Walt Disney World offers a variety of perks for resort guests. One of the most exclusive and potentially most valuable is extended evening hours, which are reserved for guests staying at Deluxe Disney Resorts. This benefit grants access to select parks two hours after closing to the general public.
But is this premium perk worth the higher price tag of a Deluxe Resort stay? Let’s break down what Extended Evening Hours offer and explore whether it’s a smart splurge for your next Disney vacation.
How Extended Evening Hours Work
Extended Evening Hours are a premium perk exclusively available to guests at Deluxe Disney Resorts, including iconic properties like Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
This benefit is distinctly different from Early theme park entry, which allows all Disney Resort guests to enter the parks 30 minutes before opening. It is limited strictly to Deluxe Resort guests, making it a rarer and potentially more valuable offering.
On select nights, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios stay open for an additional two hours beyond the official closing time. You’ll need a valid theme park ticket and proof of resort stay, such as a MagicBand or your room key, to take advantage of this extra time in the parks.
Not every attraction operates during Extended Evening Hours, so planning ahead is key to making the most of your extra time.
Attractions Available During Extended Evening Hours
While Extended Evening Hours offer an excellent opportunity to enjoy the parks with fewer crowds, it’s essential to know that not every ride or show remains open during this time.
At Magic Kingdom, many of the park’s most popular attractions typically remain available, making it a great time to revisit favorites or experience headliners with little to no wait. Family-friendly classics like Peter Pan’s Flight and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh stay open, alongside thrill rides such as Space Mountain, TRON Lightcycle Run, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Guests can expect access to various experiences across multiple lands, from Fantasyland’s whimsical charm to Tomorrowland’s futuristic excitement. While offerings may vary slightly from night to night, the overall lineup includes a strong mix of iconic attractions that allow you to make the most of the additional hours in the park.
What a Night at Magic Kingdom’s Extended Evening Hours Can Look Like
Planning to take advantage of Extended Evening Hours at Magic Kingdom? Here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your day and night.
- Kick off your day with Early Entry to take advantage of shorter wait times and experience popular attractions before the crowds build. Early mornings offer the perfect opportunity to cover a lot of ground and enjoy key rides with minimal wait.
- In the afternoon, consider heading back to your resort for a break. Relaxing by the pool, napping, or simply unwinding can help you recharge for a late night in the park.
- Grab dinner at your resort before returning to Magic Kingdom, so you can jump straight into the action and make the most of your Extended Evening Hours.
Once the park closes to the general public, you can take advantage of Extended Evening Hours, enjoying select attractions with significantly lower wait times. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience fan favorites, enjoy the nighttime ambiance, and enjoy a more laid-back park atmosphere.
Making the Most of Your Extra Time
Having a loose plan with just two hours available can help maximize your experience. Many guests focus on a few key attractions rather than trying to do everything. Since wait times are generally low during Extended Evening Hours, riding multiple headliners back-to-back is possible, often with minimal to no wait.
Families with kids may want to balance excitement with energy levels, especially for younger ones who struggle with a late-night pace. Others might use the time to revisit favorite attractions or enjoy the park’s nighttime ambiance at a more relaxed pace.
Whether you aim to ride as much as possible or enjoy a quieter version of the park, Extended Evening Hours at Magic Kingdom can offer a memorable and worthwhile experience, especially if you know what to prioritize.
Is It Worth Staying at a Deluxe Resort for Extended Evening Hours?
The most significant consideration when evaluating the value of Extended Evening Hours is whether the added cost of staying at a Deluxe Disney Resort is justifiable. Deluxe Resorts often have a significantly higher price tag, since the cost per night can be over $200 more than Moderate Resorts.
Extended Evening Hours offer notable advantages: drastically lower wait times, a calmer park atmosphere, and access to top attractions without the usual crowds. For guests who enjoy staying out late, it can feel like having the park almost to yourself.
However, the value may diminish quickly if your group includes early risers, young children, or those who may not make it to midnight. The key is determining whether the time saved and overall experience outweigh the increased cost.
Extended Evening Hours can be a worthwhile splurge for those prioritizing convenience, flexibility, and crowd-free park time. Still, it’s not necessarily fit for every Disney vacation style. Consider what’s best for your family based on your travel habits, budget, and how well you think you’d benefit from our outlined tips and strategies.
Whether you decide to take advantage of this exclusive perk or focus on maximizing other parts of your Disney experience, the key is planning according to your family’s pace and priorities. Disney offers magic at every resort level, and Extended Evening Hours are just one more way to customize the fun.
