Animal Kingdom to Close at 5 p.m. on Aug. 28, Extending Disney's Early Shutdown Trend
Unexplained early closures are increasingly linked by reporting to private buyouts that restrict evening access.
Overview
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom will close to day guests at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, trimming the usual schedule and removing the after‑dark Pandora experience.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios previously ended operations at 6:00 p.m. on August 16, which included canceling the Fantasmic! nighttime show.
- The company has not provided an official reason for the shortened hours, with outlets citing insiders who attribute the pattern to private after‑hours buyouts.
- Travelers are being advised to monitor official calendars and adjust dining, ride plans, and transportation because late notices have left guests replanning on arrival.
- Reporting indicates Magic Kingdom is expected to close early on October 21 for the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo, a development that remains unconfirmed by Disney.