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# Disney World Update: EPCOT After Hours Runs Tonight as September 21 Plans Take Shape
- URL: https://www.theamericanquorum.com/orlando-disney-update-2026-09-16/
- Published: 2026-09-16T10:34:32.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-16T10:34:32.000Z
- Description: EPCOT After Hours runs tonight, Disney Animation enters its first full week, Cosmic Rewind plans a one-day September 21 soundtrack, and public sales for 2027 After Hours tickets open September 22.
- Author: News Desk
- Tags: Disney World, Florida, Theme Parks

EPCOT has the most immediate planning change at Walt Disney World tonight: a separately ticketed Disney After Hours event begins after the park’s regular day. Elsewhere, Disney’s newest Hollywood Studios experience is settling into its first week, a one-day Cosmic Rewind program is approaching, and the next 2027 ticket-sale window is six days away.

## EPCOT After Hours runs tonight

[EPCOT After Hours](https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-after-hours/?ref=theamericanquorum.com) is scheduled for tonight, September 16, from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Event-ticket holders may enter EPCOT as early as 7 p.m. without a separate daytime park ticket or park reservation. Disney lists tonight’s ticket at $155 plus tax, subject to availability.

The limited-capacity event advertises shorter waits for attractions including Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After, Test Track and Soarin’ Across America. Select ice cream novelties, popcorn and bottled beverages are included. Ordinary EPCOT admission does not include After Hours, so daytime guests should not assume they can remain for the event.

## The Animation experience enters its first full week

[The Magic of Disney Animation](https://disneyexperiences.com/disneyworld-press/release/new-details-revealed-for-the-magic-of-disney-animation-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/?ref=theamericanquorum.com), which opened September 14 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, is now in its first full operating week. The indoor collection includes the “Olaf Draws!” character-drawing attraction, “Off the Page!” character encounters, the “Drawn to Wonderland” play space and a theater presentation of “Once Upon a Studio.”

This is a collection of experiences rather than one conventional ride. Families should allow time for multiple components and check the My Disney Experience app for current operating details and character availability. The indoor play and drawing areas may also be useful during afternoon heat or rain, but capacity and access can change during an opening week.

## Cosmic Rewind gets a one-day soundtrack on September 21

Disney announced a [September 21 program](https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/september-21-guardians-of-the-galaxy-cosmic-rewind/?ref=theamericanquorum.com) built around Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. On Monday, Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September” will play throughout the day on the attraction rather than leaving riders’ song selection to the normal rotating soundtrack.

Disney also says Star-Lord will meet guests at posted times and Connections Café and Eatery will sell a one-day Supernova Sip, with both nonalcoholic and bourbon versions. Anyone planning specifically around the character appearance should verify the day’s schedule in My Disney Experience, since Disney directs guests there for appearance times.

## Public sales for 2027 After Hours open Tuesday

The next major booking date is September 22, when [2027 Disney After Hours tickets](https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/disney-after-hours-dates-tickets-tips/?ref=theamericanquorum.com) go on sale to all other guests. Eligible guests at select Walt Disney World hotels, the Swan and Dolphin hotels, and Shades of Green have had early access since September 10.

The 2027 schedule covers Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT on selected nights. Disney lists different hours, prices and attraction lineups by park, so buyers should compare the specific date and venue rather than treating the three events as interchangeable.

## What to know before you go

Check Disney’s app and operating calendar again before leaving for the parks. For a quicker look at current posted waits, open TAQ’s [**Florida park wait-times dashboard**](https://parks.theamericanquorum.com/?state=FL&ref=theamericanquorum.com) and select an individual Walt Disney World park. More regional coverage is available through the [Florida Theme Parks hub](https://www.theamericanquorum.com/florida-theme-parks/).

*The American Quorum is independent and is not affiliated with Walt Disney World or The Walt Disney Company.*