Bob Iger Greenlights Hourly Operational Changes at Disney Parks

Park hours at Walt Disney World Resort are about to shift for the better.

Extended Operating Hours Announced

Disney has officially extended the operating hours for both Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom through mid-October 2024. The new schedules include earlier openings and later closings on various selected days, allowing guests to maximize their park experiences.

New hours for Magic Kingdom

Starting October 2, Magic Kingdom will operate from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., extended from the previous 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. schedule. Notable changes will take place on specific days, where the park is set to open earlier, such as on October 3, 4, 6, 10, and 11, with hours shifting to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Additionally, the park will be open until 11 p.m. on October 5, 7, 9, 12, 13, 16, and 19, allowing ample opportunity for evening entertainment.

Updated hours for Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will also see similar adjustments. From October 1-3, and again on October 7-10 and 16-17, the park will open at 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m., up from a previous schedule of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. On days such as October 4-6, 12-15, and 18-19, hours will extend to 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., enhancing visitor flexibility for planning their day.

• October 1-3, 7-10, 16-17: Open 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (one hour earlier)
• October 4-6, 12-15, 18-19: Open 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (extended hours)
• October 11: Open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (two extra hours)

Operating hours through October 2024

The updated operating hours for both parks will remain effective through mid-October 2024, offering guests significant opportunities to enjoy attractions and experiences at their leisure. This change reflects Disney’s ongoing commitment to improving guest experiences by providing increased access to their beloved parks.

Enhancing Guest Experience

The extended hours at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom not only provide longer days for visitors, but they also aim to enhance the overall quality of the guest experience.

Increased time at attractions

Guests can benefit from increased time to enjoy attractions without the pressure of rushing. Extended hours can allow families to explore iconic rides and participate in various experiences, improving their overall enjoyment. As attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Expedition Everest typically draw large crowds, longer hours create an opportunity for visitors to experience these favorites multiple times.

Advantages of nighttime visits

Nighttime visits to Disney parks can provide a unique perspective, as many attractions take on a different character when illuminated. Iconic experiences such as the nighttime show Happily Ever After in Magic Kingdom transform the atmosphere, allowing guests a magical experience distinct from their daytime visit.

Less crowded parks during extended hours

When parks extend their operating hours, they tend to attract fewer guests during these extra hours.
Consequently, visitors can enjoy an enhanced experience with shorter wait times for rides and attractions. This aspect particularly appeals to families and groups looking to optimize their amusement during their visit to Disney World.

Value Without Extra Cost

The ability to enjoy extended hours without an increase in ticket price further enhances the value proposition for guests at Disney World.

Same ticket price for more hours

By extending the hours at both the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, Disney has enabled guests to get more value out of their park tickets. This increase in duration provides the chance to experience more attractions and entertainment without incurring additional expenses.

More opportunities for rides and dining

With longer hours, guests can spend more time trying to secure reservations at popular dining establishments or enjoy spontaneous meals at quick-service options without the hassle of strict time constraints. This flexibility leads to more leisurely dining experiences—critical for families needing downtime during hectic park days.

Enhanced flexibility in planning visits

All these aspects combined create increased flexibility in planning visits. Families can now schedule their days around preferences, ensuring that they can engage in must-see attractions while leaving room for immersive dining experiences and shopping. By maximizing their time in the park, guests can better balance their entertainment choices.

Special Events and Early Entry

The extended hours program often coincides with special events and exclusive access opportunities, elevating the guest experience.

Extended hours during special events

Disney frequently extends park hours for various special events, including Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and other themed nights. Guests attending these events can enjoy park access during commonly busy periods, which translates to less waiting and exclusive experiences not typically available during regular hours.

Exclusive access for resort guests

Disney also offers extended evening hours for guests staying at select Disney resort properties, giving these visitors access to select attractions after standard operating hours. This great perk allows for minimal waits on popular rides, providing a significant advantage to those who choose on-property lodging.

Popular attractions available during extended hours

Guests can take advantage of extended hours in both parks to enjoy a variety of rides. Classic attractions like “it’s a small world” and Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom, alongside favorites in Animal Kingdom like Flight of Passage, are often made available. The selection of attractions open during extended hours further enhances the appeal of maximizing park visits.

Therefore, the recent announcement of extended hours at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom illustrates Disney’s commitment to providing guests with an enriched experience. From increased access to attractions and exclusive opportunities to enjoy nighttime settings, guests can expect a more rewarding visit that delivers lasting memories.

What time do you think Disney should be open until?