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Enjoy earlier mornings and even later evenings at the Most Magical Place on Earth. You do not want to miss out on these extended hours for guests. But be aware that these extended hours come with a warning.
Updated Park Hours
Our Kenny the Pirate writing team shares the latest theme park updates with you as Disney releases them. While the initial hours are a great way to begin preparing for your trip, Disney also updates the hours as dates loom near. We want to make sure that you have all the information that you need for your upcoming trip.
It is always exciting when Disney adds to its hours of operation because you can plan what to do with extra time in the parks! When park hours extend, it means your early entry times might shift! So be sure you check the schedule so that you can arrive accordingly if you wish to utilize the Early Entry benefit.
Magic Kingdom
There is so much to see and enjoy at the Magic Kingdom. Starting December 24th through December 30th, guests can enjoy the Magic Kingdom even longer.
The Magic Kingdom will now open an hour earlier at 8:00 am. This will allow Disney Resort Guests with Early Entry to enter at 7:30 am.
Along with earlier openings, Magic Kingdom guests can stay in the park until midnight. During this busy Christmas week, guests can enjoy Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. Check showtimes HERE.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
From December 24th through December 30th, guests can enjoy a little extra time in the morning at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The park will open to all guests at 8:30 am. Disney Resort Guests can enjoy Early Entry at 8:00 am.
Unfortunately, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will still close at 9:00 pm each evening. With higher crowds, guests can enjoy two showings of Fantasmic! each night.
Pirate tip: Attend the second Fantasmic! show for lower crowds.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Sivako! Disney’s Animal Kingdom will open one hour earlier for the week of December 24th through December 30th. The park will open to all guests at 8:00 am and 7:30 for Disney Resort Early Entry.
Starting on Christmas Day, December 25th through December 30th, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will remain open until 8:00 pm each night. Select Disney Deluxe Resort Guests can enjoy Extended Evening Hours on December 28th. Since the park now closes at 8:00 pm, Extended Evening Hours will begin at 8:00 pm until 10:00 pm.
Warning
The great news is that you can enjoy even more time at Walt Disney World this holiday season. The bad news is that they are extending park hours with higher crowds preparing to visit.
Park Passes are already selling out for these dates. Along with higher crowds comes variable pricing for Disney Genie+. Over Thanksgiving, the price for Disney Genie+ skyrocketed to $35 for select park options.
If you are planning to visit from December 24th through December 30th, be aware that you may be paying a premium price for Disney Genie+ and that this service may sell out. Just as a reminder, you can purchase Disney Genie+ at midnight for the start of your park day.
What do you think of these extended hours? Do you think the parks will be packed this Christmas season? Do you plan to visit during this week? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.
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