Epcot at Dusk
  • On Apr 28, 2024
    Angela from MN Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Wondering - on a night when Epcot closes at 9 & Magic Kingdom closes at 11, would there be enough time to watch Luminous at Epcot & still get back to Magic Kingdom for a bit before it closes? With hoppers and a car? Thoughts & thank you!

    Hey there Angela, it's great to have you here at planDisney!

    When it comes to late-night logistics and making the most of the theme parks right before closing time, I love to strategize about the most efficient ways to hop around after dark! In fact, my husband and I recently accomplished the plans that you're envisioning, and I'm happy to share some of my top tips to make it happen:

    • It's always important to plan ahead and take a look at the Hours & Events Calendar just to make sure, as they may be select days throughout each year when a theme park may surprisingly close earlier due to a scheduled event. With the exception of Extended Evening Theme Park Hours, heading directly to Magic Kingdom Park following fireworks at EPCOT results in a swiftly diminishing window to get in and enjoy a little bit before it closes, but it's definitely possible!
    • On an evening when EPCOT is scheduled to close at 9:00 p.m. like it had been in our recent experience, Luminous The Symphony of Us is also often set to begin at that time. With a total overall runtime of about 17 minutes for this nighttime spectacular, you'd ideally want to start heading out of EPCOT during the final song "Beating of Our Hearts" to get ahead of the crowds who depart en masse.
    • Due the large amount of folks and families looking to leave at the same time, this could be one of those moments where having to trek out to locate your vehicle, make your way out of the parking lot and head up World Drive only to park again at the Transportation and Ticket Center before taking Resort Transportation - could waste some of those precious minutes you'll have to enjoy in Magic Kingdom Park. Instead, taking the EPCOT Monorail and switching to the Express Monorail has always proven to be fairly swift and efficient in getting us there with enough time to spare! (My personal Princely tip is to aim for the cars on the furthest right of the Express Monorail platform, as they currently  unload the closest to the ramps leading out to the Magic Kingdom Park entrance.)
    • The fastest and most convenient method does come at an additional cost, but for folks and families who take advantage of using Minnie Van™ Connected by Lyft this can mean shaving off some additional transportation time as the Cast Members who drive these vehicles can whisk you away from EPCOT and right up to the entrance of Magic Kingdom Park.
    The key in accomplishing this is avoiding areas where crowds bunch up whenever possible, and getting ahead of the pack could result in some valuable extra minutes earned! I hope this helps, Angela and that you're able to get a whole lot done on your evening adventures; come back to planDisney again soon for any other tips or strategies!

    Here's to hopping between the parks after dark!
    Prince
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Meet the Panelist: Prince, Ontario

Hello, Bonjour, Aloha and Ahoy there! As a performer and world explorer who's been to all of the Disney theme parks around the globe, I'm always happy to provide my best adventuring advice and knowledge to navigate your way to all of the greatest snacks, attractions and entertainment on land and at sea. Find me featured on the planDisney Podcast and on the Disney Parks Blog, discussing Disney Eats at festivals and beyond, holiday events at Walt Disney World Resort and planning my Disney Fairy Tale Wedding! Learn More About Prince

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