Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom To Be Closed to Regular Guests Hours Early Later This Month

Another operational change hits the popular resort.

Happily Ever After at the Magic Kingdom inside Disney World.
Credit: Disney

Magic Kingdom has been enchanting guests for over 50 years, earning its place as Walt Disney World Resort’s crown jewel. To celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2021, the iconic park introduced a slew of magical additions, including the debut of the Disney Enchantment fireworks show. While the show has since been replaced by Happily Ever After, Enchantment has continued to delight fans through Disney After Hours events at the park.

These After Hours events—held at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios—offer guests exclusive access to the parks on select nights from January through May 2025. With separate ticketing, these events are known for their limited crowds, shorter wait times, and unique offerings that make the magic feel even more personal.

Crowds in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida
Credit: Haydn Blackey, Flickr

However, these aren’t the only events prompting early exits for some guests this month. On January 30, Magic Kingdom will close to all visitors at 4:30 p.m., hours earlier than usual. This early closure is to accommodate the park’s annual cast member Celebration, an event held in front of Cinderella Castle to honor the dedication and milestones of Disney’s cast members.

For those planning a visit to Magic Kingdom that day, it’s important to keep this in mind. Though the early closure might initially seem like a deterrent, it could actually provide a great opportunity to enjoy lower crowds and shorter lines in the morning and early afternoon, as many guests may choose to skip the park altogether.

A nighttime image of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad entrance at Magic Kingdom.
Credit: Disney

If you’re heading to the park this January, also note that some of Magic Kingdom’s top attractions are currently closed for refurbishment. On January 5, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad welcomed its last guests before beginning a year-long overhaul. Meanwhile, Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland remains unavailable, and the indoor playground at Dumbo the Flying Elephant will temporarily close starting January 27.

Will you seize the chance to enjoy lighter crowds on January 30, or will the early closure keep you away? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his… More »

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