EPCOT After Hours is a popular event that allows guests to experience the park with fewer crowds and minimal wait times for top attractions. While the event offers many benefits, there’s one major thing guests should be aware of—six World Showcase pavilions will be closed.
For those unfamiliar, EPCOT After Hours is a separately ticketed event that runs on select nights after the park closes to regular guests. It includes perks like shorter ride wait times, free snacks, and a unique opportunity to enjoy the park late at night. Guests can enjoy major attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Frozen Ever After, and Soarin’ Around the World with significantly lower wait times compared to a typical day.
However, there are some key limitations. The World Showcase will not be fully accessible during the event. While the Norway and France pavilions remain open, the pavilions for China, Germany, Italy, The American Adventure, Japan, and Morocco will be closed. This means guests won’t be able to visit these countries, take nighttime photos, or enjoy their shops and restaurants. The UK and Canada pavilions will remain open, allowing for some World Showcase experiences, but the closures do limit the event’s overall cultural offerings.
Whether EPCOT After Hours is worth it depends on what you’re looking for in your visit. If your main goal is to ride as many attractions as possible with minimal wait times, then this event is a great option. The reduced crowds make it a much more relaxed experience compared to a regular park day. However, if you’re someone who enjoys strolling through every World Showcase pavilion, shopping, or seeing the cultural performances, these closures could be a dealbreaker.
Other After Hours events at Disney World, such as those at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, might offer better options for guests who prefer a fully open park experience. Magic Kingdom’s event allows access to almost every attraction, while Hollywood Studios’ version offers shorter wait times for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and other popular rides.
Ultimately, EPCOT After Hours is a great choice for guests who love rides and want to experience the park in a quieter setting. But for those who enjoy World Showcase’s full cultural experience, the closures might make it less appealing. It all comes down to personal preference!
