Walt Disney World has extended operating hours at three of its four theme parks for Thanksgiving week 2026, giving guests additional time to enjoy attractions during one of the busiest vacation periods of the year.
The updated schedule covers November 22 through November 28 and includes earlier openings, later closings, and changes to Early Theme Park Entry at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Magic Kingdom receives the most significant adjustments, including a two-hour increase in operating time on Thanksgiving Day, November 26. Disney’s Animal Kingdom will also remain open two hours later than originally scheduled on November 24.
EPCOT’s operating hours remain unchanged.
The revisions were published November 6, replacing portions of the original Thanksgiving week schedule released in September.
Magic Kingdom Adds Hours on Five Dates
Magic Kingdom will offer additional operating time on five days during Thanksgiving week.
The biggest change comes on Thursday, November 26, when the park will open at 8 a.m. instead of 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. instead of 10 p.m.
That gives regular daytime guests 15 hours in the park, compared with the previously scheduled 13 hours.
Eligible Disney Resort hotel guests will also benefit from an earlier Early Theme Park Entry period, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Three other dates receive an additional hour in the evening.
On Sunday, November 22, Monday, November 23, and Saturday, November 28, Magic Kingdom will remain open until 11 p.m. rather than closing at 10 p.m.
The remaining adjustment affects Tuesday, November 24, when the park will open at 8 a.m. instead of 9 a.m.
That date is also scheduled for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, meaning regular daytime operations will still end at 6 p.m. The separately ticketed party begins at 7 p.m. and continues until midnight.
The earlier opening gives daytime guests an additional hour before the park closes for the holiday event.
Updated Magic Kingdom Hours
| Date | New operating hours | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, Nov. 22 | 9 a.m.–11 p.m. | Closes 1 hour later |
| Monday, Nov. 23 | 9 a.m.–11 p.m. | Closes 1 hour later |
| Tuesday, Nov. 24 | 8 a.m.–6 p.m. | Opens 1 hour earlier |
| Thursday, Nov. 26 | 8 a.m.–11 p.m. | Opens 1 hour earlier, closes 1 hour later |
| Saturday, Nov. 28 | 9 a.m.–11 p.m. | Closes 1 hour later |
Magic Kingdom’s previously announced schedule remains unchanged on Wednesday, November 25, and Friday, November 27. Both dates have Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party scheduled for the evening, with regular park hours ending at 6 p.m.
Hollywood Studios Will Open Earlier on Two Days
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also receiving additional operating time during Thanksgiving week.
On Monday, November 23, and Tuesday, November 24, the park will open at 8:30 a.m. instead of 9 a.m.
Eligible Disney Resort hotel guests will be able to enter beginning at 8 a.m. through Early Theme Park Entry.
Closing times remain unchanged.
Hollywood Studios will close at 7 p.m. on November 23 ahead of Disney Jollywood Nights, the separately ticketed holiday event scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.
On November 24, the park will remain open until 9 p.m.
Although the adjustments are limited to 30 minutes on each date, the earlier openings give guests additional time to experience the park’s attractions before the busiest portions of the day.
Animal Kingdom Adds Two Hours on November 24
Disney’s Animal Kingdom will stay open later on two dates during Thanksgiving week.
On Sunday, November 22, the park’s closing time moves from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A larger extension is scheduled for Tuesday, November 24, when Animal Kingdom will remain open until 8 p.m., two hours later than originally planned.
The park will continue opening at 8 a.m. on both dates, with Early Theme Park Entry beginning at 7:30 a.m. for eligible guests.
The November 24 adjustment is particularly noteworthy because Animal Kingdom typically operates on a shorter daily schedule than Walt Disney World’s other theme parks.
The later closing will give guests more time in the park as daylight fades, including opportunities to experience Pandora – The World of Avatar after dark.
November 24 was also previously scheduled for Extended Evening Hours for eligible Deluxe Resort guests. Visitors planning to use that benefit should verify the updated schedule in My Disney Experience, since the new regular closing time overlaps with the previously announced 6–8 p.m. extended-hours window.
EPCOT Hours Remain Unchanged
EPCOT is the only Walt Disney World theme park without changes to its Thanksgiving week schedule.
The park is scheduled to operate from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. each day from November 22 through November 28.
Eligible Disney Resort hotel guests can enter at 8:30 a.m. through Early Theme Park Entry.
Extended Evening Hours remain scheduled for Monday, November 23, from 9 p.m. until 11 p.m. for eligible guests.
What the Extended Hours Mean for Thanksgiving Visitors
Thanksgiving week is traditionally one of Walt Disney World’s busiest travel periods, with schools closed and families visiting Central Florida for the holiday.
Disney regularly revises operating hours as dates approach, sometimes extending park schedules beyond the initial calendar release.
The November 6 adjustments provide several practical opportunities for visitors.
Guests spending Thanksgiving Day at Magic Kingdom now have two additional hours of regular operating time. Those visiting Animal Kingdom on November 24 gain two hours in the evening, while Hollywood Studios visitors receive earlier access on two mornings.
The changes also affect guests planning around separately ticketed Christmas parties, particularly at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, where daytime closing times remain earlier on select dates.
Visitors should review their park itineraries, dining reservations, Lightning Lane plans, and transportation arrangements to account for the revised schedules.
All updated hours are subject to further change. Guests should consult Disney’s official park calendars or the My Disney Experience app before visiting.
With Thanksgiving less than three weeks away, these extensions provide additional flexibility for families planning their holiday visits to Walt Disney World.