Two Disney Parks to Close Early in December, Guests Lose Hours per Day

Two Disney theme parks will ask their guests to leave early over the Christmas period.

While Disney’s parks are busy all year round, the holidays tend to attract the densest crowds as guests flock to enjoy the festivities alongside Mickey Mouse and company.

Disney World - Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on a float during a parade at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. — Credit: Disney

The biggest celebrations may occur at Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios—both of which host their own ticketed Disney Christmas events, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney’s Jollywood Nights, the latter of which wasn’t exactly a massive hit last year but is still returning for 2024—but all of Disney’s parks get into the spirit.

From Disneyland Resort to Tokyo Disney Resort, each park embraces the season with dazzling Christmas decorations, festive treats, exclusive merchandise, and special holiday-themed shows and attractions that make the most of the season.

However, one Disney resort is cutting these celebrations short this year. On December 10, 12, 13, 17, and 19, Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park will close early for private holiday parties.

A festive scene with a character dressed as Mickey Mouse in a cheerful Christmas outfit, including a red jacket and a clear top hat, riding on a colorful holiday-themed float decorated with ornaments, garlands, and lights. Snowflakes add to the festive atmosphere, reminiscent of opening a Disney advent calendar. — Credit: Disney

Early Disney Park Closures Over Christmas

December 10: Disneyland Park closes at 9 p.m. and Walt Disney Studios Park closes at 8 p.m. (the latter follows regular hours on this day)
December 12: Disneyland Park closes at 6.30 p.m. and Walt Disney Studios Park closes at 7 p.m.
December 13: Disneyland Park closes at 9 p.m. and Walt Disney Studios Park closes at 8 p.m. (the latter follows regular hours on this day)
December 17: Disneyland Park closes at 6.30 p.m. and Walt Disney Studios Park closes at 7 p.m.
December 19: Disneyland Park closes at 6.30 p.m. and Walt Disney Studios Park closes at 7 p.m.

This follows a similar pattern to 2023, when both parks—which kickstart their Christmas season on November 9 with the Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade on Main Street, U.S.A., “Let’s Sing Christmas!” musical show, the Magical Christmas Tree Lighting, and of course, Santa Claus himself—closed early on December 19, 20, and 21.

Disneyland Paris Christmas Mickey, Minnie, and Santa — Credit: Disney

Last year’s closures sparked heavy backlash from Disney park guests, primarily because they were announced relatively last minute. Guests only discovered that they would get less time at the park at the end of October, meaning many had already booked vacations over this time period.

These guests were reportedly denied refunds by Disneyland Paris and multiple dining reservations – which are typically booked months in advance – were canceled by Disney.

For now, it’s not totally clear how these closures will impact the performances of Disneyland Park’s two current nighttime spectaculars: Disney Illuminations and the beloved Disney Electrical Sky Parade, which is said to add a new Christmas section for the occasion before ending for good in January.

Do you plan on visiting a Disney park over the holidays?