Disney World Extends Theme Park Hours at Magic & Animal Kingdoms in January

Disney Extends Park Hours at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom for Early January 2025

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in early to mid-January, you’re in luck—Disney has extended operating hours at both Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom during this timeframe. The extra hours provide more time for guests to explore attractions, enjoy entertainment, and savor the magic of the parks. Here’s a breakdown of the updated schedules:

Related: Ring in 2025 with Special New Year’s Photopass Lenses at Disney World & Disneyland

Extra Time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom, known for its lush landscapes and the breathtaking Tree of Life, is offering extended operating hours in January.

• Sunday, January 5: Closing time has been moved from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., providing an additional hour to enjoy the park’s offerings. The park will open at 8 a.m.
• Monday, January 6: Hours have been extended from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., giving guests two extra hours in the park compared to the original schedule.
• Friday, January 17, and Saturday, January 18: Closing time has been extended from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the park open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on both days.

These changes offer more opportunities to enjoy popular attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest, as well as the serene beauty of Pandora – The World of Avatar after sunset.

Extended Hours at Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom, home to the iconic Cinderella Castle, is also offering additional evening hours on several dates in January. These changes give guests more time to experience the enchanting nighttime ambiance and attractions.

• Sunday, January 12, and Monday, January 13: The park will now close at 10 p.m., an hour later than previously scheduled. Opening remains at 9 a.m.
• Friday, January 17: The park will open an hour earlier at 8 a.m., with early entry for Disney hotel guests starting at 7:30 a.m. Closing time has also been extended from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., offering an additional three hours of magic.
• Saturday, January 18: Hours have been extended again, with the park now open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

These extended hours make it easier to catch fan-favorite evening experiences like Happily Ever After, and allow guests to enjoy attractions under the twinkling lights of the park.

Related: Disney World Limiting New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Magic Kingdom Hotels to Resort Guests Only

Why the Extended Hours?

The schedule changes could reflect higher-than-anticipated crowds during the early January timeframe, possibly from guests extending their holiday vacations or taking advantage of post-holiday travel deals. Extended hours are a fantastic bonus for parkgoers, providing more time to experience Disney magic without needing to adjust plans significantly.

If you’re heading to Walt Disney World Resort during these dates, be sure to take advantage of the additional hours to maximize your visit. With more time to explore attractions and enjoy the atmosphere, January is shaping up to be a great time to experience the parks!

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