If you’ve got your heart set on a full day of adventures at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this August, you may want to double-check those park hours—because Disney just threw a curveball that’s catching guests off guard.
Without much fanfare, Disney has quietly adjusted the park schedule for August 16, 2025, and the new closing time is raising eyebrows. Instead of the usual 9 p.m. finish, Hollywood Studios will be shutting down at 6 p.m. sharp. That’s a pretty big deal for anyone counting on those prime evening hours to explore Galaxy’s Edge after dark, catch a final ride on Tower of Terror, or take in Fantasmic!
An Early Exit No One Saw Coming
For many parkgoers, this change isn’t just annoying—it’s disruptive. Let’s face it, when you’re shelling out hundreds of dollars for a day at Disney, you want the full experience. But with this sudden early closure, guests visiting on August 16 will be missing out on one of the best parts of the day: those cooler evening hours and the electric nighttime atmosphere.
Even worse? There wasn’t a flashy announcement or banner across the app. Instead, the schedule was quietly updated in the My Disney Experience app, which means a lot of people may not even realize the park’s closing early until they’re already there.
What’s Behind the Change?
While Disney hasn’t officially confirmed the reason for the early closure, it’s likely due to a private event. These kinds of things happen occasionally—a Cast Member appreciation night, a big corporate buyout, or even a media event. When they do happen, they often result in a full-park shutdown for regular guests.
Still, that doesn’t soften the blow for families who booked their trip months in advance expecting a full day of fun.
Why Guests Are Frustrated
Part of the frustration comes from how easily a change like this can fly under the radar. Most visitors don’t check the app every day leading up to their vacation. They book their park passes, lock in dining reservations, and assume the schedule will stay as expected.
But that’s the tricky part about Disney World—things can shift without much warning. Whether it’s a weather delay, a ride refurb, or a schedule change like this one, flexibility is key. Still, that doesn’t mean it isn’t frustrating when your dream day gets cut short.
And let’s be honest—Hollywood Studios is a park that thrives at night. With the glowing lights of Batuu, the thrill of late-night coaster rides, and the emotional punch of Fantasmic!, the evening experience is a big draw. Take that away, and you’re left with a pretty different vibe.
How to Avoid the Surprise
So, what should you do if you’re visiting around this time?
First, make sure to triple-check the park hours on the app—especially the week of your visit. Even if you think everything is locked in, a quick glance could save you a major headache.
Second, if you had plans to be in Hollywood Studios on August 16 and that evening time was important to you, consider switching your park reservation or adjusting your plans to park-hop after 6 p.m. to EPCOT or Magic Kingdom. You’ll at least be able to catch a nighttime spectacular elsewhere.
And finally, if you do decide to stick with Hollywood Studios that day, there may be a silver lining: lower crowds. Historically, early closure days tend to see fewer guests, so you might enjoy shorter wait times and faster access to top-tier attractions—just with the tradeoff of losing the night hours.
Don’t Let It Derail Your Day
Is this a frustrating change? Absolutely. But with a little flexibility and some smart planning, it doesn’t have to ruin your day. Just be aware of the schedule shift, make any needed adjustments early, and don’t let this surprise decision catch you sleeping.
Because when it comes to Disney, the only thing more magical than the rides and shows… is being prepared for anything.
