Walt Disney World Extends Hours to Cope With Rising Guest Levels

Saturday, December 14, 2019 - 04:53

Disney's Animal Kingdom

It looks like Disney is not anticipating large crowds at Disney's Animal Kingdom and have only extended hours on a few dates this holiday season

December 25 – Park opening changed to 8:00 AM (Previously 9:00 AM)
December 31 – Park opening changed to 7:00 AM (Previously 9:00 AM)
January 18 – Park closing extended to 9:00 PM (Previously 8:00 PM)

As of right now there are no operating hours changes scheduled for Epcot, but that could change in the near future.

Though the current hour changes only last through the holiday season, it will be interesting to see if crowd levels grow the way Disney is expecting them to not only over the next few weeks, but into the traditional "slow" season, when guest levels are typically lower (but traffic from local passholders is higher). Either way, it looks like guests are going to have some extra time at Walt Disney World over the next few weeks, as long as they don't mind rising early or staying up late!

Amanda KondolojyView Profile

Managing editor of Theme Park Tourist and dark ride enthusiast. Amanda is a lifelong theme parks fan who lives just outside Orlando. When she’s not booking FastPass+ reservations, standing in a queue or eating the latest specialty cupcake, you can find her watching a Marvel movie, reading a book (probably by Neil Gaiman) or singing along to showtunes in her car. Contact: [email protected]