As the sun sets over Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, a whole new world comes to life, with exciting adventures and entertainment awaiting guests. The extended evening hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the park in a different light, quite literally. The ambiance shifts as the day transitions into night, creating a unique and enchanting atmosphere that is not to be missed.
Unfortunately, for the past several months, fans have been unable to experience this beautiful sight. For an unknown reason, Walt Disney World Resort had ceased extended evening hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort. However, that has not finally changed.
Longer Days Return to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
Much to the delight of fans, extended evening hours will return to the Walt Disney World theme park this fall. The first night of the event has been revealed, which will be on Friday, October 11, 2024. Instead of closing at 6:00 p.m., the park will remain open until 8:00 pm for Extended Evening Hours.
One of the main highlights of the extended evening hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the opportunity to see the park’s attractions illuminated against the night sky. The Tree of Life, with its stunning light display, becomes even more mesmerizing after dark.
The exotic landscapes of Pandora – The World of Avatar transform under the glow of bioluminescent lights, transporting guests to a different planet altogether. The contrast between day and night adds a layer of depth to the park’s already captivating scenery.
Moreover, the extended evening hours allow visitors to experience popular rides and attractions in a new way. The thrill of Expedition Everest takes on an added excitement as the night adds an element of mystery to the journey. In addition to the attractions, guests can enjoy delicious meals at the park’s various restaurants, soaking in the nighttime ambiance as they dine.
Who Is Allowed To Go?
One of the best parts of extended evening hours is it is completely included in your stay at any Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort, Deluxe Villa Resort, or select hotel. Participating hotels include:
“Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Yacht Club ResortBay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort (The extended evening theme park hours benefit applies to Disney Vacation Club Cabins only.)
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & SpaWalt Disney World Swan Hotel
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
Shades of Green® on Walt Disney World Resort
Overall, the extended evening hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom provide an enchanting extension to the typical theme park experience. It allows guests to immerse themselves in a world of wonder and magic after the sun goes down, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
For anyone looking to make the most of their visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, exploring the park during its extended evening hours is a must-do activity that promises excitement, beauty, and adventure like no other.
I think what irritates me most is the fact that because I decide to go to a value or moderate resort, I am penalized. Why? I reserve two rooms, one for my husband and myself, and one for our daughter. So now with their new rules, I am penalized, not allowed to go for extra evening hours due to my selection. Yet, I am spending quite a bit of money for two rooms! Not to mention my food budget since we didn’t do the dining plan, and we still did sit down meals. Then my souvenir budget was always at least $1000 a trip. The old way was better when ALL resorts were allowed early morning and extra evening hours. But those were the good old days, and now it’s just a money hungry machine. They want me to keep my nose in a phone screen all day, pay for more upgrades, and if not, then I’m not worth their time. So now, they are not worth my time or my money!
They aren’t exactly extending park hours, but only having Extra Magic Hours only for certain resort guests. Those living in the area or staying at the budget resorts are out of luck!