Exciting times are ahead for Walt Disney World Resort as it rolls out both new experiences and operational updates, promising guests an unforgettable summer season.
A major shift in Extended Evening Hours. With Magic Kingdom having wrapped up its Disney After Hours events on May 19, the spotlight now turns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. On May 5, the park welcomed back Extended Evening Hours from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts and select hotels. Attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, Na’vi River Journey, and DINOSAUR were available for nighttime thrills.
Even more dates are on the horizon. Extended Evening Hours will return to Animal Kingdom on July 2, and again on July 9 and July 16, according to the official calendar in the My Disney Experience app. Meanwhile, Magic Kingdom will close at 10 p.m. on those dates—a noticeable adjustment from its typical Wednesday night offerings.
This change has sparked speculation that Magic Kingdom is prepping for something big: the debut of its all-new nighttime spectacular.
“Watch as enchanting moments unfold from favorite Disney and Pixar stories such as Moana, Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen, Pinocchio and more. It all happens along the parade route—from Frontierland to Main Street, U.S.A.,” the official Walt Disney World Resort website reads. “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is scheduled to debut in summer 2025! Check back later for more details.”
This comes amid a wave of updates across all four theme parks. Magic Kingdom began offering Disney After Hours back on January 6. These special-ticketed events ran through May 19 and gave guests after-hours access to the park with limited attendance, shorter wait times, and complimentary snacks. Dates included January 6, 13, 20, 27; February 3, 10, 17, 24; March 3, 17, 24, 31; April 7, 28; and May 5, 12, 19.
Animal Kingdom, meanwhile, is preparing for a major reimagining with a multi-year initiative known internally as “Project Ro.” Approved by the South Florida Water Management District in February, the transformation includes new infrastructure and stormwater improvements, all while protecting the park’s wetlands. The permit extends through February 2030.
A centerpiece of this evolution will be Tropical Americas, a new land inspired by Central and South America. Replacing DinoLand U.S.A., this space will feature an Encanto-themed adventure in Antonio’s magical room and a woodcarver’s carousel with animal characters from beloved Disney films.
While TriceraTop Spin has already closed permanently, DINOSAUR will remain open through 2025 before being reimagined into an Indiana Jones-themed attraction.
Also part of the updates, It’s Tough to be a Bug! presented its final show on March 16. Coming in winter 2025 is Zootopia: Better Zoogether—a heartfelt, technology-rich experience housed inside the Tree of Life Theater.
Magic Kingdom is undergoing sweeping changes of its own. As part of the park’s evolution, Frontierland will eventually give way to a new Cars-themed land. Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America will be retired, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, currently closed for refurbishment, is expected to reopen in 2026 as part of this new vision.
With both Disney and Universal making big moves this summer—including Disney’s six parks fully operating and Universal prepping Epic Universe—it’s a transformative season for Florida’s theme park capital.
How do you feel about the Extended Evening Hours moving away from Magic Kingdom this summer? Let us know in the comments down below!
