Menu

Luxury Resort Guests Granted Extra Time at EPCOT in December

A nighttime view of the iconic geodesic sphere at Epcot, illuminated with colorful lights in shades of purple, blue, green, and pink. The structure stands out against the dark sky, reminiscent of the magical allure of the Dumbo attraction, with some trees and flags visible in the foreground.
Credit: Disney

EPCOT will have extended operating hours for guests from November 29 to December 30, 2024. The park will now be open from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., an adjustment from its usual closing time. Guests staying at select Disney resorts will benefit from early entry at 8:30 a.m.

Additionally, luxury resort guests can take advantage of Extended Evening Hours, which will allow them to enjoy the park until 11:30 p.m. This change aims to enhance the overall experience for visitors during the busy holiday season.

A stunning nighttime view of Epcot's Spaceship Earth at Walt Disney World, featuring the iconic geodesic sphere illuminated with purple and orange lights. Palm trees surround the structure, and the sky above is clear and dark.

Credit: Disney

Extended Hours for EPCOT Guests

Guests who stay at deluxe Disney resorts will gain unique benefits during this holiday period. Access to Extended Evening Hours means they can experience lower wait times on popular attractions, such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Soarin’ Around the World.

The exclusive access extends beyond just the rides; it encompasses a quieter environment to enjoy EPCOT’s festive atmosphere, particularly valuable during peak visitor times.

Guests without a luxury resort stay typically find themselves navigating larger crowds. The added time through Disney World Extended Hours allows those at deluxe resorts to savor the beauty of EPCOT at night, making it easier to witness elaborate decorations and unique holiday offerings.

A woman with curly hair is dancing and smiling in an audience at an outdoor concert. Other attendees are sitting around her, focusing on the stage where performers are in action. The background is lit with vibrant stage lights and musical equipment.

Credit: Disney

Special Events During the Festival of Holidays

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays runs from November 29 to December 30, celebrating various holiday traditions.

Activities available during this period include engaging holiday storytellers located throughout the World Showcase, along with holiday-themed food booths that offer seasonal delicacies. The beloved Candlelight Processional will also return, featuring celebrity narrators yet to be announced.

This festival provides all guests with valid park admission the opportunity to immerse themselves in holiday experiences. The combination of extended hours and the festival’s festivities makes this a particularly attractive time to visit Disney EPCOT.

Close-up view of a geodesic dome structure illuminated with gradients of blue, teal, and purple lights against a dark background. The dome's triangular pattern is prominently featured, creating a futuristic and vibrant aesthetic reminiscent of a Disney park attraction.

Credit: Brian McGowan, Unsplash

The event and extended hours align to create a vibrant atmosphere for guests wanting to enjoy the magic of holiday celebrations at Disney World.

The operational changes made by Disney indicate a responsiveness to guest feedback over the years. Many regular visitors have expressed concerns about limited park hours, particularly during busy seasons. By extending EPCOT’s hours, Disney is demonstrating a commitment to adapting its offerings to better meet the needs of its guests.

The adjustments not only reflect a desire to improve the guest experience but also aim to foster a more serene environment during peak times. By prioritizing the needs of luxury resort guests, EPCOT is positioning itself as a more exclusive sanctuary during the holiday rush.

A woman and two young children, all smiling and wearing festive outfits and Christmas-themed mouse ears, pose in front of a large, decorated Christmas tree with Donald Duck. The room is elegantly adorned with holiday decorations.

Credit: Disney

The extended hours at EPCOT give guests more opportunities to experience the park’s unique offerings. With events like the Festival of the Holidays happening alongside the additional time, visitors at Disney World can enjoy a more relaxed and magical holiday experience.

The focus on creating these enhancements showcases Disney’s commitment to providing a top-notch experience for its guests.

About Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.