It is no secret that we have seen a number of cuts at Walt Disney World since its reopening after closures due to COVID-19. The temporary loss of parades, fireworks as well as Fastpass+ and the controversial measure of mandatory mask wearing for all has led to frustration and anger among Walt Disney World guests.

In January we heard that Disney will be ceasing its Disney's Magical Express service for those guests choosing to stay on resort at Walt Disney World. Disney also announced that Extra Magic Hours Will Not Return to Walt Disney World, New "Early Entry" Program Announced. For those guests who aren't early risers this may not be a huge loss but for others it could make the difference between choosing a stay on or off property.

It isn't all doom and gloom as the new "Early Entry" program will give hotel guests the chance to enter any of the four theme parks 30 minutes early each day. This gives guests extra flexibility at the start of the day but there doesn't seem to be any news on guests being able to stay after park closing time which will be a huge disappointment to many.

So let's find out what you voted in our latest Big Debate...

RESULTS

So here are the results to our Big Debate, Extra Magic Hours Will Not Return to Walt Disney World, Does It REALLY Matter?:

• YES, loved Extra Magic Hours - 82%
• NO, not bothered, new "Early Entry" will be better - 12%

So, there doesn't seem to be much debate between those readers who voted. The loss of Extra Magic Hours appears to be a huge blow for Walt Disney World resort guests.

Yours Thoughts and Comments

As always in our Big Debate Results articles we include a number of your comments to hopefully show each side of the debate and then will finish with a summary:

"I usually avoid the park with morning EMH anyway, as it ends up being more crowded. I will miss the evening hours though, as I love the parks at night. I worry that with resort guests getting in early to every park it will eliminate the possibility of getting to a non-EMH park early to beat the crowds."

"The extra magic hours drew the crowds...we avoided those parks on those days."

"There’s nothing like being in the parks at night. It’s so much more magical. I understand Disney has taken a hard it but fear the magic will never be the same."

"Magic hours were a very big reason we stayed on property."

"Always used evening extra magic hours, love being in the parks late night. 30 minutes early entry not really a perk."

"Too early. We are night owls in my family. We really preferred the extra time at night. Everything just looks so bright when it’s lit up."

"The EMH was a prime benefit. The hotel guests would skip at times the most popular attractions knowing they had the nights to enjoy them."

"They could have still kept EMH in terms of still keeping night hours for resort guests only, but make it for all the parks every day instead of select park(s) certain nights. That was the whole problem they’re saying is that everyone would go to that one park."

"All the perks of staying on property are gone. Not really worth it anymore. Very sad."

"Doesn't really matter, we haven't used magic hours in years."

"30 minutes... compared to the 4 hours we used to get at night."

"Very disappointed to see them do away with Extra Magic Hours. We are not morning people, so early morning hours aren't beneficial to us....we loved the late night hours."

In summary, it is clear that majority of the people who have taken part in this Big Debate are understandably disappointed and will miss the evening hours. It leaves us questioning whether Disney may add this when the measures around COVID-19 are relaxed?

Could this, however, be a way of Disney trying to encourage more onsite resort guests because this new Early Entry program will eliminate non resort guests ability to take advantage of getting to a non Early Magic Hours park early to beat the crowds? Only time will tell and we will keep you up to date with any further announcements on the new "Early Entry" program and when guests can expect to see this implemented.

It is great to hear all your comments and we hope you enjoy having the opportunity to give your opinion on these issues. To vote in our latest Big Debate click on this link, Is It Worth Visiting Walt Disney World In 2021? For the latest news from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and beyond head to our News and Facebook page.