Disney World Theme Parks Return to Normal Operation Saturday

After facing down one of the worst hurricanes to hit Florida in recent memory, the Walt Disney World Resort will proudly celebrate its 51st Birthday with Guests and Cast Members on Saturday, October 1, as its Theme Parks return to normal operating hours.

According to the Walt Disney World website,

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be open from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm, with Early Theme Park Entry offered to Resort Hotel Guests starting at 7:30 am.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be open from 8:30 am – 9:00 pm, with Early Theme Park Entry at 8:00 am.
• EPCOT will also be open from 8:30 am – 9:00 pm, with Early Theme Park Entry at 8:00 am.
• Magic Kingdom Park will be open the longest, from 8:30 am – 11:00 pm. Early Theme Park Entry begins at 8:00 am.

Regarding fireworks and entertainment, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will show “Wonderful World of Animation” at 9:00 pm, EPCOT will run its retiring nighttime spectacular, “Harmonious,” at 9:00 pm as well, and “Disney Enchantment” will light up the skies over Cinderella Castle at 9:00 pm. Magic Kingdom Guests will also get the chance to watch the Festival of Fantasy Parade at 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm.

Please remember that valid Theme Park admission, as well as Theme Park Reservations for October 1, are still required in order to enjoy the Disney Day.

It should be noted that while Disney World Theme Parks get back to normal order, there are still some experiences that will be closed. For example, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will remain closed until Sunday, October 2, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground also remains closed (which means all upcoming performances of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue have also been canceled). It is also unclear if any attractions will remain closed for the time being.

If you had intended to visit Disney World this week or weekend, please visit Disney World’s website, or contact The Walt Disney Travel Company or your authorized Disney Vacation planner for up-to-date information regarding the cancellation or rescheduling policies surrounding your visit.

Read More: CMs are the MVPs during Hurricane Ian per Disney Guests

This turnaround would not have been possible if it were not for the inspiring Walt Disney World Cast Members who have worked through the storm and recent nights to ensure that the magic was kept alive, Resort Hotel Guests were safe and in high spirits, and the Parks were in proper shape.

There is still a lot of work to do in and around Disney World as the entirety of Central Florida recovers from catastrophic rainfall and flooding. But Walt Disney World’s almost-immediate reopening should be seen as a sign of hope that everything is going to be okay after all. The storm has cleared, the sun is coming back out, and the flood waters will recede. Florida will get back on its feet, and its magic-making Cast Members should be more than enough inspiration to get everyone ready to make each other smile, rebuild, and keep moving forward.

Read More: Characters Surprise and Comfort Disney’s Sheltering Guests

We at Disney Fanatic will continue to update our readers on Disney Park news and stories as more developments come to light.

Happy 51st Birthday, Disney World!

Previous Coverage

• Post-Storm Update: Crowds Return to Parks, Disney World Weekend Weather Forecast
• Storm has Passed – Disney World, Universal, MCO Begin Reopening
• Disney World, Disney Cruise Line Assess Damage, Reopening Plans
• Ian Leaves Florida, But Storm Still Rages in Orlando Area
• VIDEO: Record Flooding Hits Central Florida — Disney World Status Update
• Hurricane Update: Storm Center Moves into Disney World County
• Hurricane Ian Makes Landfall, Passing Through Disney World Area Tonight
• Disney World Guests Hunker Down as Hurricane Ian Makes Landfall
• Hurricane Ian Nearing Cat 5 Strength – Disney World Weather Update
• Hurricane Ian Set to Make Landfall, Still Locked on Disney World Area
• Hurricane Ian Eyes Orlando, Disney World Confirms Multi-Day Park Closure
• Ian Still Cat 3, Disney World Under Hurricane Watch
• Ian Now a Category 3, Disney World Still Open Today
• Ian to Become Major Hurricane, Disney Theme Parks Still Opening
• Hurricane Ian Now Category 2, Could Still Hit Disney World
• Hurricane Ian Strengthens, Disney World Under Tropical Storm Watch
• Hurricane Ian Forms in Caribbean — Disney World Weekly Forecast
• Tropical Storm Ian Building Strength, Turning Closer to Disney World
• TS Ian Still Low and Slow, But Some Tracks Stay Over Disney World
• Path to Panhandle Narrows, Disney World Still at Risk
•  Ian Still Tropical Storm, Still Moving West
• Ian to Become Hurricane Sunday, Biden Cancels Disney World Visit
• Ian to Become Category 4 Hurricane, DeSantis Expands State of Emergency
• Path Moves Slightly West, Cape Canaveral Begins Preparations
• Tropical Storm Ian Grows, Disney World County Starts Storm Prep
• Tropical Storm Ian Forms, Category 2 Hurricane Now Expected to Reach Disney World Area
• DeSantis Declares State of Emergency, MCO Issues Update for Travelers
• Hurricane Likely to Hit Florida as Category 3
• Hurricane Likely to Form, Head for Florida
• Going to Disney World Next Week? Might Want to Start Watching the Weather