Even when the Sun goes down, we just don’t want to leave EPCOT!
And who could blame us?! There’s been so much going on at EPCOT with the festivals, new attractions, and construction projects that are almost complete. Even though there’s so much to love here and so much to look forward to, we want to warn you about the dangers of trying to stay at EPCOT super late into the night! Let’s talk about it!
Now, to be sure, the words “EPCOT” and “danger” don’t usually find themselves in the same sentences too often. unless you’re talking about the potential to stuff yourself to a dangerous level. All jokes aside, there are some potential problems you might run into if you find yourself planning to stay at the park as late as possible. Let’s go over what those “dangers” might be.
Transportation Troubles
You know how convenient EPCOT is and how you can take your pick of buses, monorail, or even the Skyliner to whisk you back to your hotel, right? Well, late in the evening, let’s just say they can “transform” into the stuff of nightmares. So, if you end up leaving EPCOT late into the evening, you might find yourself in the middle of a “game” that you didn’t plan on playing — a waiting game.
Picture a sea of tired folks (all grumbling about the long waits) and you’ll have an idea. It’s not exactly the most “magical” end to the day. And we’re not even bringing up if you happen to have tired kiddos in tow. That sounds like a serious test of patience coming straight to you from the Disney universe.
So, we’d say save yourself a ton of potential headaches and plan ahead for when you’ll leave and how you’ll be heading back to the hotel. Oh, and it might not be a bad idea to pack a little extra patience with ya!
Trying to Stay Safe in the Shadows
As the Sun goes down, there’s a subtle shift that happens and changes the whole vibe at EPCOT. The well-lit paths give way to dimly lit ones, which can be fun and inviting in its own way, but you still have to be careful.
If you have sensitivity to the dark, walking in the dark can be especially difficult.
If you’re not careful, you might trip, stumble, get separated from your group, or even get lost.
So when those lights dim, we’d definitely recommend that you stay alert, watch your step, and make use of any available light sources to keep you on the straight and narrow!
Limited Amenities
Remember that it’s not just the park that’s saying goodbye for the night as many restaurants, shops, and other amenities are also calling it a day.
Now, this means your options for a late-night snack or some last-minute essential could be severely limited.
So, the name of the game here is planning. With a game plan, you can avoid any of those late-night hassles, and make your evening as stress-free as possible. One way to avoid a late-night snack crisis is by ordering some needed items from Kroger Grocery Delivery to stock your hotel room.
Weather Worries
Listen, Florida’s weather can really be all over the place. At any given time, you can experience oppressive heat, muggy humidity, or surprise rain showers.
And the last thing you want to have happen is for you to be caught in the dark in a downpour!
So, don’t let unexpected weather catch you off guard especially late at night. Make sure you’re bringing your rain gear (i.e. umbrellas, ponchos) so you’re prepared for whatever weather Florida decides to throw your way.
The main thing is to have a blast at EPCOT, all day long if you like, but keep these points in mind so that when you head out, you can leave the park safely and with your sanity intact. As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news.
Disney Dropped 2 HUGE CLUES About a 2024 EPCOT Festival
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When do you normally head out of EPCOT? Tell us in the comments!
I was at Epcot til closing in late Sept. My son and I waited out the rain to head to the exit. When we arrived at our bus stop to head to the resort, the line was getting long. As we waited more people showed..but no bus had arrived for the 30 minutes we waited. My son and I took a resort bus for the one next door, because apparently our resort was forgotten about. But for the money you pay, I try to stay til I see the fireworks!!!
I just got home from Disney a few days ago. I was shocked how super dark Epcot was at night. I don’t mean dimely lot, I mean absolutely black. Huge sections of the area around the construction wall had absolutely zero light. People were using their cellphones as flashlights. It was a bit concerning. I never felt “danger” because there is t any at Disney, unless you count the tripping hazards. Many of the light poles were out, several in a row just not turned on.
I’ve always said epcot needs more lighting after fireworks. I have vision problems and darkness makes it worse. I thought it was ironic that the park had an announcement years ago that it was sponsored by a light maker.
If Disney is going to continue to do After Hours and extended evening hours at their parks, they NEED to invest in good lighting! When we were in both Epcot and MK for extended evening hours, everyone was using their cellphone as a flashlight…otherwise it was pitch black in places, like Voyage of the Little Mermaid.
I agree,the lighting is poor at best after the fireworks. Very much a safety issue..
Blame lights that are out in a row on DeSantis since he replaced Reedy Creek district with a new board filled with all of his cronies! The new DeSantis board members don’t know anything about running a theme park and neither does DeSantis! He doesn’t know how to even run our state! Imagine if he tried to run this country!!
I actually tripped over a concrete bordered flower bed at the entrance trying to leave after the fireworks. I banged my head off the other side and made quite a scene because blood was gushing everywhere. I had a tiny little gash, but head wounds bleed profusely. Disney took care of me and Reedy Creek paramedics were called but I didn’t need much help other than towels to stop the bleeding. Once that was taken care of the Disney rep got me a clean shirt to wear home so I didn’t look like a member of the walking dead cast.
Yes, more lighting please.
Wow, I have never seen such descent from guests. Disney needs to wake up to guest concerns.