Although Disney World has four theme parks, many of us think of Magic Kingdom first when we think of the resort.

We can’t help it! Magic Kingdom is Disney World’s OG park, where you can find Cinderella Castle, be serenaded by the Dapper Dans while you stroll down Main Street, U.S.A., and ride some of Disney World’s most classic attractions. However, you should carefully consider WHEN you visit Magic Kingdom on your Disney World trip, and we’re going to tell you why.

This summer and fall, you might be surprised to learn that Magic Kingdom will close EARLY on certain nights. Sometimes these early closures are HOURS before the park usually closes, which means you’ll have less time there. Don’t worry, though — Disney World DOES list all of its hours for Magic Kingdom on its website, so be sure to check that before your trip.

But WHEN should you avoid Magic Kingdom when it closes early? Well, we’ll tell you!

Mickey’s Not-So Scary Halloween Party Nights

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place on select nights in Magic Kingdom from mid-August through the first of November. Magic Kingdom will close early on these nights at 6PM and will only be open after that to those with tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

The dates for the parties in 2023 have already been released, so these are the dates you’ll want to avoid in Magic Kingdom if you don’t want to have your day there shortened: August 11th, 15th, 18th, 22nd, 25th, and 29th; September 1st, 4th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 15th, 17th, 19th, 22nd, 24th, 26th, 28th, and 29th; October 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 9th, 10th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 17th, 19th, 20th, 22nd, 24th, 26th, 27th, 29th, and 31st; and November 1st.

So keep those dates in mind if you’ll be visiting Disney World during those months. Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party are available now — so if you’re wanting to attend a party, be sure to get those ASAP because they do tend to sell out.

EVERYTHING CONFIRMED for the 2023 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Likewise, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place on select nights in late fall (last year’s first party was on November 8th) through the end of December. Magic Kingdom will also close at 6PM on the nights of the party, meaning that you’ll have less time in the parks that day if you do not have a ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Disney has not yet released dates for the 2023 parties, but you’ll need to keep an eye out for those to avoid being in Magic Kingdom on a day it closes early.

Learn more about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Special Events

Magic Kingdom will also close early when there’s a special event that’s been booked there or if there’s a special Cast Member celebration or event scheduled. The only way to learn about these early closures is to keep an eye on the calendar on Disney World’s website or My Disney Experience app.

We’ve seen Magic Kingdom close as early as 4:30PM when these special events have been scheduled, which would greatly shorten your day if you’re visiting that park. So be sure to keep an eye out for those circumstances.

When Does Magic Kingdom Close in 2023?

Keep in mind that Disney World schedules change often, which is why it’s important to keep an eye on the calendar on the Disney World website and My Disney Experience app. Always check and double-check park hours as much as you can before your trip so you don’t end up with any surprises.

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Have you ever ended up in Magic Kingdom on a day when it closed early? What did you do? Let us know in the comments!

 

The post Why You Should AVOID Magic Kingdom on These 2023 Dates first appeared on the disney food blog.