starts so that your view isn't blocked. Your girls will love it!

 

[Nancyg56]

The day that works best for us to visit Epcot happens to be EMH night. We're staying on Disney property but I typically avoid EMH because of increased crowds.

Planning to RD FEA, then other rides in FW until about 1-2 pm then return to the resort for lunch and resting.

We'll probably return around 6 pm. EMH is 9 - 11 to explore WS.

I've actually never been to Epcot in the evening, so I would love some tips, especially to make it enjoyable for the girls. I think we'll all simply enjoy exploring the pavillions though. Also would love recommendations for a budget friendly dinner...

Thanks!

I never take EMH into account. I know some folks avoid them, but they really do nto matter to me. Now Epcot after dark? hat is a different story. I love that park at night, as does my DGD. If you have never been in the evening, even if you did nto go on a single attraction, it is worth the effort.

 

[KidaniZen]

There are pavilions and activities open in WS during EMH. The list of all attractions that are open is at the bottom of the page linked below.

We have gone to Epcot pm EMH the last few years during a lower crowd time (May). We've been able to walk on Soarin and the kids (5, 8, 9) really enjoyed spending time in the activity areas at the end of Figment and Spaceship Earth. They had the games aynd things to themselves. We didn't go to WS either time - my kids aren't super impressed with walking around or shopping but others here have mentioned that there is a good vibe in WS during EMH. We definitely feel that way about future world.

One thing - I would not plan on doing TT during EMH unless you can stay until the end. Even during May it had a significant wait during the first hour.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/extra-magic-hours/

Yes and most of those are in FW.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

Yes and most of those are in FW.

Canada, the US, Mexico, and Norway all have movies or rides open. Others have posted in previous threads on this topic that they've enjoyed walking WS during EMH because they like the vibe. You may be right that the shops are closed at 9. I don't know and you're right to warn the OP about it. But it's also incorrect to imply there is nothing to do in WS in EMH.

It's good for everyone to have as much info as possible so they can make an informed choice about what they want to do.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Often when this topic comes up, @WEDWDW pops in with a list of World Showcase carts/shops/attractions that are open during PM EMH. I’ve never been entirely sure of the accuracy of said list (it’s been forever since I’ve done a Epcot PM EMH) but maybe they’ll swing by with some input, if available.

 

[paisleys]

We’ve been to Epcot for The late hours and the pavilions and shops definitely were open. Dangerous for us as this included the cute France wine shop
My kids have always loved browsing the pavilions and we always find something new. Make sure to check out the little area in Morocco, it’s like a small quiet gallery. Also the quick service in Morocco is very good. I’m always shocked at how cheap the hummus side is.

 

[sparkle78]

We’ve gone to the Germany bakery around 8:15 pm and grabbed Carmel s’mores and popcorn then grabbed a spot for illuminations. OR French bakery snack and watched from bridge over to England. Afterwards the kids enjoyed slowly walking around a few counties ( less than 3) .finally , with a ride on soarin or waiting 30-40 mins for test track.

 

[sachilles]

Agent P's adventure is a good one to have in your back pocket if you want them to have some fun in the world showcase, and you just want to stroll around and take in the scenery. Just make sure you have enough battery for your mobile device, or they have their own wifi enabled tablet.

 

[princesspaigey]

Thank you everyone for all the great information and feed back!

I think we will plan to return to the resort a little earlier, and return a little earlier. We're thinking about having dinner at Restaurant Marrakesh in Morocco and possibly try to catch a few of the characters around the WS.

We've never seen Illuminations (obviously lol), so definitely going to find a great spot to see if before it's gone!

After Illuminations, is there a swarm of people heading to the park exit? Is there anywhere we can go to wait out the crowds?

Thanks again!

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

Thank you everyone for all the great information and feed back!

I think we will plan to return to the resort a little earlier, and return a little earlier. We're thinking about having dinner at Restaurant Marrakesh in Morocco and possibly try to catch a few of the characters around the WS.

We've never seen Illuminations (obviously lol), so definitely going to find a great spot to see if before it's gone!

After Illuminations, is there a swarm of people heading to the park exit? Is there anywhere we can go to wait out the crowds?

Thanks again!

Be sure to look up the character set times. A lot of them end pretty early in the evening.

