Extra Magic Hours were a well-loved perk offered by Disney World to the guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and some non-Disney hotels. This program allowed guests to enjoy additional time in the theme parks before or after regular operating hours, to experience more attractions with less crowd. However, Disney has replaced Extra Magic Hours with two new perks: Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours.
Extra Magic Hours were a perk offered by Disney World, allowing guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and some non-Disney hotels extra time in the parks before or after regular hours. This program has been replaced with two new perks: Early Theme Park Entry, allowing all resort guests to enter any park 30 minutes early, and Extended Evening Hours, allowing guests at Deluxe Resorts and Villas to stay in select parks for about 2 hours after closing on certain nights.
Early Theme Park Entry vs. Extended Evening Hours
Early Theme Park Entry is available to all guests staying at any Walt Disney World Resort. This allows guests to enter any of the four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom) 30 minutes early every day.
On the other hand, Extended Evening Hours are a special privilege for guests staying at Disney’s Deluxe Resorts and Disney Villas at Walt Disney World. This perk allows eligible guests to enjoy select theme parks for about 2 hours after they close to the general public on specified nights. Extended Evening Hours are offered at the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Accessing Extended Evening Hours
Extended Evening Hours are exclusive to guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villa Resorts, and select other hotels. To participate in Extended Evening Hours, guests will need a valid ticket or pass and a Park Pass reservation for the park that is offering extended evening hours.
Attractions Available During Extended Evening Hours
During Extended Evening Hours, guests can access a number of popular attractions in each theme park. Some of the highlights include Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean at the Magic Kingdom, Test Track and Frozen Ever After at EPCOT, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Maximizing Your Experience
To make the most of the Extended Evening Hours, guests should plan their visit carefully. Check the park calendar to find out which parks offer Extended Evening Hours on specific days. Arrive early or stay late to maximize your time. Prioritize popular attractions that usually have long wait times during regular park hours. Use the extra hours to experience attractions that you may not have time for during regular park hours.
The Difference Between Extra Magic Hours and Regular Park Hours
The main differences between Extra Magic Hours and regular park hours are access, duration, and crowd levels. Extra Magic Hours, now known as Extended Evening Hours, are exclusive to guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and select good neighbor hotels, allowing these guests to enjoy additional time in the parks either before opening or after closing. Regular park hours, on the other hand, are the standard operating hours for all guests visiting the theme parks, regardless of where they are staying.
Conclusion
While the Extra Magic Hours program has been discontinued, Disney has replaced it with two new perks that offer similar benefits. By staying at a Disney Resort hotel or select good neighbor hotels, you can enjoy additional time in the parks either before opening or after closing, allowing you to experience more attractions with less crowd. Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, these new perks offer an excellent way to make the most of your visit to Walt Disney World.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Disney Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villa Resorts eligible for Extended Evening Hours?
The Disney Deluxe Resorts include locations such as Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Deluxe Villa Resorts include Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, among others.
How can I check which parks are offering Extended Evening Hours?
You can check which parks are offering Extended Evening Hours on the official Walt Disney World website or the My Disney Experience mobile app. The information is usually updated in the park hours section.
Do I need a separate ticket for Extended Evening Hours?
No, you don’t need a separate ticket for Extended Evening Hours. However, you do need a valid park admission ticket and a Park Pass reservation for the same park on the same day to enjoy this perk.
Are all attractions open during Extended Evening Hours?
Not all attractions are open during Extended Evening Hours. However, many popular attractions, including rides, restaurants, and shops, are typically open. The specific attractions available can vary from day to day, so it’s recommended to check the official Walt Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app for the most current information.
Are Extended Evening Hours available every day?
Extended Evening Hours are not available every day. The schedule varies and is subject to change, so it’s best to check the Walt Disney World official calendar or the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information.
