Probably a dumb Illuminations question...

[capenor]

OK, so the touringplans website for parade/fireworks times, etc, lists Illuminations at 9pm; but Epcot closes at 9pm (except on EMH nights); how does that work? Everything closes but people hang around and watch?

I'm just hard pressed to believe that the powers that be at Disney would not take the opportunity to keep selling stuff to the fireworks watchers....

Thanks for enlightening me!

AV

 

[Princess Wannabe]

You're right...! The 'powers-that-be' KNOW a good thing! Actually, the rides and restaurants will close at 9:00, but the shops will be open! They will stay open for at least 30 minutes after the official park 'closing'.

It is like this at the other parks as well; a lot of times, the last Fantasmic show is at the 'closing' of MGM, but again, the shops will stay open a little later. True, as well, with Wishes at MK.

Altho some guide books will tell you to not waste valuable 'park time' shopping during the day, and save it for when the park closes, I can tell you from experience that it is a ZOO after hours in the shops!

 

[pixieprincessmom]

The rides close, but shops are open for a while longer. Epcot is my favorite park to "linger" in as the crowds leave after Illuminations, just walk slowly and look around.

 

[the kabuki]

Take your time leaving Illuminations-It's crazy trying to leave at the same time as the rest of the cattle..ahem people. Just an extra 10 minutes of sitting where you are instead of rushing to get out makes a ton of difference. Plus you can really check out all the little details you missed during the day.