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Disney World Makes Changes, Closing Magic Kingdom Early in 2024

Guests planning to visit Magic Kingdom at the beginning of 2024 should note an early closure of the park.

Disney World is home to four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Each Disney park sees thousands of guests daily. With this amount of traffic, Disney offers special events, allowing guests to purchase tickets for a limited number events offering smaller crowds.

magic kingdom partners statue
Credit: Becky Burkett

Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Central Florida, Disney World is known for being  “The Most Magical Place on Earth” and continues to attract enthusiasts seeking the classic Disney experience or first-time Disney World goers.

While Disney World is home to the four theme parks, Disney also is home to two water parks– Blizzard Beach, and Typhoon Lagoon– as well as numerous hotels, and the Disney Springs retail and dining area. While The Walt Disney Company faces scrutiny in various aspects, from the film industry to theme parks and Disney+, the allure of Disney World persists, with guests flocking to savor the enchantment it offers.

Though Disney has introduced changes like the park pass system and Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane. Disney World guests remain eager to return to explore Disney the wonder of Disney and the magic. However, a notable adjustment is on the horizon. As of January 9, 2024, the theme park reservation system will be discontinued, allowing guests to enter and exit freely.

Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Lightning Lane
Credit: Disney

Sadly, in January 2024, Disney World will be closing Magic Kingdom four and a half hours before its usual closing time. During this time, Disney World guests will be required to leave the premises.

Normally Disney World has occasional closures for events and during seasonal parties like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. During these events, parks may close early to regular guests in favor of those attending special ticketed events. There is no reduction in ticket costs for regular guests during these closures.

An upcoming early closure is scheduled for Magic Kingdom on January 29, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., departing from its usual 9:00 p.m. closing time. This early closure is attributed to a Cast Member celebration evening, honoring individuals working at Walt Disney World theme parks for their years of service with milestone gifts and recognition.

disney world magic kingdom cinderella castle during daytime with visitors standing in front of castle
Credit: Becky Burkett

This early closure not only allows cast members to enjoy a special evening but also provides an opportunity for regular guests to plan their visit accordingly. Guests planning to experience the Happily Ever After nighttime spectacular, a beloved fireworks and Castle projection display, should take note that it won’t be available on this particular evening due to closing before dark.

Disney World’s magical experiences, the early closure of Magic Kingdom serves as a testament to the appreciation and recognition of the dedicated Cast Members who contribute to making magic at Disney parks.

Will this early closure affect your Disney vacation plans?

This post is originally appeared on Disney Dining.

Brittni Ward

Brittni is a Disney and Universal fan; one of her favorite things at both parks is collecting popcorn buckets. While at Disney World Resort, Brittni meets the princesses and rides Kilimanjaro Safaris. At Universal, Brittni enjoys the Minions and watching Animal Actors on Location! When not at Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando, Brittni spends time with her family and pets.

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