Walt Disney World Announces Official Operation Changes, Beginning This Month

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A large crowd in Magic Kingdom with Cinderella Castle in the background

Credit: Lee (myfrozenlife), Flickr

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World soon, you might want to double-check those park hours. Disney is known for tweaking its schedule to accommodate crowd levels, special events, and seasonal celebrations.

The entrance sign to Disney World showcases Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The archway, highlighted by colorful flags, stands proudly against a backdrop of palm trees and a cloudy sky, perfectly capturing the enchanting spirit of Walt Disney World.
Credit: rickpilot_2000, Flickr

Whether you’re an early riser looking to beat the crowds or a night owl hoping to soak up every last bit of Disney magic, these updates could impact your plans—especially if you’re staying at a deluxe resort and hoping to enjoy Extended Evening Hours.

The Basics: Walt Disney World Park Hours

Walt Disney World generally opens its parks early in the morning, with Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom typically welcoming guests by 9:00 a.m.

But if you’re staying at a Disney resort, you can get a head start with Early Theme Park Entry, which allows access 30 minutes before the official opening time. That means you could be walking down Main Street, U.S.A. or heading straight to Avatar Flight of Passage before most guests even scan their MagicBands.

On the flip side, if you’re a guest at a deluxe Disney resort, you can take advantage of Extended Evening Hours on select nights. This perk gives you two extra hours in the parks after they officially close, allowing you to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times. These hours are a game-changer if you’re hoping to ride Space Mountain or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure without the long lines.

Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort
Credit: Disney

What’s Changing: Extended Evening Hours Updates

We already knew about some adjustments for Valentine’s week, but now Disney has announced even more changes extending beyond February 14. If you’re heading to Magic Kingdom or other parks in the next few weeks, here’s what you need to know.

Magic Kingdom Adjustments:

  • February 16-17: The park will stay open an extra hour, closing at 10:00 p.m. instead of the usual 9:00 p.m.
  • February 18-19: Magic Kingdom will open bright and early at 8:00 a.m., with Early Entry available at 7:30 a.m. On these dates, the park will close at 11:00 p.m., pushing Extended Evening Hours from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
  • February 20-21: Closing time is now 10:00 p.m. instead of 9:00 p.m.
  • February 22: You’ll have until 11:00 p.m. to enjoy the park, two hours later than originally scheduled.

These later closing times mean that if you’re planning to take advantage of Extended Evening Hours, you’ll be staying in the parks even later than usual—something to keep in mind if you’re traveling with young kids or planning early morning activities the next day.

People walking towards the entrance of Disney World Animal Kingdom.
Credit: Michael Lehet, Flickr

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Updates:

Animal Kingdom, typically known for closing earlier than the other parks, is also seeing extended hours:

  • February 16-18 & February 21-22: The park will close at 8:00 p.m. instead of 6:00 p.m.
  • February 19-20: You’ll have until 7:00 p.m. to explore, an hour longer than the usual closing time.
  • March 23-29, 2025: Animal Kingdom will extend its closing time to 7:00 p.m., giving guests extra time to enjoy nighttime offerings like Pandora – The World of Avatar.

While Animal Kingdom doesn’t offer Extended Evening Hours like Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, these later closing times are a great opportunity to see the park in a whole new light—literally. The bioluminescent glow of Pandora at night is a must-see.

Crowds at Disney's Hollywood Studios at night.
Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the Magic

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Updates:

Hollywood Studios fans, you’re in luck too. The Disney park will now open even earlier on February 16, with Early Entry starting at 8:00 a.m. instead of 8:30 a.m. Plus, from February 14 through February 22, there will be two showings of Fantasmic! at 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

This gives you more flexibility in planning your evening, whether you want to catch the first show and call it a night or stay late for the second performance.

Why These Changes Matter

These shifts in park hours aren’t just random; they often reflect anticipated crowd levels, special events, or holiday seasons. For instance, with Valentine’s week traditionally drawing larger crowds, Disney is extending hours to accommodate the influx of guests. And as we move closer to spring break season, it’s likely that more adjustments will follow.

If you’re planning your Disney days down to the minute (we see you, spreadsheet lovers!), these changes could affect your dining reservations, Lightning Lane bookings, and even your transportation back to your resort. Make sure to check the My Disney Experience app regularly for the latest updates.

Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, these extended hours give you more time to create magical memories. Just don’t forget to pace yourself—Disney days can be long, and with the parks staying open later, you might need that mid-day break more than ever!

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