
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? You might want to hit pause on those perfectly crafted itineraries because Disney just dropped some major park hour updates. Whether you’re a sunrise chaser eager to be first in line or someone who loves the magic of the parks after dark, these changes could shake up your plans.
If you’re staying at a deluxe resort, these updates are even more important. Extended Evening Hours let you enjoy extra time in the parks, but with new schedules rolling out, you’ll want to double-check your plans to make the most of every magical minute.
The Usual Routine: Park Hours Basics
Normally, Disney’s four parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom—open around 9:00 a.m. But if you’re staying at a Disney resort, you get a sweet perk called Early Theme Park Entry. That means you can start your day 30 minutes before everyone else, letting you grab that perfect Main Street, U.S.A. photo or score a spot on popular rides like Avatar Flight of Passage with minimal wait.
For those who prefer to close out the parks, Extended Evening Hours are your golden ticket. Deluxe resort guests get two extra hours in select parks after closing, making it easier to hit those big attractions like Space Mountain or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure without battling long lines.
Breaking News: Extended Evening Hours Updates
We already had some heads-up about Valentine’s week, but Disney has thrown in even more surprises that stretch beyond February 14. Here’s the lowdown:
Magic Kingdom Changes:
- Feb 16-17: Park closes at 10:00 p.m.
- Feb 18-19: Early birds rejoice—the park opens at 8:00 a.m. with Early Entry at 7:30 a.m. Closing time is now 11:00 p.m., and Extended Evening Hours run until 1:00 a.m.
- Feb 20-21: Closing time pushed to 10:00 p.m.
- Feb 22: Enjoy the park until 11:00 p.m.
Late-night parkgoers, take note: If you’re planning to ride Space Mountain at midnight, make sure you’re not setting an early alarm the next day!
Animal Kingdom Adjustments:
- Feb 16-18 & Feb 21-22: Closes at 8:00 p.m.
- Feb 19-20: Park stays open until 7:00 p.m.
- March 23-29, 2025: Another hour added, closing at 7:00 p.m.
Animal Kingdom doesn’t offer Extended Evening Hours, but the later closing times give you a chance to see Pandora lit up in all its bioluminescent glory—an absolute must for any Disney fan.
Hollywood Studios Updates:
- Feb 16: Early Entry kicks off at 8:00 a.m.
- Feb 14-22: Double the magic with two Fantasmic! shows at 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
This gives you the flexibility to catch a show and still squeeze in a few more rides before calling it a night.
Why It Matters
Disney doesn’t make these changes randomly. They’re often a sign of expected crowd surges due to holidays, special events, or busy seasons like Valentine’s and spring break. If you’re the type of planner who loves a perfectly timed schedule (we see you, spreadsheet warriors), these updates could throw a wrench into your dining reservations, Lightning Lane plans, and even your transportation back to your resort.
The My Disney Experience app is your best friend here—keep it handy to stay on top of the latest changes.
At the end of the day, whether you’re chasing rope drop or soaking up every last minute of park magic, these extended hours give you more time to create unforgettable memories. Just remember—pace yourself, stay hydrated, and maybe sneak in a midday nap to keep the magic going strong!