Magic Kingdom ParkNews

Magic Kingdom Shifts Opening Times, Changing Rope Drop at Park

Fall is nearly here at Walt Disney World Resort, and with it comes an updated morning routine at Magic Kingdom Park. Guests visiting on select dates will now be able to enter the park earlier than usual to make the most of their day ahead of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Beginning August 15, Magic Kingdom opens its gates at 8:00 a.m., with Early Theme Park Entry starting at 7:30 a.m. for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels. Additional dates that follow this early opening schedule include August 17, August 19, and August 22.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Jack and Sally
Credit: Disney

These new hours are in place on days when the Halloween event is scheduled. Since the party officially starts at 7:00 p.m., this adjustment helps provide extra time for daytime guests to enjoy the park before the evening festivities take over. As always, those attending the party can begin entering the park as early as 4:00 p.m., even without a daytime park ticket.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins August 15, and tickets for several nights have already sold out. October 31 was the first to go, followed by multiple August dates. Each year, the event brings unique seasonal entertainment, including returning fan-favorite offerings.

The Boo-To-You Halloween Parade steps off with appearances from Disney characters in Halloween attire, dancing ghosts, and villains—along with the Headless Horseman leading the charge down Main Street, U.S.A. The Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular also returns to the Cinderella Castle stage, as the Sanderson Sisters cast spells and bring a host of Disney villains into the mix. Then, as night falls, fireworks and projections light up the skies during Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, hosted by Jack Skellington.

Cinderella Castle at night
Credit: Inside the Magic

While these entertainment elements continue to draw attention, this year’s event pricing has prompted conversation among guests. Increases across select nights have been noted, part of ongoing feedback directed toward Disney Experiences.

Whether you're visiting for the attractions during the day or planning to attend the Halloween celebration in the evening, these early opening changes offer added flexibility for your visit to Magic Kingdom.

What are your thoughts on the schedule shift? Share your plans and experiences in the comments!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

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