Disney World Extends Theme Park Hours in Late April & Early May

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We have some great news to report for everyone visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth in late April and early May. Walt Disney World has just announced extended park hours across Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Related: What is changing with Disney’s Disability Access Service?

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Magic Kingdom sees extended hours from April 28th through May 4th, with an extra hour of park time each night, closing at 10 pm instead of 9 pm. This is perfect for squeezing in those last-minute rides on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or grabbing a delicious Dole Whip before the park closes.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Magic Kingdom’s popular Extended Evening Hours are also getting a time shift. Originally scheduled from 9 pm to 11 pm, these special events will now run from 10 pm to midnight on May 1st. This extended window offers guests with pre-purchased tickets the chance to experience the park with lower crowds after dark.


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Disney’s Hollywood Studios joins the party with extended hours on May 2nd through 4th, staying open an extra hour until 10 pm each night. Whether you’re battling Kylo Ren on Rise of the Resistance or catching a showing of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, you’ll have more time to experience the Hollywood magic

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Early Risers Alert! Disney’s Animal Kingdom is offering a special treat for guests who like to get a head start on their day. Early Theme Park Entry for Disney resort guests will shift to a new time of 7:30 am from May 3rd and 4th. This allows you to enter the park 30 minutes before regular park opening, giving you a chance to explore Pandora – The World of Avatar or cool off on Kali River Rapids before the crowds arrive. The park itself will also see extended hours on April 28th and 29th, closing at 7 pm instead of the usual 6 pm.

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Theme Park Hours

Here’s a quick recap of the extended hours and Early Theme Park Entry changes:

Magic Kingdom

  • April 28th – May 4th: 9 am to 10 pm (previously 9 am to 9 pm)
  • May 1st: Extended Evening Hours – 10 pm to midnight (previously 9 pm to 11 pm)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  • May 2nd – 4th: 9 am to 10 pm (previously 9 am to 9 pm)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

  • Early Theme Park Entry (Disney Resort Guests Only)
    • May 3rd & 4th: 7:30 am to 8 am (previously 8:30 am to 9 am)
  • Park Hours
    • April 28th & 29th: 8 am to 7 pm (previously 9 am to 6 pm)
    • May 1st – 4th: 8 am to 6 pm (previously 9 am to 6 pm)

Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date park hours and information before your visit. With these extended hours and special events, there’s more magic than ever to be experienced at Disney World in late April and early May!


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Chris is a Pennsylvania native who escaped the cold and relocated to the Orlando area. Our resident Universal expert, Chris has been visiting the Universal Orlando Resort since the 1990s. Chris is a Universal and Walt Disney World Passholder, and can often be found exploring the parks taking in the sites (and finding new things to write about!).
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