Disney Issues Crowd Notice Ahead of Private Event Day, Ticketed Guests Escorted Out Early

On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Disneyland Park will open its gates at 8:00 a.m. but will close early at 7:00 p.m. instead of the usual 10:00 p.m. weekday closure.

The early shutdown is in preparation for a private media event that evening, just two days before the anticipated debut of the reimagined attraction Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the official start of Disneyland’s holiday season on November 15. These developments are set to draw crowds in the following days, but this mid-week date could be a unique opportunity for some visitors.

While Disney California Adventure will remain open from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., Disneyland’s early closing may influence crowd levels, creating a day that could feel both quieter and more local than the average weekday. Many annual pass holders, known as Magic Key holders, are likely to attend, taking advantage of the extra space and potentially shorter lines despite the shortened hours.

Why Magic Key Holders Are Expected to Show Up

For many locals and passholders, the early closure isn’t a deterrent.

Magic Key holders, especially those who live nearby, are accustomed to shorter visits and often make quick trips to the park to enjoy a few hours rather than spending a full day. For them, November 13 presents a relatively quiet chance to enjoy Disneyland without the usual weekend or holiday crowd surge. With their passes already paid for, many passholders are likely to see this day as an opportunity to savor a less crowded Disneyland experience, even if it means wrapping up their day earlier than usual.

Moreover, Magic Key holders who plan to visit the park during the holiday season may find this mid-week day an ideal prelude to the bustling festivities that kick off on November 15. Many passholders are aware that Disneyland during the holidays can become quite packed, especially during weekends, so this date presents a unique chance to experience the park just before the holiday crowds swell. Since annual pass holders typically return frequently, they’re also less likely to be bothered by the lack of evening entertainment, nighttime spectaculars, or extended park hours, which are more of a draw for single-day ticket guests or tourists.

Single-Day Ticket Guests May Opt for a Different Date

For ticketed visitors, especially those traveling from out of town, the shortened hours on November 13 may make the day less appealing. With Disneyland’s standard ticket prices still in place despite the early closure, some single-day visitors may choose to visit on a day when the park offers a full schedule, especially if they plan to stay late to experience evening attractions, parades, or fireworks.

This timing is particularly relevant for guests who want to get the most out of their single-day ticket, as Disneyland’s holiday decorations, themed attractions, and festive offerings officially debut on November 15, just two days after this early closure. For many tourists, the allure of the holiday experience makes visiting during the first full weekend of the season far more attractive, especially when Disneyland will be open until 10:00 p.m. on Friday and even later on weekends.

For those families or day-trippers seeking a packed schedule of shows, nighttime events, and festive displays, waiting a couple more days for the complete holiday experience is likely more worthwhile. By comparison, November 13 may not hold the same allure, especially if their goal is to enjoy Disneyland at its festive peak.

Anticipated Benefits for November 13 Visitors

For those who do decide to visit on November 13, the park’s early closure could offer a surprisingly peaceful experience, especially in the morning and early afternoon hours. The lighter attendance expected from single-day guests may translate to shorter wait times and easier access to popular attractions. With fewer crowds, guests can expect a more relaxed pace as they enjoy Disneyland’s classic rides and seasonal decor, which is already starting to make its way into the park ahead of the holiday season.

Guests visiting on November 13 should consider arriving right at opening to make the most of their day. By starting early, visitors can experience Disneyland’s most popular attractions before crowd levels peak and can explore much of the park without facing the same congestion expected during the holiday season.

Additionally, the early closure for a media event means that the park will be preparing for coverage around the upcoming launch of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and holiday festivities. Media previews often bring an air of excitement as new decorations and features start to appear, and early November visitors may catch a glimpse of some seasonal touches before the official holiday launch. Though specific areas may close earlier in the day to accommodate the event, visitors on November 13 can still enjoy the park’s attractions and restaurants before the crowds arrive for the weekend.

Making the Most of a Quieter Day

For locals, annual pass holders, and flexible visitors, November 13 could provide a unique and slightly more relaxed Disneyland experience just before the holidays take over. Although the park hours are shorter, the absence of the weekend and holiday crowds may allow visitors to experience more rides and attractions than they might on a typical day, making it a worthwhile option for those in the area.

Meanwhile, tourists or those with limited chances to visit Disneyland may find it beneficial to wait until the holiday offerings are fully available, especially if they want to experience Disneyland’s nighttime entertainment and seasonal magic in full swing. November 13 is shaping up to be a different Disneyland day—quieter, more local, and filled with unique opportunities for those looking to see the park in a rare moment of pre-holiday calm.

Will this impact your upcoming Disney vacation?