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Credit: DisneyWalt Disney World is gearing up for an eventful January 2025, with both operational changes and exciting extensions to park hours at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. While many attractions are closing for refurbishment or reimagining, guests visiting in early January will enjoy extended park hours to make the most of their trips.
At Magic Kingdom, several adjustments provide more opportunities for nighttime magic. On January 12 and 13, the park will close at 10 p.m. instead of 9 p.m., while January 17 and 18 offer even longer days, with the park open until 11 p.m. Additionally, on January 17, guests can enter as early as 7:30 a.m. with early entry privileges for hotel guests, creating a truly full day of Disney adventures.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also extending its hours. On January 5, the park will remain open until 8 p.m., offering an additional hour of exploration. This extended closing time continues on January 6, when the park will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For the weekend of January 17 and 18, visitors can enjoy an extra hour in the evening, with the park operating until 7 p.m. These changes are especially welcomed by fans of Animal Kingdom’s immersive experiences, from Pandora’s glowing nighttime vistas to the park’s one-of-a-kind animal exhibits.
These updates come amidst a transformative period for Disney World, which is set to unveil significant overhauls in the coming years. Guests can look forward to the introduction of the Disney Villains-themed area at Magic Kingdom and the Tropical Americas expansion at Animal Kingdom, which will replace DinoLand U.S.A.
Additionally, beloved attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will undergo major updates, enhancing the guest experience while maintaining classic Disney magic.
January visitors will need to plan carefully, as the increased hours are paired with notable closures. Attractions such as Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland and Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom will be closed temporarily for refurbishments. Furthermore, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will shut down for over a year, beginning January 5, as part of its extensive overhaul.
The extended hours provide a silver lining, giving guests more time to enjoy open attractions and navigate the park with fewer time constraints.
Whether you’re staying late to see the fireworks at Magic Kingdom or exploring Pandora under the stars, these changes ensure that January visits will still be magical despite the ongoing transformations. For those planning a trip, checking the Disney World app for real-time updates is a must.