Fantasyland: It’s the land where dreams take flight, where children meet royalty, and where timeless Disney magic comes alive. But today, Fantasyland’s fairytale ends a little earlier than usual.
In an unexpected shift for daily operations, Disneyland has announced that select locations in Fantasyland will close at 4:00 p.m. today, May 14, due to a private #Disneyland70 media event. The sudden schedule change has sparked questions and concerns from guests planning to spend the full day in the heart of the park’s most beloved land.
What’s really going on behind the castle gates—and how can visitors adjust without losing the magic?
Behind Closed Castle Doors: What’s Happening inside Fantasyland?
While Disneyland has hosted countless special events over the years, this one holds particular weight. It marks the start of the 70th anniversary celebration, and Disney is pulling out all the stops for a media-exclusive showcase. Influencers, journalists, and select insiders are being granted a first glimpse of what’s in store for the park’s next chapter.
Select locations in Fantasyland will be closing at 4:00 p.m. tomorrow due to the #Disneyland70 media event. – @laughing_place on X
Select locations in Fantasyland will be closing at 4:00 p.m. tomorrow due to the #Disneyland70 media event. pic.twitter.com/ZMdS8LKTKp
— LaughingPlace.com (@laughing_place) May 13, 2025
Though Disney hasn’t released a list of which attractions are affected, it’s safe to expect early closures of major staples like Peter Pan’s Flight, Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, King Arthur Carrousel, and even potential dining spots or character meet-and-greets in the area.
And while the event itself is off-limits to the public, its ripple effect will be felt by anyone planning to enjoy Fantasyland this evening.
How to Adjust Your Day in the Kingdom
If you’re in the park today, don’t panic—there’s still plenty of magic to go around. But a bit of flexibility can make a huge difference. Here’s how to plan smart around the closure:
🏰 Hit Fantasyland First
Get to Fantasyland as early as possible today. Prioritize top-tier rides like Peter Pan’s Flight, Alice in Wonderland, and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride before the 4 p.m. closure.
📱 Use the Disneyland App to Track Closures
The Disneyland app will update in real-time, letting you know what’s still open, where to find characters, and what wait times look like in other lands.
🎡 Shift Focus to Other Attractions
Once Fantasyland closes, consider heading to Adventureland, Galaxy’s Edge, or even hopping over to Disney California Adventure if you have a Park Hopper ticket.
🎆 Don’t Forget Evening Entertainment
Cap your day with a nighttime spectacular like Fantasmic!, Wondrous Journeys (if scheduled), or even just a serene castle-view dinner. Disneyland shines after dark—and there’s no closure on that kind of magic.
The Deeper Story: What This Means for Disneyland’s Future
Today’s event might feel like a short-term inconvenience—but in the grand Disney tradition, there’s a deeper purpose behind it.
This #Disneyland70 media preview sets the stage for a series of updates and announcements expected throughout the summer. Fans are anticipating:
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Limited-time anniversary merchandise
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Special food and drink offerings
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Themed decorations throughout the park
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Possible attraction refurbishments or new experiences
Disney’s use of a private event to kick things off signals a carefully curated rollout, designed to spark anticipation and reenergize park-goers during the milestone year.
More Than Just an Early Closing for Fantasyland
Fantasyland’s early closure isn’t just about what’s being taken away—it’s about what’s about to be unveiled. While guests may lose a few evening hours in the park’s most charming land, they’ll soon gain access to a host of new surprises inspired by seven decades of Disneyland history.
And for those visiting today, remember: your magical moments don’t end when the clock strikes four. The rest of Disneyland is waiting to welcome you with open arms—and the story being written behind Fantasyland’s castle doors will soon become part of the park’s ever-growing legend.
