Disney World Reduces Park Hours Beginning Sept.

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With numerous changes, Walt Disney World Resort began its phased reopening of the theme parks on July 11.

To name a few big alterations to the Disney World experience, the new Disney Park Pass reservation system has virtually eliminated Park Hopping. Guests must wear face masks that meet Disney’s regulations, and social distancing protocols are strictly enforced in ride queues.

There will be yet another change for Disney World Guests who have gotten used to the Resort’s four theme parks’ current operating hours.

Beginning September 8, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will all operate with reduced hours.

According to Scott Gustin’s Tweet this evening, the new Disney World theme Park operating hours will be:

Here are the new park hours at Walt Disney World effective September 8:

Magic Kingdom – 9am to 6pm (previously 7pm)

EPCOT – 11am to 7pm (previously 9pm)

Hollywood Studios – 10am to 7pm (previously 8pm)

Animal Kingdom – 8am to 5pm (previously 6pm)

Although reducing Park hours by an hour or two may not seem like much, it can make a difference in planning your day, particularly with strict reservation requirements for sit-down dining and other available experiences. 

magic kingdom hours sept 8
Credit: Disney

Related : Disney Attraction Operates On Reduced Hours at End of Month

Disney World Extends Hours for Rest of Month as Massive Crowds Pile In

On the official Disney World Magic Kingdom calendar, Park hours have been altered beginning September 8, the day after Labor Day Weekend ends. Labor Day is usually a significant travel weekend in the United States and marks many families’ unofficial end of summer.

It is worth noting that the “Parades” and “Fireworks & Nighttime Spectacular” sections of the calendar remain blank.

It is unlikely that these exciting Disney experiences will return before an effective COVID-19 vaccine is available and Disney Park officials deem it safe to begin resuming additional pre-pandemic operations, although Shanghai Disneyland has resumed fireworks. However, we still wait for more information from Disney.

There has been no official word from Disney about whether or not Extra Magic Hour privileges will still be available to Disney Resort Guests. For now, they are suspended. 

What do you think about Walt Disney World’s operating hours being reduced this fall? Tell us if you have a trip planned in the comments!

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