Known as “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” Disney World will begin its anniversary festivities on October 1, 2021 to commemorate exactly 50 years since Magic Kingdom first opened its gates in 1971. The good news is that this celebration isn’t just going to last one day, a few months, or even one full year — it’s going to be going on for a total of 18 months, into 2023!
Disney World previously announced Park hours for early October, but now they have extended those hours, allowing Guests to spend even more time in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom to celebrate!

Previously, here were the Park hours for the start of the 50th anniversary celebration at Disney World:
- Magic Kingdom: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with Park Hopper Hours of 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- EPCOT: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with Park Hopper Hours of 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with Park Hopper Hours of 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with Park Hopper Hours of 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Related: MORE Extended Evening Hours Announced For Disney World Parks
Now, Disney has extended the Park hours for the start of the 50th anniversary celebrations:
- Magic Kingdom: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with Park Hopper Hours of 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Early Entry hours of 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
- EPCOT: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with Park Hopper Hours of 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Early Entry hours of 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with Park Hopper Hours of 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Early Entry hours of 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. with Park Hopper Hours of 2:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Early Entry hours of 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

On October 1, when the Disney World 50th anniversary celebrations begin, two Parks will also debut brand-new nighttime spectaculars! Magic Kingdom will light up the night sky with the new Disney Enchantment show and EPCOT will finally debut the highly anticipated Harmonious.
For more information on Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, visit our website here.
Will you be visiting Walt Disney World for the 50th? If so and you haven’t yet booked your trip, make sure to contact our friends at Academy Travel who will help you start planning today!