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The holiday season at Walt Disney World has always been a busy time, but the 2024 Thanksgiving week is set to reach new levels of demand. In anticipation of the holiday rush, Disney has adjusted its park hours, opening earlier and staying open later to accommodate the growing crowds. At the same time, the new Lightning Lane Premier Pass has reached a historic sellout, further proving that guests are eager to invest in premium experiences to make the most of their visits.
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Thanksgiving week is shaping up to be one of the busiest periods of the year, with Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios all extending their operating hours to meet demand. At Magic Kingdom, the park will open at 8:00 AM daily, an hour earlier than usual, with Early Entry for resort guests starting at 7:30 AM. On November 25 and Thanksgiving Day itself, the park will remain open until 11:00 PM, offering guests more time to enjoy its attractions and festive atmosphere. However, on November 26, 27, and 29, the park will close at 6:00 PM to host Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a ticketed event that has become a holiday tradition for many Disney fans.
Meanwhile, Animal Kingdom will remain open until 7:00 PM from November 24 through November 26, extending its evening hours to give guests more time to explore its unique nighttime experiences. Hollywood Studios is also adjusting its schedule, opening at 8:30 AM on November 25, half an hour earlier than usual, with Early Entry starting at 8:00 AM. The park will close at 7:30 PM that same evening to prepare for Jollywood Nights, an exclusive holiday event that debuted this season and has already garnered significant buzz.
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The decision to extend hours underscores Disney’s expectation of massive crowds during Thanksgiving week, a time that has become increasingly popular for families looking to enjoy the parks’ seasonal offerings. Alongside these extended hours, Disney’s new Lightning Lane Premier Pass has also become a hot commodity, selling out for the first time at both Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios on November 25.
Introduced at the end of October, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is a premium option that allows guests to bypass standby lines for all Lightning Lane attractions in a single park for an entire day. Unlike the standard Lightning Lane system, which requires guests to reserve specific times for each ride, the Premier Pass offers unlimited access with no reservations required. This flexibility has made it a favorite among visitors who want to explore the parks without adhering to a rigid schedule.
The Premier Pass is currently exclusive to Deluxe Resort guests during its pilot phase, adding to its appeal as a luxury offering. However, its convenience comes at a steep price: $379 per person for Magic Kingdom and $309 for Hollywood Studios. Despite these high costs, the pass’s first sellout highlights its popularity among guests who value their time during the busiest seasons.
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The sold-out Premier Pass and extended hours are clear indicators of the demand Disney is anticipating this Thanksgiving. Historically, the holiday season has been one of the most crowded times of the year, with guests flocking to the parks to enjoy festive decorations, special events, and seasonal food offerings. With the added draw of exclusive events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights, it’s no surprise that attendance is expected to reach record levels.
Disney’s moves to accommodate these crowds reflect its ongoing strategy to balance accessibility with premium experiences. The success of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass raises questions about the future of Disney’s pricing models, as the company continues to explore ways to offer convenience and exclusivity to its guests. While the high price tag has sparked some controversy, the sellout suggests that many guests see it as a worthwhile investment, particularly during peak seasons.
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For those planning a visit during Thanksgiving week, early preparation will be key to navigating the parks. Extended hours provide more opportunities to experience the magic, but with record crowds expected, taking advantage of services like Lightning Lane will be essential for making the most of the trip.
As Disney gears up for the holiday season, the combination of extended hours and premium offerings highlights the growing demand for unforgettable experiences. With more guests than ever expected to descend on Walt Disney World, the holidays promise to be as magical—and as busy—as ever.
Do you think Disney’s new strategy will work with the incoming crowds?
The new pass means everyday people will have to wait even longer for rides. Is it really worth going into this much debt, 4 people would be roughly 2k a day with the premium pass, for a Disney Day??
I have a magic key so the premier pass is not something that is necessary since I go very often. But if this was a once in a lifetime trip for my family, I’d absolutely be getting the pass.