Disney Warns Ticketed Guests of Early Closure: Advises When to Avoid the Park

Disneyland Park has announced it will close early on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. On that day, the park will open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m., a few hours ahead of its usual weekday closing time of 10:00 p.m.

Credit: Disney Parks

This adjustment comes just two days before the grand opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the beginning of Disneyland’s holiday season, both highly anticipated events expected to draw large crowds. Disney California Adventure will operate as usual, open from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., unaffected by Disneyland’s schedule change.

The early closure on November 13 is due to a private media event scheduled for that evening, which will limit public access. For guests planning their Disneyland trip, this early closure might seem inconvenient, but for some, it could present an opportunity to experience the park with lighter crowds. Here’s a breakdown of why this day may be quieter and what different types of guests can expect.

Magic Key Holders May Show Up, But Day Ticket Guests Might Skip Out

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The early closure on November 13 is likely to affect crowd composition, especially regarding Disneyland’s Magic Key holders and single-day ticket guests. Disneyland’s Magic Key holders, many of whom are local or frequent visitors, may still find November 13 appealing despite the limited hours. Here’s why:

1. Familiarity with Limited Time in the Parks
   • Magic Key holders are accustomed to making short visits to the park, often popping in for just a few hours to enjoy a couple of attractions, grab a meal, or catch a show. For many, the three-hour reduction in park hours won’t deter them from visiting on November 13, especially if they live nearby or make frequent visits as part of their pass benefits.
2. Interest in Previewing the Park Before Holiday Crowds
   • With the holiday season officially kicking off just two days later, some Magic Key holders may take advantage of November 13 as a “last chance” to experience Disneyland before the full holiday crowds arrive. This gives them a chance to explore areas like Main Street, U.S.A., which may already be starting to showcase early holiday decor, without the added influx of weekend or holiday tourists.
3. Avoiding Blackout Dates
   • Depending on their Magic Key tier, some passholders may have blackout dates during the holiday season, particularly in December. This early November visit could be a chance to enjoy Disneyland before any potential blackout days prevent their access, making November 13 an appealing option.

On the other hand, single-day ticket guests, especially those traveling from out of town, might find November 13 less enticing. Without the benefit of a season pass, paying for a full-day ticket with reduced hours might feel like a poor investment. Families or visitors looking to maximize a rare trip to Disneyland may be more likely to wait until the weekend or the holiday kickoff on November 15 when park hours return to normal and the seasonal attractions are in full swing.

Why November 13 Might Be a Quieter Day Overall

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Several factors beyond just the early closure contribute to November 13 potentially being a lighter day in terms of attendance, especially for ticketed guests:

1. Limited Operating Hours Without Discounted Tickets
   • Disneyland has not announced any special ticket discounts for November 13, so single-day admission prices will remain at their standard rates. Many guests may feel that paying the full price for a shorter park day isn’t worth it, especially if they are hoping to stay late and enjoy evening shows or attractions. Without the usual evening hours, day guests may opt for dates when the park is open longer, making November 13 an attractive day for those who want to avoid crowds.
2. Private Media Event and Potential Area Closures
   • The early closure for a private media event also hints that certain park areas could begin closing earlier in the evening, further limiting guest access. Typically, private events involve setting up dedicated spaces and arranging special attractions or performances, which could result in certain areas becoming off-limits to the public even before 7:00 p.m. Guests aiming to experience a “full” Disneyland day may find this off-putting, prompting them to schedule their visit on another date.
3. Timing Before Major New Openings and Holiday Festivities
   • November 13 is set just two days before the grand opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a brand-new attraction that is already generating excitement among Disney fans. Coupled with the beginning of Disneyland’s holiday season, the weekend starting November 15 is expected to see a significant increase in visitors. Some guests will likely wait to visit during the holiday kickoff to experience both the new attraction and the festive decor in one go, rather than attending mid-week on a day with reduced hours.

Tips for Making the Most of November 13

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If you do decide to visit Disneyland on November 13, here are some ways to take advantage of the lighter crowds and early closure:

• Arrive at Park Opening: With the park opening at 8:00 a.m., arriving early will help you maximize your day, allowing you to enjoy popular rides before the crowds build up.
• Focus on Popular Attractions: Since the park will be open for only 11 hours, prioritize popular attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Indiana Jones Adventure. The lighter crowd could mean shorter wait times, making it possible to experience more rides in less time.
• Consider Park Hopping: Since Disney California Adventure will be open until 9:00 p.m., guests who purchase a Park Hopper ticket can continue their evening at the neighboring park after Disneyland closes. This option allows you to enjoy a full day of Disney magic by exploring attractions, entertainment, and dining across both parks.
• Relaxed Dining Experience: With fewer people likely to visit, you may find it easier to secure dining reservations and enjoy a more relaxed meal at Disneyland’s popular restaurants like Blue Bayou or Carnation Cafe. Counter-service dining may also be less crowded, offering a quicker and more enjoyable experience.

A Unique Chance for Magic Key Holders and a Quieter Park Day for Day Guests

Ultimately, November 13’s early closure could create a unique park experience, particularly for Magic Key holders looking to make the most of the quieter day. While some guests may be discouraged by the shortened hours, others may see it as an opportunity to enjoy the attractions without the usual crowds. This quieter Wednesday could serve as a sneak peek before the full holiday transformation, providing a relaxed Disney day ahead of the season’s festivities.

Do you think that Disneyland should lower its costs if they are closing its park early?