Epcot Hours

[ras1121]

We just returned from a wonderful stay at the Boardwalk Inn, but something that disappointed me was Epcot's hours. I was shocked that the entire pack (World Showcase included) closed at 9pm.

I can remember being there in July of 2009 and Future World closing at 9, however the World Showcase would remain open until 11pm. I just can't understand why Epcot is closing hours earlier than the other parks (excluding AK, which closed at 8).

I was looking forward to being able to spend more late nights in the World Showcase and then walk back to the resort...Anyone else disappointed by this?

 

[TDC Nala]

No, because it's always 9, every single night. The only exceptions are when the park closes at 9:30 (in late Nov/Dec to accommodate the Candlelight Processional) and, new for this year, on some Fridays and Saturdays during the Food & Wine Festival, when Epcot will close at 10 PM.

The usual exception is for late Extra Magic Hours. That's the only way I can think of that WS might have been open until 11, even in 2009.

 

[ras1121]

No, because it's always 9, every single night. The only exceptions are when the park closes at 9:30 (in late Nov/Dec to accommodate the Candlelight Processional) and, new for this year, on some Fridays and Saturdays during the Food & Wine Festival, when Epcot will close at 10 PM.

The usual exception is for late Extra Magic Hours. That's the only way I can think of that WS might have been open until 11, even in 2009.

Just because something is done the same way everyday doesn't mean it has to make sense. I still find it disappointing and I know others who were staying in the Epcot resort area were commenting on Epcot's closing time as well. With the Swan/Dolphin, Beach and Yacht, and the Boardwalk resort all within walking distance to the World Showcase/Epcot you would think Disney would keep it open later for people looking to have a later dinner, drink or just enjoy the park in the evening. I understand they can't keep it open as late as MK (which was 12am or later)... but 9pm, that's a little early for the Summer time.

 

[sissy_ib]

Just because something is done the same way everyday doesn't mean it has to make sense. I still find it disappointing and I know others who were staying in the Epcot resort area were commenting on Epcot's closing time as well. With the Swan/Dolphin, Beach and Yacht, and the Boardwalk resort all within walking distance to the World Showcase/Epcot you would think Disney would keep it open later for people looking to have a later dinner, drink or just enjoy the park in the evening. I understand they can't keep it open as late as MK (which was 12am or later)... but 9pm, that's a little early for the Summer time.

Well you can plan on going on an EMH evening. You can also go to the boardwalk or DTD for a later night. Or even the restaurants and lounges in the hotels.

 

[ras1121]

and you are correct... in 2009 it did close at 9pm we just happened to have more EMHs days... I just think there are many Epcot fans that would enjoy a later closing time.

Either way we still had a blast!

 

[marivaid]

As long as I can remember, Epcot has closed at 9 or 9.30 every night. I do wish it would close later, and we take advantage of evening EMH when we can.
They don't kick you out of the park at 9 though. We like to hang around after Illuminations and shop at Mousegears, and usually don't leave the park until well after 10.

If I'm not mistaken DHS closes even earlier than Epcot and the only park that is closing later is MK.

 

[ras1121]

As long as I can remember, Epcot has closed at 9 or 9.30 every night. I do wish it would close later, and we take advantage of evening EMH when we can.
They don't kick you out of the park at 9 though. We like to hang around after Illuminations and shop at Mousegears, and usually don't leave the park until well after 10.

If I'm not mistaken DHS closes even earlier than Epcot and the only park that is closing later is MK.

I think normally DHS does close earlier, but this last trip it was open til 10-11pm each night. EMHs is a lot of fun in the World Showcase, so its def. something we take advantage of too!

 

[TDC Nala]

Somehow I can't think it's disappointing that they don't close later, because they've never done it. I don't feel like they've taken away something they used to allow. At least if you want a late night at Epcot, you can plan to be there for evening EMH.

 

[traylorc]

Just because something is done the same way everyday doesn't mean it has to make sense. I still find it disappointing and I know others who were staying in the Epcot resort area were commenting on Epcot's closing time as well. With the Swan/Dolphin, Beach and Yacht, and the Boardwalk resort all within walking distance to the World Showcase/Epcot you would think Disney would keep it open later for people looking to have a later dinner, drink or just enjoy the park in the evening. I understand they can't keep it open as late as MK (which was 12am or later)... but 9pm, that's a little early for the Summer time.

I look at it this way....someone at Disney has made a decision that financially it is not economically feasible to routinely extend park hours 9-9:30pm. There is no company on the planet that enjoys raking in money like Disney. This is the company that would charge you for the oxygen you breathe in the Magic Kingdom if they could get away with it.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Since we almost always go in Sept. we rarely have a park that is open late, unless we have EMH. That's why we end most of our days at EPCOT-to us 9 p.m. (actually more like 9:30 after Illuminations , 10 if we walk slow) is late! AK closes at 5 p.m. and MK and DHS fluctuate but still close pretty early. During our possible upcoming Fall trip DHS closes at 8 or 9 (except for EMH) and MK varies from 7, 9, or 10 (except one EMH until 1 a.m.). And the thing that really sucks for us is that with no more EMH p.m. at AK the park closes at 5 p.m. the entire length of our trip.

We do enjoy the EMH pm at EPCOT. Staying until midnight is really cool! Just wish we could stay at AK until 8 p.m. at least one night.

 

[Sammie]

I think Nala's point is how can something be disappointing when it has always been that way.

At least with Epcot it is year round where as the other parks close at different hours based on season.

I would be disappointed if they changed it to earlier but not disappointed in them maintaining the status quo.

 

[DebbieB]

They have extended some Saturday nights in October to 10:00 close, also Friday 10-28