Illuminations start time after park closing?

[grainzy]

This is probably a daft question but are you allowed to stay and watch Illuminations even though the park closing is at 9pm? The day I was looking at has evening EMH but we aren't staying on site. Can we still watch that day? Or should I come back another night?

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Illuminations starts at park closing in part to get you OUT of the shops/attractions and let them close.

You can stay for Illuminations on any night including EMH. You just won't be able to do the rides on EMH.

So you stay until it's over and then head home. No problem.

 

[2Tiggies]

Except for a few select special days like New Year's Eve and July 4th, Illuminations is always at 9 pm. The park almost always closes at 9 pm. You certainly get to stay and watch the fireworks. It just means you can't do anything except stroll around the park if you stay afterwards but you will by no means be expected to or asked to leave. Enjoy the show. It's my favorite of all the night time spectaculars.

 

[AmyB2006]

What are the hours posted for the day in question?

Illuminations usually "closes" the park. So if the park closes at 9, and Illuminations is at 9, then yes, you can stay and watch.

 

[Disney Vegas Couple]

You can stay in the park and enjoy many things after closing. You cannot get on any rides for EMH unless staying onsite.

 

[grainzy]

Great, thanks guys! I thought it was probably okay but it's nice to know beforehand and not be disappointed!

 

[keypooh90]

Except for special holidays, Illuminations always always always starts at 9 pm.

 

[DOOM1001]

Except for special holidays, Illuminations always always always starts at 9 pm.

During the F&W festival on some weekends Epcot closes at 10pm with Illuminations at 10pm.During the holidays it closes at 9:30 with Illuminations at 9:30pm.

 

[WEDWDW]

You are welcome to shop and eat during EEMH.

World Showcase is usually not crowded during EEMH(but it was even less crowded when EEMH was 3 hours!)

 

[caseg]

You can also just find a bench and wait out the crowd. There are cute messages that let you know when it really is the time they want you to leave.

 

[WEDWDW]

You can also just find a bench and wait out the crowd. There are cute messages that let you know when it really is the time they want you to leave.

OP,just to clarify,there won't be any announcements telling offsite Guests to leave during EEMH-the "closing announcements" will come after EEMH is over.