Why does Epcot close so early?

[maxiesmom]

The funny thing is that long ago in a galaxy far, er, when I was younger, Epcot closing at 9:00 was often the latest closing park during the offseason. Now MK is usually open til 9:00 or later year round (save for private party nights). Shows how the times change.

I remember that too. Everyone flooded to Epcot at night, it was the only park open. I don't think people realize the parks are open later than they used to be.

 

[conandrob240]

It should absolutely close much later considering the dining options. 11pm or midnight would be perfect. They should add more drink kiosks too.

There is a new program at Epcot where you stay from 9-11pm and get light bites and drinks at one of four participating countries. Select nights over the summer for $35 pp.

It seems to me though, more $ could be made by keeping it open regular general admission until 11 or 12 and selling drinks. Maybe they don't want it to get too rowdy?

 

[johde]

The funny thing is that long ago in a galaxy far, er, when I was younger, Epcot closing at 9:00 was often the latest closing park during the offseason. Now MK is usually open til 9:00 or later year round (save for private party nights). Shows how the times change.

Regardless, I'd love to see EPCOT open until 10 in the offseason, 11 during busier times, and Midnight during the crazy weeks. Would take some pressure off of MK and encourage PH.

I remember that too. Everyone flooded to Epcot at night, it was the only park open. I don't think people realize the parks are open later than they used to be.

I definitely remember it also. Looking back at historical theme park hours on Intercot. In Early December 2002, MK was open 9-6 with Fireworks at 6 everyday except the one day a week they showed Spectromagic when it stayed open till 8:00, DHS was open 9-7, and DAK was open 9-5. So, like yo said, unless you wanted to call it an early evening and go back to the resorts you hopped to EPCOT. WS at least was open at least until 9. A bit OT but you want to see a park flooded, it was the MK when Spectromagic was only on one night a week.

As far as EPCOT goes. 9-9 364 days a year goes back a long time. I seem to remember in the early days the park opening at 10:00 instead of 9:00. At 9:00 you could get into the area around spaceship earth and ride spaceship earth. The rest of the park would open at 10:00

As far as why EPCOT is open later. Disney probably doesn't feel it needs to stay open later for essentially 2 or 3 rides. 3 of the 4 parks are running record attendance. EPCOT is the oddball. In 2012, there was an estimated 11 million visitors to EPCOT. In 1991 it was 14 million. Without TT and Soarin' EPCOT could handle 14 million visitors with mostly acceptable wait times. All of the original EPCOT attraction have/had massive throughput. Soarin', TT, and to a lesser extent MS are the attractions that consistently have long waits.

You're seeing some slight movement towards longer hours with FW being open 9-9 with select attractions closing at 7 from the previous FW being open 9-7 with select attractions open till 9 . What interesting is Spaceship Earth as I recall has always been open from after FW closes for the evenings.

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

Is Epcot having the after hours wind down this summer?

 

[amberpi]

We often shut down Epcot (maybe having a few drinks) and then hit MK. Its pretty awesome that way.

 

[Micca]

If Epcot closes too early for you, you're not getting up early enough.

 

[grover]

We often shut down Epcot (maybe having a few drinks) and then hit MK. Its pretty awesome that way.

Ditto!

Our son is one of the Canadians working at Epcot..He loves his hours..never a too early morning or too late of a night

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Epcot ALWAYS closes at 9 PM (always has) except:

During the Food and Wine Festival when it is open until 10 PM on most Fridays and Saturdays (excluding the Saturday of the Wine & Dine Half Marathon)
From the day after Thanksgiving through December 30, when closing is moved to 9:30 PM to accommodate the Candlelight Processional

and of course EMH which are not official operating hours.

Is Epcot having the after hours wind down this summer?

Not so far. But during that time, other than the lounges participating in the program, no attractions or stores at all were open.

 

[kagmypts]

I love Epcot at night. The small crowds make it perfect for our family, and I wonder if the low crowd levels are the result of the earlier closing time. We hit MK for rope drop, take a quick break in the hotel to refresh/recharge/cool down, and enjoy the laid back pace of Epcot at night.

 

[goodgodmrsmolly]

The funny thing is that long ago in a galaxy far, er, when I was younger, Epcot closing at 9:00 was often the latest closing park during the offseason. Now MK is usually open til 9:00 or later year round (save for private party nights). Shows how the times change.

Regardless, I'd love to see EPCOT open until 10 in the offseason, 11 during busier times, and Midnight during the crazy weeks. Would take some pressure off of MK and encourage PH.

It would take pressure off DTD too. Of course they are expanding it to Disney Springs and I would think they like having people spend money at DTD but I have to think park tickets would bring more revenue. It really seems to me, DTD gets really too crowded at night because there are less later night options other than MK. Epcot really seem like a logical solution, stay open a little later, more people would go and easy congestion at MK and DTD. But I am sure Disney had smarter people than me making these decisions so what do I know?

 

[>Ash<]

i also think if it stayed open alot later it would attract a different crowd of folks out - WS would become a spot to go drink later in the evening.
plus the majority of people do late nights over at MK

 

[Disneylover99]

i also think if it stayed open alot later it would attract a different crowd of folks out - WS would become a spot to go drink later in the evening.

I think so too.

 

[mommycrawford]

I have two thoughts:

1. Maybe these are the things that lead people to add on the parkhopper option!...It is all about park goer experience, isn't it?

2.It is a big park: maybe clean up & resetting for the next day takes longer.

(I am guessing both, but leaning toward 1.)

 

[AllieBoo]

I agree, I've always thought 9 pm was way too early for Epcot to close.

 

[larryz]

Epcot cast members need their beauty sleep.