Disney World Sets Thanksgiving Week Park Hours and Early Holiday Closures
Published September 18, 2026
Disney World has released its initial operating schedule for the busy Thanksgiving holiday week, running from November 22 through November 28, 2026. The most critical detail for planners is that Magic Kingdom will close to regular daytime guests at 6:00 p.m. on three different days that week to accommodate Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
As of Friday, September 18, the posted schedule provides the baseline for the holiday week, though Disney frequently extends operating hours as major dates get closer.
According to reports, Magic Kingdom will close early on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday for the ticketed holiday events. On the other four days, including Thanksgiving Day itself, the park is scheduled to remain open until 10:00 p.m. The other theme parks will also see some early closures, with Disney’s Hollywood Studios shutting down at 7:00 p.m. on two nights for Disney Jollywood Nights.
What we know
- Magic Kingdom — scheduled 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on November 22, 23, 26, and 28.
- Magic Kingdom — closes early at 6:00 p.m. on November 24, 25, and 27 for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
- EPCOT — scheduled 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. all week, with Extended Evening Theme Park Entry on November 23.
- Hollywood Studios — closes early at 7:00 p.m. on November 23 and 28 for Disney Jollywood Nights.
- Animal Kingdom — scheduled 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. all week, with Extended Evening Theme Park Entry on November 24.
What’s not confirmed
Disney has not confirmed whether it will extend regular park hours or move Early Theme Park Entry to an earlier time during Thanksgiving week, though it frequently makes those adjustments closer to the holiday dates.
What it means for your trip
If you are visiting during Thanksgiving week, Magic Kingdom requires the most careful planning. The three party days with 6:00 p.m. closures will generally have significantly lower daytime crowds, making them excellent days to ride attractions if you have a Park Hopper ticket and can spend the evening elsewhere. Conversely, the non-party days (like Thanksgiving Day) will absorb the bulk of the week’s nighttime crowds as guests flock to see the fireworks. If you use the SupaPark day builder, map out your park days now to avoid getting caught at Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios on an evening when you don’t have a special event ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which days does Magic Kingdom close early Thanksgiving week?
Magic Kingdom will close to daytime guests at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24, Wednesday, November 25, and Friday, November 27 for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Does Hollywood Studios have early closures that week?
Yes, Hollywood Studios will close at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 23 and Saturday, November 28 for Disney Jollywood Nights.
Will these hours change?
While these are the currently posted hours, Disney frequently extends park hours and shifts Early Theme Park Entry to earlier times as major holiday weeks approach.
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