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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Keeps Closing Early Despite Calls for Night Access

Evening private rentals appear to be driving the decision to limit public hours.

Overview

  • The park currently operates six rides, a tally expected to drop to five with the imminent closure of DINOSAUR for an Indiana Jones-themed replacement.
  • After the end of Daylight Saving Time, sunset falls near 4:30 p.m., leaving guests under two hours of darkness before typical 6 p.m. closings.
  • Commentators highlight the park’s standout nighttime ambiance in Pandora – The World of Avatar and Discovery Island that most visitors rarely experience.
  • The new Zootopia: Better Zoogether show has drawn mostly negative reviews, reinforcing perceptions of Animal Kingdom as a half-day park.
  • Holiday schedules still cap evenings early, with posted closings of 6–7 p.m. most nights and 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, according to recent reports.