In recent weeks, many Disney fans have come across numerous articles highlighting concerns from both the company and CEO Bob Iger about the growing number of guests who have stated they won’t be returning to the theme parks anytime soon. A significant portion of these individuals cited high costs as their main reason for staying away.
Despite this feedback, Disney has continued to raise prices across the board, including ticket prices and its controversial Lightning Lane passes.
Related: Inside Disney’s Struggle: Price Hikes and the Growing Worry Over Park Attendance
However, it seems that Disney has finally recognized that guests are looking for ways to enjoy more time in the parks without the added expense of After-Hours events.
Walt Disney World visitors are in for a treat this March as the resort has announced extended hours for both Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. With longer operating hours, guests will have more time to enjoy their favorite attractions, entertainment, and dining experiences, all without the need for an extra ticketed event.
Related: Disney World Updates Operational Hours for This Spring
Why the Extended Hours?
Disney has been adjusting park hours throughout the year, and these changes for March allow guests more flexibility in their visits. The added time could help alleviate crowding, while also providing guests with more opportunities to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times.
Beginning in early March, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will stay open later on select nights. Here’s a breakdown of the updated schedule.
Magic Kingdom Extended Hours
- March 2 – 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- March 3 – 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- March 4 – 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- March 5 – 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- March 6 – 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- March 7 – 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- March 8 – 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Related: Magic Kingdom Transformation: What Guests Need To Know
Animal Kingdom Extended Hours
- March 2 – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- March 3 – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- March 4 – 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- March 5 – 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (no extended hours)
- March 6 – 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (no extended hours)
- March 7 – 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- March 8 – 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Bonus Time for Disney Resort Guests
Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel will continue to benefit from Early Theme Park Entry, which allows them access 30 minutes before the official park opening. However, not all attractions, shops, and dining locations are available during these early hours.
Will More Extended Hours Be Added?
Disney has been gradually extending park hours throughout the year, and it’s possible that additional dates or longer hours could be added as crowd levels increase. Whether this is a temporary change or a sign of a long-term shift remains to be seen.
For those heading to Walt Disney World in March, these extended hours provide extra time to experience the parks with fewer crowds. Whether it’s enjoying Space Mountain at night or a late-evening safari at Kilimanjaro Safaris, the additional hours create more magical moments for guests.
Are you excited about the extended hours? Let us know which park you love visiting at night in the comments!
