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Credit: DisneyIf you’ve been to Disney World in recent years, you’ve probably noticed something: the parks don’t stay open quite as late as they used to.
Before 2020, it wasn’t unusual for Disney World parks outside of Magic Kingdom to keep the fun going until relatively late during peak seasons. But since the pandemic, earlier closures have become the norm. EPCOT rarely stays open past 9 p.m.—and for fans who love soaking up every minute of Disney magic, there have been many to wonder if there would ever be a chance to stay a little later in the park.
But this winter, Disney is shaking things up in the best possible way.
EPCOT’s Rare Late Nights Are Back
Starting November 28, just in time for the Festival of the Holidays, EPCOT will officially extend its operating hours. Instead of closing at 9 p.m., the park will remain open until 9:30 p.m. every night of the festival. That half hour may sound small, but for Disney fans, it’s a welcome shift and a rare return to the slightly later evenings EPCOT used to enjoy.
This tweak is all about making room for the Candlelight Processional, a guest favorite that runs three times nightly with its final show wrapping up close to the fireworks. By adjusting the closing time, Disney ensures the evening entertainment flows naturally, giving guests the chance to enjoy both the performance and Luminous: The Symphony of Us without feeling rushed out of the park.
Why Fans Are Excited
Since the pandemic, Disney has leaned heavily on efficiency. Shorter hours meant easier staffing schedules and simpler crowd management, but many guests felt like a little magic was missing. EPCOT in particular—famous for its nighttime atmosphere around World Showcase—seemed to lose part of its charm when evenings ended too soon.
That’s why this 9:30 p.m. closure is more than just thirty extra minutes. It signals that Disney hasn’t forgotten how much guests value those nighttime strolls, the glow of Spaceship Earth, and the chance to grab one last snack before heading out. It’s a subtle nod to the pre-2020 experience that many fans have been longing to see return.
More Holiday Entertainment
Of course, extended hours aren’t the only reason to be excited about EPCOT this holiday season. Alongside the Candlelight Processional, the festival also brings “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season,” a show blending gospel, R&B, and holiday music.
It’s moving to the CommuniCore Plaza Stage this year and will run multiple times daily. Add in holiday storytellers, seasonal treats, and festive meet-and-greets, and the park becomes one of Disney’s most magical seasonal offerings.
A Small Step Forward
Will EPCOT ever make it to a 10 p.m. closure again? That remains to be seen. For now, this shift is seasonal, and Disney has tied it directly to the logistics of the Festival of the Holidays. Still, the move has fans hopeful. Even a modest change like this proves Disney is listening and recognizes how much guests value those extra minutes.
So, if you’re planning a holiday trip, mark your calendar: November 28 through December 30, EPCOT will keep the lights on a little longer. Thirty minutes may not seem like much, but when you’re sipping hot cocoa under the glow of fireworks, it feels like pure Disney magic.