Disney Releases Thanksgiving Week Hours With Early Magic Kingdom Closures
The schedule limits daytime access at Magic Kingdom for three ticketed party nights, increasing pressure on paid skip-the-line options.
Overview
- Disney published official park hours on Friday, September 18, 2026, for Thanksgiving week running November 22–28 and set Early Entry at 8:30 a.m. for Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios and 7:30 a.m. for Animal Kingdom.
- Magic Kingdom will close to day guests at 6 p.m. on November 24, 25, and 27 to stage Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, requiring non-ticketed visitors to exit before the 7 p.m. party start.
- EPCOT is listed to run 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. all week with an Extended Evening entry on November 23, Hollywood Studios mostly runs 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with Disney Jollywood Nights affecting Nov. 23 and Nov. 28, and Animal Kingdom is scheduled 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with one Extended Evening entry on Nov. 24.
- Disney has not released Lightning Lane prices for Thanksgiving week and those fees remain unconfirmed, but reporters note that dynamic pricing hit peak levels in 2026 (the Premier Pass reached $449 on some dates) so paid access is expected to be costly during the holiday.
- Company earnings showing rising per-guest spending and ongoing multi-year park refurbishments through 2027–2028 mean guests should expect limited capacity on some rides, possible hour adjustments as the holiday nears, and higher out-of-pocket costs for a smoother visit.