EPCOT After Hours is back, and if you love experiencing Disney with lower crowds and shorter wait times, this event might be right up your alley! With access to some of EPCOT’s biggest attractions, free snacks, and a special late-night atmosphere, it’s easy to see why After Hours events are so popular. But before you grab your ticket, there’s something you should know—several World Showcase pavilions will be closed during the event.
For those unfamiliar, Disney After Hours events are separately ticketed, meaning only a limited number of guests get access to the park after it closes to the general public. This means wait times for rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and Frozen Ever After are much shorter than usual, giving guests the opportunity to ride multiple times with little to no wait. And let’s not forget about the unlimited Mickey Premium Bars, popcorn, and bottled sodas that come with admission—because who doesn’t love free Disney snacks?
While this all sounds amazing, there is a catch. World Showcase won’t be fully open. Guests attending EPCOT After Hours won’t be able to explore China, Germany, Italy, The American Adventure, Japan, or Morocco. That means if you were hoping to grab a beer in Germany or stroll through the lantern-lit paths of China, you’ll have to wait for a regular park day. However, the UK and Canada pavilions will remain open, meaning you can still grab some fish and chips or enjoy the serene atmosphere of Canada’s gardens.
Despite these closures, EPCOT After Hours still offers a lot of value—especially for guests who love rides. The opportunity to hop on Soarin’ Around the World or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure without a long wait is a dream for thrill-seekers. And let’s not forget the unique experience of walking through a nearly empty EPCOT at night, which is something every Disney fan should experience at least once.
If you’re mostly interested in attractions and enjoying a peaceful park atmosphere, EPCOT After Hours is a fantastic event. But if your perfect EPCOT visit involves exploring every World Showcase pavilion, shopping, or enjoying cultural performances, you might want to consider if the closures will impact your experience. Either way, it’s a unique way to experience the park in a whole new way!
