Disney World Extends December Theme Park Hours in Preparation For Heavy Holiday Crowds

With Thanksgiving behind us now and Christmas on the horizon, Walt Disney World is preparing for one of its busiest times of the year. As schools begin to let out, and families finalize their holiday plans, Disney expects high demand and heavy crowds throughout December.

While the holiday season is the most magical time of year to visit Walt Disney World, it does present its own unique set of challenges.

Thankfully, Disney knows the busy season is coming and knows how to manage the crowds.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party crowds

To that end, the resort announced today that it was extending its theme park hours throughout mid-to-late December, giving guests even more time to experience their favorite attractions, catch a show, dine, or shop.

Here is the latest.

Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios Extended Hours

Both Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Holllywood Studios have had their hours extended in December.

Animal Kingdom will now be open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM on December 20 and 21. Previously, the park was scheduled to close at 6:00 PM.

Tree of Life

Disney’s Hollywood Studios, meanwhile, will now be open from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM on December 18 and December 21. Previously, the park was set to open at 9:00 AM.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Because Hollywood Studios is opening a half hour early, the park’s Early Theme Park Entry has also been pushed back on both December 18 and December 21. Now, resort guests will be able to enter Hollywood Studios at 8:00 AM.

Major Magic Kingdom Changes

The biggest changes to Disney’s theme park hours, however, came to Magic Kingdom.

With Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party set to be held on select dates through December, demand to get into the park on non-party days is high. Because of this, Disney has extended Magic Kingdom’s hours on the following dates:

• December 15 & 20: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (previously 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
• December 16: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (previously 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM)
• December 18: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM (previously 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM)
• December 21: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM (previously 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM)

With the park set to open earlier on December 15, 18, and 20, Early Theme Park Entry has also now been moved back to 7:30 AM.

Check Back With MickeyBlog

As the holiday season continues, Disney is likely to make further alterations to its theme park hours.

So, be sure to check back with MickeyBlog. We will continue to update you on all the news from Walt Disney World!

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