Disney’s Animal Kingdom will shut its doors early on Thursday, Aug. 28
Those heading to Disney World tomorrow might have to call it an early night. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is slated to close at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the largest of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The theme park opened its doors in 1998, and is organized into themed areas with a strong emphasis on wildlife and conservation. Visitors can enjoy a safari ride, walk through trails, and enjoy other attractions like the Kali River Rapids.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios already closed early this month on Saturday, Aug. 16—wrapping up by 6:00 p.m. and canceling the Fantasmic! nighttime spectacular. These early closures cut into visitors’ nighttime experiences, impacting their overall experience.
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What does this mean for your Animal Kingdom visit?
If you’re heading to Animal Kingdom on Aug. 28, you will be afforded a shorter day at the park—only nine hours. That leaves a small pocket of time for attractions, like Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, or even getting sunset photos in Pandora.
It’s important to plan ahead: dinner reservations, park hopping and evening transportation so you lose less time figuring things out.
Disneydining.com states that “early closures often go unnoticed until guests are in the parking lot, already booked. Don’t let that be you.”
What other dates do Disney World parks close early?
Magic Kingdom, which houses the iconic Cinderella’s Castle, is expected to close early on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
“While timing hasn’t been finalized, historical patterns suggest a 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. closure to make way for the evening corporate event,” Disneydining.com states.
Tips to make the most of Disney World
Disneydining.com’s guide to make the most of your time at Disney:
- Check park hours everyday, especially for Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom in fall.
- Plan early: get in as early as you can, use Early Entry if eligible, pace your must-dos early in the day.
- Build flexibility: have backup plans for dinner, entertainment, or park hopping.
- Consider after-hour events: sometimes paying for limited access provides a more reliable experience.
- Alert travel companions: this information is essential if you’re coordinating with friends or family.
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