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Credit: Video Screenshot, TIkTok, @pinoystarbbqThe holiday season at Disneyland Resort is traditionally a time when the parks come alive with lights, music, and late-night magic. But for 2025, the festive spirit may come with an earlier curfew than many fans are used to. Theme park analysts and guests alike are raising eyebrows over what appears to be significantly reduced operating hours at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure (DCA) during one of the busiest and most beloved times of the year.
Theme Park IQ was one of the first outlets to point out the change, posting a screenshot of the newly released hours with the caption:
“Disneyland has released the park hours for the opening day of the Holiday Season. It looks like Disneyland will close at 11pm and DCA will close at 9pm. This is very odd as past years Disneyland during the Holiday Season has always had midnight closing times.”
Disneyland has released the park hours for the opening day of the Holiday Season. It looks like Disneyland will close at 11pm and DCA will close at 9pm. This is very odd as past years Disneyland during the Holiday Season has always had midnight closing times. pic.twitter.com/vJ8GPsTt0G
— Theme Park IQ (@ThemeParkIQ) October 4, 2025
The change has prompted immediate backlash from fans who recall longer holiday operating hours in past seasons, often extending until midnight or later at Disneyland Park—especially on weekends and during peak holiday weeks in November and December.
A Pattern of Earlier Closures
This isn’t an isolated scheduling adjustment. The earlier holiday closures are part of a broader trend that began over the summer and has continued into the fall.
As we reported back in August, Disneyland Resort quietly shortened its daily operating schedule starting August 31. At that time, Disneyland Park began closing at 11 p.m. instead of midnight, and DCA closed even earlier at 9 p.m.
“Disneyland Park will operate from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., while Disney California Adventure will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.”
These shorter hours were explained away as part of seasonal operational shifts, something the parks routinely adjust based on attendance, staffing, and entertainment schedules. However, many guests now believe the trend has gone too far—especially as ticket prices and vacation costs continue to climb.
Impact on the Holiday Experience
The earlier closures could significantly affect guests’ ability to enjoy some of the resort’s most popular seasonal offerings. From holiday-themed parades and fireworks to after-dark ride overlays like “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday, the nighttime experience is a key part of what makes Disneyland’s holiday season magical.
With DCA closing as early as 9 p.m., and Disneyland Park wrapping up by 11 p.m. on certain nights, guests will have a smaller window to fit in festive dining, nighttime entertainment, and the usual lineup of rides.
It’s a logistical and emotional blow for families hoping to soak up every minute of holiday magic. One longtime Disneyland guest expressed their frustration online, writing:
“Prices go up, what you get goes wayyyyy down.”
This sentiment is not uncommon in fan forums and social media discussions, where many are questioning the value of their vacation when hours are being reduced and access to key experiences feels limited.
What’s Behind the Cutbacks?
Disney has not released an official statement explaining the decision to reduce hours during the holidays. However, park insiders and industry watchers have pointed to several potential factors:
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Operational Costs: Keeping the parks open later requires more staffing, lighting, and energy resources, all of which are costlier during the busy season.
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Post-COVID Attendance Patterns: Since the pandemic, Disney (like many theme parks) has been managing capacity and attendance through reservation systems. If projected crowds are lower than in previous years, especially on weeknights, Disney may see less incentive to keep the parks open as late.
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Special Events: Fall and early winter are packed with hard-ticketed events like the Oogie Boogie Bash at DCA, which closes the park early on party nights. Later in the season, other ticketed events may do the same. This results in a patchwork calendar of early closures even during high-demand periods.
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Staffing Considerations: With continued challenges around hiring and retaining park employees, Disney may be trimming hours to reduce pressure on its workforce during a time when demand typically spikes.
While these reasons may make operational sense, they don’t sit well with guests who are paying premium prices for what they believe should be a premium experience.
Should You Be Concerned?
If you’re planning a Disneyland trip during the holiday season, there’s no need to panic—but you should adjust your expectations and plan strategically.
Shorter hours mean less time to get through attractions, dining, and entertainment. Guests should:
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Review park hours daily, as they can change with little notice.
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Make Lightning Lane reservations early to avoid long evening queues.
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Book dining well in advance, especially if you’re hoping for a holiday-themed meal.
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Catch nighttime shows early in your trip, in case they’re canceled due to weather or technical issues.
With fewer nighttime hours, it’s more important than ever to prioritize the experiences that matter most to your group.
Disney’s shrinking hours during the holidays may be a sign of a larger shift in how the company manages its parks. Where once longer hours were a given during peak seasons, today’s strategy appears more measured—perhaps even cautious.
While some guests understand the logistical challenges that come with managing large crowds, others are calling for more transparency and consistency from Disney when it comes to setting expectations.
At the end of the day, the magic is still there—but for now, it may be ending a little earlier than you remember.
Planning a Disneyland trip this holiday season? Check the official Disneyland website daily for the most up-to-date park hours.