Credit: Ken Lund, FlickrOne final reminder for Walt Disney World Resort guests: the Magic Kingdom will close at 5:30 p.m. today, Wednesday, May 13. Families visiting the original Central Florida Disney park will be asked to leave nearly four hours earlier than usual. Here’s everything visitors need to know.
Why Is Magic Kingdom Park Closing Early Today?
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, 2026. Reporting eventually revealed that the SAP Sapphire & ASUG Annual Conference had bought out the original Central Florida Disney park that day for a ticketholder-exclusive event, including a performance by the Dave Matthews Band. On Monday, Disney cast members were spotted setting up a stage near Cinderella Castle, presumably for the private concert.
Tickets to the SAP Sapphire & ASUG Annual Conference, including the entire event at the Orange County Convention Center and the evening at Magic Kingdom Park, ranged from $1,699 to $2,399. As the conference ran from May 11 to May 13, they are no longer available for purchase.
Performances of the Happily Ever After fireworks show and the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away electrical parade, if held, will be exclusive to event ticketholders. Regular Magic Kingdom Park guests will not be able to view the nighttime entertainment offerings on Wednesday.
How To Make The Most Of A Walt Disney World Resort Vacation This Week
Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort this week are urged to visit the Magic Kingdom on another day. The original Central Florida Disney park is expected to be more crowded on Thursday, May 14, as families make up for lost time. Visitors may have to arrive early to snag viewing spots for Happily Ever After and Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away tomorrow night.
Walt Disney World Resort posts its theme park hours on its website and the My Disney Experience app in advance, allowing guests to plan around any early closures like this one. Always check the official calendar before planning a theme park itinerary.
Are you visiting the Central Florida Disney parks this week? Tell Inside the Magic about your experience in the comments!
