One of the few times of the year when the World goes dark
It’s a bit tricky to review After Hours at EPCOT. On one hand, EPCOT is one of the most beautiful Disney parks, bustling with energy during the day when every World Showcase Pavilion is open for exploration. On the other hand, After Hours gives you an extra three hours, usually from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., to enjoy some of the most popular attractions with much smaller crowds. For example, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind drops from a typical one-hour wait to around 30 minutes.
If your main objective is to ride Cosmic Rewind, Test Track, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Frozen Ever After, then you’ll love After Hours at EPCOT. However, if your goal is to explore the park and soak in the atmosphere, you may be disappointed. Keep in mind that during EPCOT After Hours, access to World Showcase is restricted beyond Norway and France. This means you won’t be able to explore six major pavilions, including China, Germany, Italy, The American Adventure, Japan, and Morocco.
What we like about After Hours at Epcot
The main reason to love this special event is the lower crowds on some of the most popular rides, especially Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Normally, Guardians has a wait time of one to even two hours during standard hours, but it drops to about 30 minutes during After Hours. Many people (myself included) consider this the best attraction in all of Disney World, so being able to ride it two or three times without spending hours in line is a pretty good deal for fans of this indoor roller coaster.
The other great perk is the free drinks and snacks at every After Hours event. You’ll have access to free popcorn, bottled water, ice cream (Mickey Bars and Mickey Sandwiches), and beverages like Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Diet Coke. Not too bad, considering some of those snacks can cost nearly $10.
The complete list of rides available during EPCOT After Hours
These are the rides available during After Hours at EPCOT:
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Test Track (reopening Summer 2025)
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- Frozen Ever After
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
- Living with the Land
- Mission: SPACE
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Spaceship Earth
What we don’t like about After Hours at Epcot
Unfortunately, EPCOT is my least favorite theme park for the After Hours event. I’ve always seen EPCOT more as a park to walk around, take in the atmosphere, enjoy a nice dinner, and meet people from all over the world. The World Showcase is rather disappointing during After Hours. It’s empty, bleak, and a bit dark. You can’t even explore six of the eleven pavilions, including some standout ones like China, Germany, and Japan. Also, most major restaurants and country-specific stores are closed, and the entertainment is basically nonexistent if you don’t count the rides.
That’s a pretty big letdown, but it’s also part of what the event is all about. If your primary concern when visiting EPCOT is to experience the rides, then you’re going to have a great time here. However, there’s another issue: EPCOT just isn’t known as THE theme park for blockbuster rides. Sure, you have Guardians of the Galaxy, but that’s about it. Test Track is in a league of its own, and the same can be said for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Frozen Ever After, which are more geared toward kids.
My top tip? Head to the World Showcase during your early entry period, which usually starts at 7pm. The World Showcase will already be dark, but you can still walk around it, enjoy the atmosphere and check some amazing stores, get a beer in Germany, and see if Jasmine and Aladdin are strolling around Morocco.
After Hours at EPCOT FAQ
Is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind available during EPCOT After Hours?
Yes, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is available during EPCOT After Hours with a standard queue.
Is the World Showcase open during EPCOT After Hours?
The World Showcase is open partially during EPCOT After Hours. You won’t be able to explore six major pavilions, including China, Germany, Italy, The American Adventure, Japan, and Morocco.
Which World Showcase Pavillions are open during EPCOT After Hours?
These are the pavilions open during EPCOT After Hours: Mexico, Canada, France, Norway and United Kingdom.
Is After Hours at EPCOT worth it?
I only recommend it if you're a huge fan of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Otherwise, EPCOT is best enjoyed during the day.
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