Disney World Prepares for Heavy Crowds

Walt Disney World stays fairly busy throughout the year, but certain times are busier than others. Disney just shared how they are preparing for heavy crowds very soon. See if your upcoming Walt Disney World trip vacation will be affected and check out our pro-tips.

Heavy Crowds

The park hours initially provided by Disney can help you prepare for your visit, but they often change as the dates get closer. Often times, park hours will be extended particularly when heavier crowds are expected at Walt Disney World.

As we head towards Easter, we see extended Park hours. Disney's Hollywood Studios now closes at 10 PM on April 26 (previously closing at 9 PM). Guests can also enjoy two showings of Fantasmic! (9:00 and 10:30) on this date. Pro-tip: enjoy the 10:30 show for lower crowds.

Typically, Disney's Animal Kingdom closes early to allow time to care for the animals. On April 26 Park hours are now extended for Disney's Animal Kingdom until 7 PM (previously closing at 6 PM).

Extended Park Hours

A Ban is Now in Place at Disney World — Credit: Donna

At Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World resort guests can enjoy an even earlier Early Entry on select dates. On April 22 and on April 26th Early Entry moves from 8:30 AM to 7:30 AM. Magic Kingdom closing will also be extended as follows:

Magic Kingdom closing will also be extended as follows: April 20, 21, 23, 24: closing is now extended from 9 PM to 10 PM and April 22 and 25th: closing is now extended from 9 PM to 11 PM

This change to operating hours will also affect Extended Evening Hours on April 23. Previously, these were from 9 PM until 11 PM for Walt Disney World Deluxe guests. Now the new Extended Evening Hours will begin at 10 PM until 12 AM on April 23.

Blizzard Beach Extended Hours

New for 2025 packages: Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel can enjoy admission to one of the water parks on check-in day! This is included with your stay.

Pro tip: Plan to arrive early at Blizzard Beach on these dates. The water park may fill up quickly and guests arriving later in the day may be turned away.

Typically, Blizzard Beach offers operational hours from 10 AM until 5 PM daily. There is a new change for operational hours affected by heavier crowds. April 20 through the 26th, Blizzard Beach will now close at 7 PM daily.

What do you think of these extended hours? Will you be visiting during these times? Share your thoughts with us, and share this news with your Disney pals.