Disney's Animal Kingdom May Extend Closing Hours

Walt Disney World is evaluating a change to the operating schedule of Disney's Animal Kingdom, which traditionally closes between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., earlier than the resort’s other parks. The earlier shutdown is intended to accommodate the daily care of hundreds of live animals, including feeding, veterinary work and habitat maintenance that continue after guests leave.

Guests have long criticized the early closure, especially since the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar in 2017, a land designed to transform after sunset with bioluminescent pathways and nighttime lighting. Many visitors leave before they can experience Pandora’s after‑dark ambience, prompting calls for later park hours. With major new attractions and transformations planned for Animal Kingdom, Disney officials see an opportunity to address this longstanding frustration and potentially keep the park open later into the evening.