Question about Illuminations and Epcot?

[nikkers]

This is probably a really stupid question. I am probably overlooking the obvious. How does it work if Epcot closes at 7pm, and Illuminations is scheduled after closing. What am I missing?

Thanks!

 

[DOOM1001]

Ok here's the run down,EPCOT is split in 2 sections Future World which supposedly closes at 7pm and World Showcase which closes at 9pm except during the Holidays when it closes at 9:30pm.However the main rides in Future World DO NOT close at 7pm,they stay open until EPCOT's closing which is usually 9pm.Illuminations is shown in the lagoon in World Showcase,and with a 9pm closing Illuminations begins at 9pm and ends at 9:13pm when the park is officially closed and everyone goes home.That 7pm closing time for Future World is one of the strangest things Disney does,When Soarin,Test Track,MS and Nemo are still open until 9pm I wouldn't really call that section of the park closed,my theory has always been Disney wants you to go to World Showcase at night to shop and eat,but you can go up to the line of Soarin at 8:59pm and still get on the ride even if it's an hour wait!

 

[WDWmemories]

This is my experience too.
I've always thought that after 7pm is a good time to ride the popular Future World attractions. You don't want to miss Illuminations, but maybe you can ride a few things in Future World between 7-8 and then still get a spot to watch Illuminations in the World Showcase.

 

[nikkers]

Thank you very much for the explanation!