Walt Disney World is changing fast—just look around and you’ll spot it: construction walls, big reveals, and entire areas getting reimagined. These updates are all part of Disney’s ongoing effort to transform how guests experience the parks… even after the sun goes down.
One of the biggest shifts this summer is the addition of Disney’s Animal Kingdom to the Extended Evening Hours schedule. Traditionally, Magic Kingdom and EPCOT have been the nighttime go-tos, but now Animal Kingdom joins the mix—and it’s a welcome addition. With stunning bioluminescent landscapes in Pandora, thrilling nighttime rides, and a peaceful vibe unlike any other park, it’s quickly becoming a fan favorite for evening explorers staying at Deluxe Resorts.
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, things are shifting in another way—literally. As of early June, construction walls have gone up around the Grand Avenue area. That means we’re saying goodbye to the Muppet-themed section, including Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo, as Disney prepares for something brand new.
So what’s next? The answer was teased back at the 2023 D23 Expo, when Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land called Monstropolis. The star attraction? A high-flying, suspended coaster themed to the wild door chase scene from the movie. “The first time I saw Monsters, Inc., all I wanted to do was ride on one of those doors like Mike and Sulley,” D’Amaro said. “We’re doing that, too. And you’re going along for the ride.”
While fans eagerly await Monstropolis, there are still plenty of evening thrills to enjoy right now. Disney is rolling out a full slate of after-dark offerings, from hard-ticket events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to the always popular Disney After Hours.
But for Deluxe Resort guests, the Extended Evening Hours perk remains a standout. Here’s the summer schedule:
Magic Kingdom: June 25, August 13
EPCOT: June 30; July 7, 14, 21, 28; August 4, 11, 18, 25
Animal Kingdom: July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; August 6
Hollywood Studios: August 29
Hollywood Studios only has one night scheduled, which makes it a rare treat—but there’s a catch. One of the park’s biggest rides, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, won’t be running between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. during Extended Evening Hours. The official Walt Disney World app and planDisney both confirm the omission.
Still determined to ride it? planDisney has a tip: hop in the standby line just before park closing. As Lightning Lane access wraps up for the day, the line tends to move more quickly. “While this may not be the magical news you had hoped to hear,” planDisney noted, “if you’re really committed to experiencing this attraction… consider jumping in the standby line for the attraction just before the regular park closing time.”
It’s not the only high-profile attraction missing from the late-night roster—Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom is also excluded from Extended Evening Hours.
Speaking of Magic Kingdom, its schedule has been through a bit of a rollercoaster. In July, the park will debut Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, a brand-new nighttime parade with performances at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Seemingly to make room, Magic Kingdom’s usual Wednesday Extended Evening Hours were shifted to Animal Kingdom. But now, the fan-favorite park is officially back on the calendar for September 3, 2025, with hours from 10 p.m. to midnight, according to the My Disney Experience app.
Guests should continue utilizing the official channels to plan and prepare for their Disney World vacation, especially if they plan to take advantage of the Extended Evening Hours perk.
From exclusive nighttime events to thrilling new lands on the horizon, Walt Disney World is delivering more after-dark magic than ever before. Got thoughts on all the changes? Share your take in the comments!
