Knowing what rides and experiences are must-dos for your family is essential as you plan your trip to Walt Disney World. This allows you to create a structured daily plan and feel confident when you enter the park.
A key part of your planning should be identifying attractions that do not operate all day. Several rides, shows, and experiences close earlier than the parks themselves. Knowing this information will help you prioritize these magical experiences before they shut down for the day.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is a must-visit for most Disney guests, so let’s start there.
Tom Sawyer Island – Frontierland
Tom Sawyer Island has been a beloved attraction for years, offering an escape into the world of Mark Twain with hidden caves, bridges, and a raft ride to the island itself. However, the island is currently closed as part of the transformation of Frontierland, which includes the retheming of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Guests should plan accordingly as this area is undergoing redevelopment.
Country Bear Musical Jamboree – Frontierland
The Country Bear Musical Jamboree, an Opening Day attraction, now features a refreshed show set to debut in 2025. While the classic animatronic bears still entertain guests, showtimes may vary, and the attraction might not be available first thing in the morning. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for updated schedules.
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor – Tomorrowland
Join Mike Wazowski and friends as they collect laughs for Monstropolis. This comedy attraction usually opens later in the morning, sometimes an hour or two after the park opens. If this is on your must-do list, plan your visit accordingly.
Carousel of Progress – Tomorrowland
This classic rotating theater attraction, created by Walt Disney himself, often closes about an hour before the park closes. Be sure to visit earlier to enjoy this nostalgic journey through the 20th century.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, several shows end before the park closes, so it’s crucial to check schedules in advance.
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage – Sunset Boulevard
This Broadway-style stage show generally has its last performance in the late afternoon or early evening, with the final show sometimes around 5:00 p.m. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app to secure a spot for this fan-favorite performance.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – Echo Lake
This thrilling stunt show featuring action-packed sequences inspired by Indiana Jones typically ends early in the evening. Guests hoping to catch it should plan accordingly.
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration – Echo Lake
This musical retelling of Frozen typically has its last show well before the park closes, often wrapping up by early evening. Be sure to check the schedule and grab a seat for some frosty fun.
EPCOT
Similar to Hollywood Studios, several attractions at EPCOT close earlier than the park itself.
Impressions de France – France Pavilion
This stunning cinematic experience in the France Pavilion typically has a limited schedule, often playing only in the morning and early afternoon before switching to the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along. Be sure to check the showtimes in advance.
Turtle Talk with Crush – The Seas Pavilion
This interactive show featuring Crush from Finding Nemo is a favorite among families but closes about 20 minutes before EPCOT closes. Plan to visit earlier in the day if you want to chat with the laid-back sea turtle.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Because Animal Kingdom closes earlier than the other parks, many of its attractions shut down even earlier than the park closes.
Wildlife Express Train & Rafiki’s Planet Watch
The Wildlife Express Train, which takes guests to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, often closes in the late afternoon, typically around 4:30 p.m. Plan to arrive well before closing to experience the Affection Section petting zoo or the Animation Experience.
Kilimanjaro Safaris – Africa
Because this ride depends on natural daylight, Kilimanjaro Safaris usually closes at sunset, often up to an hour before the park does. To get the best experience (and possibly see more active animals), try to ride early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Maharajah Jungle Trek & Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Many of Animal Kingdom’s self-guided animal trails close earlier than the park. These trails often shut down about 60-90 minutes before the park closes, so if you want to see gorillas, tigers, and exotic birds, plan to visit in the afternoon.
Plan Your Day Wisely
As you prepare for your Walt Disney World adventure, remember that not all attractions are available throughout the day. To avoid missing out, use the My Disney Experience app to stay updated on showtimes and attraction closures.
By planning ahead, you can make the most of your magical visit and ensure you experience all the must-do attractions before they close!
