Does Animal Kingdom ever have extended hours?

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours is coming to Animal Kingdom for the first time ever at the start of the Christmas 2023 season at Walt Disney World. This post shares date(s), details, and strategy for taking advantage of the on-site perk for guests staying at a Deluxe Resorts, DVC Villas, and select other hotels.



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While Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park is typically open from 8 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m., the hours of specific attractions are often different.

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An All-New Nighttime Experience Watch in wonder when the animal spirits within the great tree awaken during a mesmerizing showcase of colour and light. After night falls, pay special attention to the Tree of Life at the center of Disney's Animal Kingdom park.

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Animal Kingdom The longest wait there (on average) was Flight of Passage at 102 minutes. Na'vi River Journey followed with 64 minutes, and Kilimanjaro Safaris was next at 58 minutes.

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Fireworks show: There is not a fireworks show at Animal Kingdom. Rivers of Light show: FP+ This nighttime show on the Discovery River is held each night (weather permitting) and during busy times may be shown twice. Guests view the show from stands located near Expedition Everest.

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Animal Kingdom Lands The Rivers of Light show has been discontinued and Disney KiteTales is now performed at the Discovery River amphitheatre. This vibrant show takes place on Discovery River at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest.

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Objectively, the best days to visit Animal Kingdom are weekdays. Across the board, average daily wait times are lower Monday through Friday than they are Saturday or Sunday.

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While Disney has found ways to extend the fun into the afternoon and evening hours, most of the animals viewed here are far more active, and therefore visible, in the morning. I strongly recommend you arrive at the park at opening time, or as soon afterwards as possible, to maximize your visit.

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  • Avatar Flight of Passage. Ever wanted to fly on a banshee like the ones from the film Avatar? ...
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris. The safari is a definite not-to-miss for us frogs! ...
  • Na'vi River Journey. ...
  • TriceraTop Spin. ...
  • Satu'li Canteen. ...
  • Pongu Pongu.


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Of all the Walt Disney World parks to visit at night, I would highly recommend taking the time to spend a few hours at Animal Kingdom after dark. This park is a totally different place at night, and has such a different feel than during the day. It's definitely worth exploring after dark!

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It'll likely stay at 7:00 pm for most nights and extend to 8:00 pm on the busier days for the foreseeable future. Another reason for the earlier closing time is the animals. Certainly, the animals found at the park need some time to be cared for and taken care of by the Animal Kingdom staff and keepers.

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The evening Extra Magic Hours program lets Disney resort guests enjoy a different theme park on specified nights for about 2 hours after it closes to the general public. Guests pay no additional charge to participate but must scan their MagicBands at each ride or attraction they wish to experience.

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Depending on the time of year and park hours, you can see the Tree of Life illuminated at night with vibrant colors and animal projections. Pandora's bioluminescent flora is another addition that makes those nighttime hours worth a later visit.

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The ULTIMATE bird-watching experience, bird care experts are on-hand to answer questions and interact with the audience. Curious to see the macaws yourself? They take flight between 9:15AM and 3:15PM daily!

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The worst day of the week to visit has historically been Monday! Perhaps it's because people expect the weekends to be the busiest, so they go with a weekday instead. Nonetheless, Monday wait times might be a bit higher than you'd want.

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Expect it to open at 8 a.m. daily, and possibly earlier during holidays and other times of peak attendance. On-site guests eligible for Early Theme Park Entry should arrive at the entrance 60 minutes before official opening (30 minutes before Early Entry) on all days.

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Suffice to say, the 7:30 am Early Entry at Animal Kingdom is a game changer. Very few guests have the desire and determination to be out their hotel room door by 6:30 am, which is pretty much what's necessary to arrive at DAK in time for the start of Early Entry.

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If you are going to Animal Kingdom or Epcot While we really, really think Genie+ is worth it at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, we feel just as strongly as to it not being as necessary at Animal Kingdom and Epcot. But, while it isn't necessary, it can definitely make touring those 2 parks a lot, lot easier.

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