EPCOT gets a handful of pre-11am openings in August 2021

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Posted: Monday July 26, 2021 3:30pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

In the latest Walt Disney World operating hours update, EPCOT has gained two days in August 2021 with a pre-11am opening.

EPCOT sees heavy crowds at rope drop as guests arrive earlier than the posting opening time

On August 7 and 14, EPCOT opens at 10am, with a 10pm closing. The park has typically operated with an 11am opening in recent months, and a 10am open with a 10pm close is the longest hours the park has seen since it reopened in July 2020.

With a 10am opening, rope drop is likely to take place at 9:30am based on current opening patterns which see a 10:30am rope drop for an 11am opening.

Popular rides like Test Track see long early morning queues just after rope drop

The August 14 extension is likely in place to cover an expected higher than usual attendance due to Magic Kingdom having an early 6pm close.

A return of more early opens would be a welcome change at EPCOT, with the park previously opening Future World at 9am, and World Showcase at 11am.

EPCOT typically closes at 10pm during the summer months

Discuss on the Forums

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Rob562Apr 08, 2022

Additional expansion of park hours for the last week in April today. Mirroring the same hours we've seen earlier in the month. -Rob

ToTBellHopApr 02, 2022

As sunset moves earlier, yes, but October is usually very crowded. It would not be unusual to see DAH until 12 or 1 am with 11 pm closes on the other nights. I agree that they won’t have 11 pm closes on DAH nights. No way they start DAH that late.

RememberWhenApr 02, 2022

10pm summer close seems typical. The hours usually tighten up in the fall anyway, don’t they?

wdwfan22Apr 02, 2022

They will stick with the 10 then. I’ll be surprised if the 11pm close stay. I also believe that summer after hours could return.

ToTBellHopApr 02, 2022

Considering MK has already announced a 10 pm close starting in mid-May, I’m not sure about that.

wdwfan22Apr 02, 2022

ill be surprised if Magic Kingdom doesn’t go back to 9pm close in May. Spring break and Easter are always busy time periods. May slows down and bit until Memorial Day. Summer close for Magic Kingdom will be 9 or 10 pm.

G00fyDadApr 01, 2022

Yeah but that was last October when it was only open till 9:00 every day wasn't it?

dreday3Apr 01, 2022

Last October MK was only open until 9 on our Boo Bash night. (a Friday)

G00fyDadApr 01, 2022

So assuming they keep the hours until 11:00pm at MK through October does that mean Boo Bash will be from 11:00pm to 2 or 3 in the morning? Or will they have to go back to an early park closing on party dates?

ToTBellHopApr 01, 2022

Similar hours extension through April 17-April 23. MK 9 am to 11 pm daily. Epcot 8:30 am to 9 pm. DHS 8 am to 9 pm. DAK 7:30 am to 8:30 pm. Early entry before those times.

DisneyDeb13Mar 22, 2022

I am going back to the Parks at the end of September. I visited 3 times in 2021. I am hoping to see the extended hours continue. Hate the early closing hours. Loved being there during spring break when Magic Kingdom closed at 3am. Best times with my college aged kids. So scary how the parks have changed and not for the better!