Beginning September 8, 2020, all four Walt Disney World theme parks will adopt a reduced operating schedule. The upcoming change will close each of the parks one to two hours earlier and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will also open a bit later.
Below is the new operating schedule:
Magic Kingdom
9am to 6pm (was 9am to 7pm)
Epcot
11am to 7pm (was 11am to 9pm)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
10am to 7pm (was 10am to 8pm)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
9am to 5pm (was 8am to 6pm)
This change comes as Disney recognizes the low demand for their theme parks. Currently, guests visiting the parks within an hour or two of closing time have reported nearly deserted parks. There have been times where cast members have outnumbered the guests. It’s a photographer’s dream, but it’s a financial problem for Disney.
Unfortunately, adjustments to the operating schedule may continue. Guests shouldn’t be surprised to see Disney also change the operating hours for specific attractions within the parks. This is a fluid situation that may change without advanced notice.
