Credit: Inside the MagicAt Walt Disney World Resort, transformation is happening everywhere you look. Construction walls and new announcements have become part of the experience, as Disney continues to reimagine what a day (or night!) at the parks can be.
Disney World’s Evolution
While Magic Kingdom and EPCOT have traditionally been the go-to destinations for late-night fun, there’s a notable shift this summer: Disney’s Animal Kingdom joined the Extended Evening Hours schedule, giving nighttime explorers a new environment to enjoy after the sun sets.
With lush landscapes, bioluminescent forests, and thrilling rides, the park now offers a serene and adventurous option for eligible guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts.
Meanwhile, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is on the verge of a major evolution. In early June, construction walls began to rise in the Grand Avenue area of the park, signaling the end of the Muppet-themed section, including the beloved Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo. But a new story is just beginning to unfold.
At the 2023 D23 Expo, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro unveiled plans for Monstropolis, a brand-new land inspired by Monsters, Inc.
Anchored by a high-flying suspended coaster themed to the iconic door chase scene from the original film, this land promises to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience. “The first time I saw Monsters, Inc., all I wanted to do was ride on one of those doors like Mike and Sulley,” D’Amaro shared. “We’re doing that, too. And you’re going along for the ride.”
As these expansions take shape, Walt Disney World Resort continues to welcome guests with special nighttime offerings, including Disney After Hours events and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. These hard-ticketed experiences offer a more exclusive atmosphere with lower wait times and extra entertainment.
Extended Evening Hours This Summer
One of the most in-demand benefits for Deluxe Resort guests remains the Extended Evening Hours, offering additional time in the parks after regular closing. This summer’s lineup includes:
Magic Kingdom: June 25; August 13
EPCOT: June 30; July 7, 14, 21, 28; August 4, 11, 18, 25
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; August 6
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: August 29
Notably, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is only offering one Extended Evening Hours event this season, making it an especially unique opportunity for night owls.
Hollywood Studios Evening Hours Omits Fan-Favorite Attraction
Guests heading to that after-hours event may notice one major omission: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will not be available during the 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. timeframe. According to the official Walt Disney World app and planDisney guest services, the attraction is not listed among those open during Extended Evening Hours.
For those determined to ride Rise of the Resistance, planDisney offered a helpful tip: jump in the standby line just before the park closes. As the Lightning Lane entries wrap up for the evening, the line tends to move more quickly, potentially making for a more efficient wait.
“While this may not be the magical news you had hoped to hear,” planDisney noted, “if you’re really committed to experiencing this attraction… consider jumping in the standby line for the attraction just before the regular park closing time.”
This kind of attraction availability limitation isn’t entirely new. Even Magic Kingdom’s latest addition, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, is not open during Extended Evening Hours at that park. These after-dark offerings, while immersive and convenient, don’t always include every headliner.
Magic Kingdom Is Back on the Schedule
One possible reason for Hollywood Studios’ singular nighttime event could be the upcoming debut of the new Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade at Magic Kingdom. Kicking off July 20 with performances at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., the dazzling nighttime spectacular is expected to draw large crowds.
In preparation, Magic Kingdom’s usual Wednesday Extended Evening Hours were seemingly shifted to Animal Kingdom—a move that fans initially speculated was linked to the parade, now confirmed by Disney.
However, in a confusing change, Magic Kingdom is now back on the Extended Evening Hours schedule. The park will welcome Deluxe resort guests on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. The Extended Evening Hours are officially on the My Disney Experience app, and the change comes after the theme park barred guests from the late-night offering for weeks.
With limited dates, exciting developments, and new lands on the horizon, there’s no better time to see what’s next at the Walt Disney World Resort.
How do you feel about the sporadic schedule for Extended Evening Hours? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!