Disappointing Change for Extended Evening Hours at Disney World
This once BIG perk doesn't seem like quite the perk with this disappointing trend. Check out the recent change.
Extended Evening Hours
Guests staying at Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts can experience the parks at night after everyone else has left. This is one of the many great benefits of staying at these high-tier resorts.
Typically, Epcot hosts Extended Evening Hours on Monday, and Magic Kingdom hosts Extended Evening Hours on Wednesday.
This has been the case for the last few years, with a few exceptions.
Extended Evening Hours Change
Disney's Animal Kingdom typically closes early to allow time to care for the animals. However, in August Disney announced that Disney's Animal Kingdom will host Extended Evening Hours.
For September, we were excited to see Extended Evening Hours being offered at Magic Kingdom on September 9, 2026, Disney's Hollywood Studios on September 16th, 23rd, and 30th. This continues into October for October 7th and 14th at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Unfortunately, this trend does not continue. Walt Disney World shifts Extended Evening Hours back to Disney's Animal Kingdom on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
We do love extra time to enjoy Disney's Animal Kingdom, but this park offers fewer attractions for Extended Evening Hours compared to Magic Kingdom.
Why this change?
Each fall, we see this unpopular shift of Extended Evening Hours from Magic Kingdom. This change is twofold, with the start of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in August and running through October, along with Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party offered for both November and December.
Extended Evening Hours move to Animal Kingdom on October 20, 2026.
The opportunity to enjoy Extended Evening Hours at Disney's Hollywood Studios closes as Jollywood Nights begin on November 7, 2026. Every week, new park hours are released, we will share update park hours and any changes for Extended Evening Hours.
What do you think of this change for Extended Evening Hours? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Donna loved Disney from an early age. As a child, her family would joke that she lived in "Donna Land." As an adult, she enjoys planning and creating magical vacations for her family. She always brings a little faith, trust, and a little bit of Pixie Dust!
