Disney World visitors heading to Orlando in early December are getting some unexpected good news, as the resort has announced several changes to its operating schedule.
With Christmas celebrations underway, the theme parks are preparing for another busy stretch of the holiday season. Between special events, festive entertainment, and changing park hours, guests already have plenty to consider when planning their vacations.
Now, Disney has extended operating hours at three of its four theme parks, giving visitors additional time to enjoy their favorite attractions.
The changes affect several dates between November 30 and December 5, 2026, although some parks are receiving considerably more time than others.
Magic Kingdom Gets the Biggest Changes
Magic Kingdom is receiving the most significant schedule adjustments, with earlier openings and later closings on multiple dates.
On December 2 and December 5, the park will open at 8 a.m. instead of 9 a.m. Disney has also pushed closing time from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
That means guests will have 15 hours to enjoy Magic Kingdom on both dates.
Eligible resort guests can enter even earlier through Disney World’s Early Theme Park Entry benefit, which will begin at 7:30 a.m.
Disney has also extended Magic Kingdom’s November 30 closing time from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
However, December 3 and December 4 will look slightly different.
Although Magic Kingdom will open at 8 a.m. on both dates, regular guests must leave by 6 p.m. because of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Both Christmas parties have already sold out, meaning visitors without event tickets won’t be able to remain inside the park for the evening festivities.
Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Add More Time
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also adjusting its schedule, although the changes are limited to two dates.
On December 4 and December 5, the park will open at 8:30 a.m. instead of 9 a.m.
Early Theme Park Entry will begin at 8 a.m. for eligible guests.
However, closing times remain unchanged. Hollywood Studios will close at 9 p.m. on December 4 and 7 p.m. on December 5.
The earlier closing on December 5 is connected to Disney Jollywood Nights, a separately ticketed Christmas celebration that has already sold out for that evening.
Meanwhile, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is receiving additional evening operating hours.
The park will now close at 7 p.m. on December 3 and December 4, rather than 6 p.m.
On December 5, Animal Kingdom will remain open until 8 p.m., giving guests two additional hours compared to its previous schedule.
EPCOT Keeps Its Current Hours
Unlike the other three parks, EPCOT isn’t receiving any schedule changes.
The park will continue operating from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. throughout November 30 through December 5.
Eligible guests can still enjoy Extended Evening Hours on November 30, from 9 p.m. until 11 p.m.
For families planning a December vacation, the updated hours could provide additional flexibility, particularly at Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.
However, visitors should continue checking the My Disney Experience app before arriving, as Disney can adjust operating schedules again as travel dates approach.
