This entrance opens each day at the same time the front entrance of Epcot opens. Those guests with early dining reservations are allowed entry early just as they would in the front.
People Also Ask
What time does Epcot open? Epcot opening times vary on a day-to-day basis, with openings of 9AM being most common. You should check the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app for the scheduled opening times for your visit.
What is Early Theme Park Entry? Early Theme Park Entry allows Disney Resort Guests (as well as guests from other select hotels) the opportunity to enter any of the 4 theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios) 30 minutes before non-Disney Resort guests.
What time should I get to Epcot? We recommend arriving at Epcot 30 minutes before you're allowed in the park. That's an hour before the scheduled open if you have Early Entry or 30 minutes before scheduled entry if you don't have Early Entry.
Suffice to say, EPCOT attendance increases throughout the day because more people arrive than leave, and wait times remain fairly steady for a lot of attractions. From a strategic perspective, the best time to do EPCOT is before noon, not in the afternoon or at night.
January, February, August, and September (excluding holiday weeks) are historically the least crowded. If you can avoid the busy holiday weekends, this time of year typically sees some of the lowest crowds. January and February have the best weather.
The EPCOT fireworks showtime is usually 9:00pm, every night. Epcot Forever is a temporary show, they run it while they are doing lagoon work so it's short and to the point.
Walt Disney World has shared details about Luminous: The Symphony of Us, which is the all-new nighttime spectacular coming to EPCOT in December 2023 for the Disney100 festivities in Florida. This post shares details, concept art, and commentary about the new fireworks show. (Updated September 9, 2023.)
In general, you should think of Epcot as a two-day park. There's so much to see and do that you really need a couple of days to enjoy everything without feeling like you're rushing through the park. But we recognize that most people can't or won't give two of their precious days at Disney to Epcot.
The Disney After Hours at EPCOT event takes place from 10.00pm to 1.00am. You can get a head start on the fun by entering EPCOT at 7.00pm. You do not need a Disney park reservation or additional ticket to enter EPCOT after 7.00pm.
We've noticed a slight uptick in crowds on Thursdays, and a more significant one on Fridays. Still, not nearly as bad as Saturday or Sunday. Even though the impact on wait times isn't terrible, Epcot is the one park we try to avoid on Saturday and Sunday if at all possible.
EPCOT is arguably the least family-friendly park at Walt Disney World, so you may not need more than a few hours to do everything of interest if you have small children. With that said, a full day at EPCOT is highly recommended for first-timers.
Go EarlyIf you want to avoid long lines there's no simpler way than to wake up early and get to the park before it opens. Whether you have access to early entry or not, being at the park entrance before it opens will save you lots of time. Usually, you can get in 2-3 rides during the first hour of park operation.
Wondering if you can return to EPCOT after leaving? Yes, you can leave Epcot and come back... here's what we did during our afternoon break from Epcot to watch football, eat lunch, and let our kiddo rest with a nap during a recent Disney World Vacation.
You don't want to miss it! Renee, all Guests must currently make park reservations when visiting a Disney theme park. The only exception to this is if you're an Annual Passholder. Guests with annual passes may enter any theme park after 2:00 PM without having to make a theme park reservation.