Credit: Inside the MagicDisney World is shaking things up this fall.
As fall continues, guests at Walt Disney World Resort are experiencing some interesting operational updates—especially at Magic Kingdom Park. With the return of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this past August, Disney once again adjusted opening hours to give guests extra time to enjoy the park before the evening festivities begin.
This year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party began on August 15, with all events now sold out; October 31 was the first to fill up as per usual. On these special ticketed evenings, the park transforms into a Halloween wonderland filled with costumed characters, spooky décor, and themed entertainment beginning at 7 p.m. Party guests are welcomed into the park as early as 4 p.m., even without a standard day ticket–a consistent perk even with the increasing ticket cost.
To make the most of these earlier closings, Disney recently expanded morning hours on select party days. The first adjustments came in mid-August, when Magic Kingdom began opening at 8:00 a.m., allowing Early Theme Park Entry for resort guests at 7:30 a.m. This new schedule initially applied to August 15, then extended to August 17, 19, and 22—a move that gave day guests additional time to enjoy their favorite attractions before the park transitions for its nighttime festivities.
Now, more updates are coming for fall visitors. Magic Kingdom will again open early on October 26 and October 31. On both days, guests can enter at 8:00 a.m., with Early Entry starting at 7:30 a.m. These changes coincide with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party nights, offering even more opportunity for early risers to explore Fantasyland and Tomorrowland with lighter morning crowds. Many guests find that party days provide a more relaxed atmosphere in the park during daytime hours.
Beyond Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also adjusting its operating schedule. On November 1, the park will open at 8:30 a.m., with Early Entry beginning at 8:00 a.m. This shift gives guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels extra time to experience popular attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog Dash before the day officially begins.
Note, though, that Hollywood Studios–like Magic Kingdom–is undergoing serious construction work as the former Grand Avenue area is reimagined to make way for the new Monsters, Inc. Land.
Related: Disney Forced to Give Full Refunds After Halloween Party Incident
These early openings not only help manage crowd flow on party days but also allow more flexibility for guests who prefer to enjoy attractions during cooler morning hours. It’s part of Disney’s ongoing effort to balance guest experience with seasonal entertainment, ensuring every visit feels both special and well-paced.
Of course, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party remains the centerpiece of Disney’s fall offerings. Guests can once again catch the beloved Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, where Main Street, U.S.A. becomes a stage for dancing ghosts, Disney Villains, and the legendary Headless Horseman who leads the procession.
Over at Cinderella Castle, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular returns, featuring the Sanderson Sisters as they conjure up mayhem alongside some of Disney’s most mischievous foes. The stage show combines theatrical magic, lively choreography, and plenty of humor as the witches work their spell on the crowd.
As the night winds down, Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fills the sky with dazzling fireworks and castle projections narrated by Jack Skellington, wrapping up an evening full of festive fun.
Related: Disney To Replace Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom
While some guests have voiced concerns about rising ticket prices for the event, the expanded early hours may offer added value for those planning to visit Magic Kingdom on party days. For many, the combination of lighter crowds and extra park time creates an experience that feels both efficient and memorable.
How do you feel about the new early openings at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios? Share your thoughts and fall plans with the Disney fan community!