If you’ve visited Walt Disney World in the last few years, you’ve probably noticed EPCOT hasn’t been the late-night park it once was. Before 2020, it wasn’t unusual to linger in World Showcase until 10 p.m. or even later during peak seasons. Since the pandemic, though, EPCOT’s doors have consistently shut at 9 p.m., leaving fans wondering if those leisurely nighttime strolls were gone for good.
That’s why the news that Disney will extend EPCOT’s hours this winter is turning heads—and for good reason.
A Seasonal Shift
Starting November 28, just in time for the Festival of the Holidays, EPCOT will keep its gates open until 9:30 p.m. each night of the event. The change may only add 30 minutes, but for longtime guests, it feels like a nod to the park’s pre-pandemic rhythm.
This decision ties directly into the Candlelight Processional, one of EPCOT’s most beloved seasonal traditions. With three nightly performances leading up to the park’s fireworks show, the extended hours allow guests to enjoy both experiences without feeling like they’re being rushed out.
Why Guests Are Excited
For years, fans have voiced frustration about EPCOT’s “early nights.” Shorter hours may have helped with staffing and operations, but they robbed the park of one of its defining features—its after-dark charm. The glowing lights of Spaceship Earth, the lively atmosphere around World Showcase, and the chance to grab a last-minute snack or drink all make evenings at EPCOT feel magical.
That half hour, while modest, signals something bigger: Disney is listening. It’s an acknowledgment that the nighttime energy at EPCOT matters and that guests miss the slower, more relaxed evenings.
More Holiday Magic
The later closure isn’t the only reason to be excited. Alongside the Candlelight Processional, this year’s Festival of the Holidays brings JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season, which blends gospel, R&B, and holiday classics on the new CommuniCore Plaza Stage. Add in storytellers, themed treats, and festive meet-and-greets, and EPCOT is shaping up to be a true holiday hotspot.
Looking Ahead
Will Disney push EPCOT back to a 10 p.m. close in the future? That remains uncertain. For now, the extended schedule runs through December 30, and while it may be a seasonal experiment, fans are hopeful.
Even small steps matter at Disney. And this one—giving guests just a little more time under the glow of fireworks and festive lights—feels like a welcome return to the kind of evenings people have been craving.
