Credit: versageek, FlickrDon’t forget: if you’re at Walt Disney World Resort right now, you might not want to visit Magic Kingdom Park tomorrow. The original Central Florida Disney park will close at 5:30 p.m., nearly four hours before its typical closing time, due to a private theme park buyout.
Private Magic Kingdom Park Buyout
Earlier this year, Walt Disney World Resort’s operational calendar revealed that Magic Kingdom Park would close at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13. Disney Parks fans later learned that the early closure was due to the SAP Sapphire & ASUG Conference, which bought out the Most Magical Place on Earth’s most iconic theme park for a private event.
The event includes a live performance by the Dave Matthews Band. Guests spotted Disney cast members setting up a stage near Cinderella Castle on Monday, presumably for the private concert.
Tickets to the SAP Sapphire & ASUG Conference, which are sold out, ranged from $1699 to $2399, including the entire event and admission to the Magic Kingdom Park buyout.
Dave Matthews Band is performing at the Magic Kingdom tomorrow for a buyout. Here’s how much tickets were for the conference. 🫣
Dave Matthews Band is performing at the Magic Kingdom tomorrow for a buyout. Here’s how much tickets were for the conference. 🫣 pic.twitter.com/q1Te3WQAKt
— magic city mayhem (@magiccitymayhem) May 11, 2026
What Walt Disney World Resort Guests Need to Know
Magic Kingdom Park will close at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, so any performances of the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away electrical parade and Happily Ever After nighttime fireworks spectacular will not be available to daytime guests.
The best plan of action for Walt Disney World Resort guests depends on their ticket type. Magic Kingdom Park will likely be less crowded on Wednesday due to the reduced hours, so guests with Park Hopper tickets can take advantage of shorter lines during the day before heading to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in the evening. However, guests with single park tickets should consider visiting one of the other three theme parks tomorrow to get the best value for their admission.
The Magic Kingdom is expected to be more crowded on Thursday, May 13, as guests who didn’t visit on Wednesday make their trips to the original Central Florida Disney park. If possible, avoid visiting on days that bookend the early closure.
Walt Disney World Resort lists its hours on its website and the My Disney Experience app. Check before making a theme park itinerary to avoid being negatively impacted by early closures like this one.
Are you at Walt Disney World Resort this week? Share your experience with Inside the Magic in the comments!