 

[KidaniZen]

Canada, the US, Mexico, and Norway all have movies or rides open. Others have posted in previous threads on this topic that they've enjoyed walking WS during EMH because they like the vibe. You may be right that the shops are closed at 9. I don't know and you're right to warn the OP about it. But it's also incorrect to imply there is nothing to do in WS in EMH.

It's good for everyone to have as much info as possible so they can make an informed choice about what they want to do.

I never stated there was NOTHING to do in the WS. I've stated many times on these forums that EPCOT WS at night during EMH is our fave because of the vibe.

I stated not to expect food or shopping after 9pm. Perhaps go carefully re-read my original post here.

 

[michelepa]

I’ve taken my kids throughout the years to WDW and from ages 4 1/2 to 17 1/2 EPCOT has been their least favorite park so I wouldn’t really stress about this park with 8 year olds. The kids aren’t interested in world showcase some of rides they enjoy but for most part would pass. When I took my DD at 13 we went to the Japan pavilion where she enjoyed participating in the pick a pearl ceremony and she liked the interesting snacks in the store. Otherwise the kids weren’t keen on the countries which are mostly shops and movies.

Most of the dining options in World Showcase are rather expensive. My husband and I enjoyed Morocco but it wasn’t inexpensive. The little show was cute with the belly dancers. Via Napoli is enjoyed by many but to me it’s loud and cafeteria-like where they get you in and out quickly and Im sorry the pizza is sub par unless you don’t live in a good pizza town. Biergarten was fun but food may not interest everyone and again is not inexpensive. Show is cute and your daughters may enjoy that.

My kids liked the boat ride in Mexico. Won’t ride FEA. But like Soarin, Test Track and Spaceship Earth.

I agree with others that WS basically interests adults more than kids. And before people start disagreeing all kids aren’t the same but on average most would rather be back at the pool then window shopping in WS.

Also, there are hoards of people exiting after Illuminations. I think it will get worse since Illuminations is soon ending and a new evening show is in the works. We don’t stay at a Disney hotel so we shoot out over the bridge to the Boardwalk and take an Uber from the Boardwalk hotel to WBC. I guess if you’re over near America you’d be one of last out of park but don’t know how much that would help with crowds.

 

[princesspaigey]

I’ve taken my kids throughout the years to WDW and from ages 4 1/2 to 17 1/2 EPCOT has been their least favorite park so I wouldn’t really stress about this park with 8 year olds. The kids still aren’t interested in world showcase some of rides they enjoy but for most part would pass. When I took my DD at 13 we went to the Japan pavilion where she participated in the pick a pearl ceremony and she liked the interesting snacks in the store. Otherwise the kids weren’t keen on the countries which are mostly shops and movies.

Most of the dining options in World Showcase are rather expensive. My husband and I enjoyed Morocco but it wasn’t inexpensive. The little show was cute with the belly dancers. Via Napoli is enjoyed by many but to me it’s loud and cafeteria-like where they get you in and out quickly. Biergarten was fun but food may not interest everyone and again is not inexpensive.

Restaurant Marrakesh in Morocco is probably where we'll go. $9 kids meals and $20something entres is reasonable Disney prices for us.

Thank you for your advice! My daughter enjoyed WS at 5, but we're the type to explore antique shops and museums and parks for fun, and she'll have her best friend. I'll let them pick up a couple souvenirs too, which will help!

 

[princesspaigey]

Be sure to look up the character set times. A lot of them end pretty early in the evening.

Just started checking this! We could possibly make it to 2-3 characters at WS. Aiming tor Belle, Aurora, and Jasmine!

 

[maryj11]

There are pavilions and activities open in WS during EMH. The list of all attractions that are open is at the bottom of the page linked below.

We have gone to Epcot pm EMH the last few years during a lower crowd time (May). We've been able to walk on Soarin and the kids (5, 8, 9) really enjoyed spending time in the activity areas at the end of Figment and Spaceship Earth. They had the games aynd things to themselves. We didn't go to WS either time - my kids aren't super impressed with walking around or shopping but others here have mentioned that there is a good vibe in WS during EMH. We definitely feel that way about future world.

One thing - I would not plan on doing TT during EMH unless you can stay until the end. Even during May it had a significant wait during the first hour.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/extra-magic-hours/

I agree about TT. We kept checking and wait times were high until the very end. Right before 11:00 we hopped in line and it only took about 10 minutes to get on. They let us ride again without getting off.