Disappointing Trend for EPCOT Park Hours This Fall

Walt Disney World hours change at times, but typically EPCOT hours remain the same. See the new trend that has us worried.

Theme Park Hours

Updated Look for Mickey and His Pals at EPCOT — Credit: Donna

Our Kenny the Pirate writing team updates you with the latest news on Disney's theme parks. The park hours initially provided by Disney can help you prepare for your visit, but they often change as the dates get closer.

And if you're staying at a Disney Resort, take advantage of the extra 30 minutes each morning to enter the parks with the early entry benefit. Take a look at previously extended hours announced HERE.

We often see extended hours at Magic Kingdom and occasionally at Disney Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom.

EPCOT Park Hours this Fall

Details Announced for EPCOT's 2025 International Festival of the Holidays — Photo Credit: Disney

The holiday season is truly magical at EPCOT. Festival of the Holidays will run from November 27th through December 30th. The start of this festival will typically bring extended hours at EPCOT.

However, that is NOT the case this year. For several years, EPCOT's operating hours would extend until 9:30 pm instead of the traditional 9:00 pm closing.

Walt Disney World just released park hours for the week of and following Thanksgiving and EPCOT will close at 9:00 pm on each night.

Reason for Change to EPCOT Park Hours

While it is not uncommon for Walt Disney World to issue standard park hours and later extend these, in the past, EPCOT park hours were immediately extended to 9:30 pm after Thanksgiving as soon as hours were released each year.

We were curious about the earlier shift for the Candlelight Processional this year: 4:45 pm (compared to the previous 5:00 pm), 6:30 (previous 6:45 pm), and 8:00 pm (previously 8:15 pm) at the America Gardens Theater.

EPCOT will not offer extended hours this year for Festival of the Holidays.

Although Disney could still change EPCOT hours, it is unlikely. This is disappointing for Guests visiting EPCOT for the Festival of the Holidays this year.

What do you think of this change to EPCOT park hours? Will this affect your travel plans? Share your thoughts with us, and share this news with your Disney pals.

Donna Farmer

Donna has always loved Disney even at an early age. When she was younger her family would joke that she lived in "Donna Land". Even now as an adult, she loves to plan and make magical vacations come to life as she and her family travel "Home" to Walt DisneyWorld. Join her as she brings a little faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust to Disney planning.