The Tip Of The Tail

Epcot and Boardwalk Parking

All of Walt Disney World is beautiful at night. The Boardwalk is no exception. In fact, as beautiful and serene as it is during the daytime, it's a different experience at night. Musicians, magicians, street entertainment and more bring it to life. The bright lights shimmering off the water are gorgeous, and you can even get a great view of the higher fireworks of Epcot's Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. Two of WDW's rare night spots (now that the Pleasure Island clubs are closed) are there - Jellyrolls (a dueling piano bar) and Atlantic City Dance Hall - and they offer something for adults after the parks close.

However, if you drive a car into The World instead of using Disney transportation, be careful where you park. If you plan to visit Epcot and possibly stay late at the Boardwalk, you may not be able to re-enter Epcot via the International Gateway to walk back to your car in the main parking lot. We have received mixed messages from different CMs about this; some have said if you get back to the gate shortly after 9:00 pm (the usual closing time of Epcot), they'll let you back in if you parked in the Epcot parking lot. However, others have said you're out of luck and would have to get cab or a bus to the parking lot via the Beach Club, Yacht Club or Boardwalk Resort. Not sure that'd I'd risk it.

So if you plan to stay at the Boardwalk later than the closing time of Epcot, park at either the Boardwalk parking lot (if available) or Disney's Hollywood Studios. At DHS, you have access to its parking no matter how late you're out. This way, you can enjoy the beauty and fun of the Boardwalk at night without worrying about getting back to your car afterward - simply walk the path back to DHS, or take the Friendship boat for a wonderful end to the night.