If you’ve ever wished Animal Kingdom stayed open just a little longer, May might be your moment.
Disney has confirmed that Extended Evening Hours will take place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 4, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. — but only for guests staying at eligible Deluxe-level and select partner resorts.
Animal Kingdom doesn’t see these late-night extensions very often. Magic Kingdom and EPCOT typically rotate through the perk more consistently. Because of the park’s layout and live animal environment, its operating schedule tends to be shorter.
So when Disney adds extra evening time here, it feels intentional.
A More Relaxed Way to Experience the Park
There’s something about Animal Kingdom once the sun starts to set.
The daytime heat eases up. The crowds thin out. The entire atmosphere softens.
Pandora becomes the star of the show after dark, glowing with bioluminescent lighting. Expedition Everest looks even more dramatic against the night sky. Even the walk between lands feels less rushed.
During Extended Evening Hours, guests will be able to experience Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, Na’vi River Journey, and Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
That selection covers several of the park’s top-tier attractions — especially Flight of Passage, which is rarely a walk-on during regular hours.
The Resort Divide
Access to Extended Evening Hours is limited to Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and select hotels including the Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve, and Shades of Green.
This means guests at value and moderate resorts won’t have access.
And that exclusivity is part of why these evenings tend to feel noticeably less crowded. The pool of eligible guests is smaller, which typically translates to shorter waits and smoother ride cycles.
For travelers deciding where to stay, perks like this have started to carry more weight. With other benefits evolving over time, Extended Evening Hours stands out as one of the clearest advantages of booking higher-tier accommodations.
How to Use It Strategically
Two hours goes fast.
If you’re eligible, you’ll want a loose plan. Many guests head straight for Flight of Passage once the extended window begins. Others prefer to start with Everest and circle back.
Some families even choose to leave the park midday and return just for the extended evening period. That strategy can save energy and make the night feel like a second park day without the full-day crowds.
At the moment, May 4 is the only listed date. Additional evenings could be added once the operating calendar expands further into the month.
But if you’re visiting that week and staying at an eligible resort, this might quietly become one of the best parts of your trip.
Because Animal Kingdom isn’t just different at night.
It’s better.
