When most people picture a visit to Magic Kingdom, they imagine a full day of fun stretching into the night, capped off by fireworks and the castle shining under the stars. But for guests visiting this September, that dream may not match reality.
Disney has confirmed that for nearly half of the month, Magic Kingdom will close its gates to day guests far earlier than usual. Instead of enjoying the park until 10:00 or 11:00 p.m., visitors will be asked to leave by 6:00 p.m. on 14 separate evenings. That’s a total of 70 hours of lost park time for regular admission guests.
Why the Shortened Hours?
The early closures are tied to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This after-hours event requires a separate ticket and has become one of Disney’s most in-demand experiences. With themed entertainment like the Boo-to-You Parade, trick-or-treating through the park, and the ever-popular Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, the event transforms Magic Kingdom into a Halloween wonderland.
For families who didn’t budget for an extra event ticket, however, it can feel like their vacation suddenly shrank. A four-day trip that happens to land on multiple party nights could mean being ushered out of Magic Kingdom just as the evening begins.
The September Dates That Matter
This year’s Halloween party started in mid-August and will run through Halloween night, but September packs the heaviest impact for day guests. The affected dates are September 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, and 30.
Planning Around It
The best advice? Check the event schedule before locking in your Magic Kingdom day. Non-party nights still give you the traditional late-night Disney experience, complete with fireworks and a full slate of rides. If your trip falls on party dates, you might consider purchasing tickets to join the event yourself. Party guests can enter as early as 4:00 p.m., giving them several hours in the park before the festivities officially begin.
What It Means for Disney Trips
Disney has leaned heavily into these special-ticket events, and they’re shaping the way people experience the parks. While the parties add unique entertainment and are a major draw for fans, the trade-off is less evening access for standard ticket holders. September at Magic Kingdom is proof of how these events can essentially “buy out” half the month, leaving some families scrambling to adjust.
