Animal Kingdom's Schedule May Be Set for a Late-Night Revamp
Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom theme park has been operating on an unusual schedule since its opening in 1998. Unlike Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios, which typically stay open until late evening, Animal Kingdom closes between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., with the latest regular closing time being 8:30 p.m.
This early closure has been a long-standing frustration for many guests who want to experience the park's attractions after sunset. One of the main reasons for this schedule is that Animal Kingdom is home to hundreds of live animals, and shorter operating hours help reduce disruptions to their daily routines.
The park's expansion with new areas like Pueblo Esperanza could be a catalyst for Disney to reconsider its schedule. With more attractions and experiences on the way, guest demand is expected to grow, making it harder for visitors to fit everything into a single visit. A longer operating schedule would give guests more time to enjoy Pandora at night, experience Avatar Flight of Passage and Na'vi River Journey later in the evening, and explore the park's other offerings without feeling rushed.