Credit: DisneyAn entire Disney resort is shutting down early today, as guests are removed from both theme parks several hours before their normal closing time.
As per the operating calendar, parkgoers must leave the parks by 7 p.m.
Why Does Disney Close Parks Early?
While the likes of Disneyland and Magic Kingdom often operate well into the late evening, Disney’s theme parks have been known to close early on occasion.
When these early closures are planned, they are typically due to private events. For example, Walt Disney Studios Park (soon to become Disney Adventure World) at Disneyland Paris closed in stages from 11 a.m. onwards back in October as the park was reserved for other uses.
Similarly, Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort is set to close early on January 27. Standard operating hours will run from 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. – a significantly shorter operating day than is standard Disney’s OG Florida park.
Instead of a private event for a company, this is thought to accommodate Disney’s Cast Service Celebration. This honors long-time Disney cast members who have reached significant career milestones, typically ranging from 10 to 50 years of service.
The Latest Early Disney Closure
Today’s early closure impacts Tokyo Disney Resort.
Both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are set to shutter at 7 p.m. instead of the standard 9 p.m. closure time.
As per @ranpu_tdr, the two theme parks have been rented out for a private event, though it remains unclear who booked them.
Whoever booked out the parks can presumably enjoy unlimited access to iconic attractions such as Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Tower of Terror, Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull, Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey, and Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast.
The biggest benefit, however, is experiencing all of it without the crowds. Tokyo Disney Resort is notorious for heavy attendance, with long queues often forming well before park opening and stretching late into the evening, even on non-holiday weekdays. Popular attractions regularly post multi-hour waits (Soaring: Fantastic Flight recently racked up a whopping 6.5-hour queue), making the idea of walking on to headline rides a rare luxury.
Do you plan on visiting Tokyo Disney Resort any time soon?