
Today marks a switch-up in Magic Kingdom’s operations as the park will be closing nearly seven hours earlier than usual.
Over 50 years on from its opening, Magic Kingdom has established itself as not only the most-visited Disney park in the world, but the most-visited theme park, period.
Since debuting in 1971, it’s added plenty of new attractions – the most recent including Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and TRON Lightcycle / Run – as well as iconic entertainment like the Happily Ever fireworks and the daily parade Festival of Fantasy to meet demand. It also typically maintains the latest operating hours to accommodate the thousands of guests who pass through its gates daily.
Magic Kingdom Prepares for Early Closure
Magic Kingdom’s closing time varies depending on the season and day of the week, with park hours usually extending until 10 or 11 p.m. However, today (January 30), the park will shut down much earlier, with all guests required to leave by 4:30 p.m.
This unexpected schedule shift also means that Happily Ever After will not take place this evening—a disappointment for many visitors hoping to end their day with the dazzling display over Cinderella Castle.
While some guests may find the early closure inconvenient, it is for a special reason: the Cast Service Celebration, an annual event recognizing Disney cast members who have reached significant career milestones. This tradition honors employees with tenures ranging from 10 to 50 years, acknowledging their dedication and contributions to the Disney experience.
Last year, Magic Kingdom also closed early for the same occasion, celebrating more than 8,300 cast members. The exclusive after-hours event featured a red carpet procession down Main Street, U.S.A., along with specialty food and beverages, rare character meet-and-greets, and significantly reduced wait times for popular attractions.
The night concluded with a private fireworks display, giving cast members a well-deserved moment of magic all to themselves.
Is The Rest of Disney World Affected?
For guests still hoping to enjoy a Disney park experience today, the good news is that other parks remain open as scheduled. Blizzard Beach will close at 5 p.m., which is unsurprising given the cooler winter temperatures.
Meanwhile, EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will remain open until 9 p.m., and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will close at 6 p.m. Disney Springs, the resort’s sprawling entertainment district, will stay open even later, with operating hours extending until 11 p.m.
Magic Kingdom will resume its regular hours tomorrow (January 31), allowing guests to once again enjoy classic attractions such as Space Mountain, “it’s a small world,” Haunted Mansion, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train late into the evening.
However, one attraction that won’t be welcoming guests anytime soon is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment. The iconic roller coaster has had its track removed as part of the overhaul, and while its reopening timeframe is set for some time in 2026, the exact date remains uncertain.
For those visiting Walt Disney World this week, today’s closure serves as a reminder to always check park hours in advance to avoid unexpected changes. While today’s schedule shift may be an inconvenience for some, it’s a well-earned night of appreciation for the cast members who help bring Disney magic to life every day.
Are you visiting Magic Kingdom today?