Is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Planning on Expanding Park Hours?

When it comes to Walt Disney World Resort, each theme park serves a totally unique purpose and niche. But the most memorable Disney Park is undoubtedly Animal Kingdom.

Credit: Hansun Kim

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Animal Kingdom is the second most visited Disney Park behind Magic Kingdom. It’s also the most visited zoo and the largest theme park in the entire world.

In short, Animal Kingdom is one of the neatest things about Walt Disney World Resort. However, some Guests can never be fully pleased, as many visitors often complain about the early closing time.

Credit: Brian McGowan

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While Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios close from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., Animal Kingdom typically closes at 8 p.m.

For most Guests, that means leaving shortly after grabbing dinner, not giving them enough time to explore the theme park. But it’s not for nothing! Animal Kingdom closes earlier than the other Disney Parks purely for animal welfare.

However…the Disney Park used to close even earlier, as early as 5 p.m., according to Disney Dining’s own Jill Bivins. Around 2016, Disney expanded Park hours from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This begs the question: will it happen again?

Credit: Disney Parks Blog

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If Animal Kingdom was set on closing as early as 5 p.m. for the sake of animal welfare but pushed the close time by a few hours, who’s to say the Disney Park won’t do it again someday?

As Guests urge for even more time to explore the Disney Park, there’s always the chance that Disney will fold under pressure.

Credit: Disney

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However, at Disney Dining, we hope for whatever is best for the animal residents of the theme park, even if it means having to budget our time a little stricter when visiting.