Disney's Animal Kingdom to Host Extended Evening Hours in July 2025

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Extended Evening Hours at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Posted: Wednesday April 23, 2025 7:05am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is scheduled to offer Extended Evening Hours on Wednesday, July 2, 2025—replacing the typical Wednesday evening offering at Magic Kingdom. The after-hours access will run from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Extended Evening Hours are typically held at Magic Kingdom or EPCOT and are reserved for guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and other select hotels.

Extended Evening Hours at Disney's Animal Kingdom

On July Animal Kingdom's hours will be:

7:30 am – 8:00 am: Early Entry for Disney Resort Hotel guests
8:00 am – 6:00 pm: Regular park hours
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Extended Evening Hours

View all upcoming Walt Disney World Operating Hours.

At this time, Disney has not confirmed whether the July 2 event is a one-time occurrence or the start of a new pattern at Animal Kingdom. The official calendar currently only extends through July 2, leaving open the possibility that more dates could be added in the coming weeks.

Extended Evening Hours provide eligible guests with access to select attractions after regular park closing. Disney has not yet released the list of attractions that will be available during the Animal Kingdom event, but previous after-hours offerings at the park have included popular rides like Avatar Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, and Expedition Everest.

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jrhwdw20 days ago

Please correct me if it's not the plan but I would not be shocked if July 3-5th were soft Opens. Spectro & MSEP were always later in the Night on July 3-4th...

jrhwdw20 days ago

Yes, we know! 7pm-12am! LOL!

ToTBellHop20 days ago

Have you heard the good news about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?!?!

Disgruntled Walt20 days ago

I don't suppose there's any chance they actually keep MK open until Midnight once Starlight begins? I mean, I'll take 11pm, but it would be great to get on some rides during that last hour while the parade is going. I don't know when MK was last open until 12am, but I don't think it ever was during my visits.

nickys20 days ago

I assume they will want a few full run-throughs after the park closes before it officially starts. It’s been so long since a new parade, I have no idea if there are usually previews for the “usual” groups, or just for CMs. Maybe some of our CM members will be able to answer that.

Sirwalterraleigh20 days ago

Because it emptied out everyday well before that and they’re not in the business to pay to keep things open?

jrhwdw20 days ago

I've been wondering, If we're not expecting Starlight till after the 4th why move July 2nd to AK??? Might MK be planning some sort of Preview on the 2nd?

Touchdown21 days ago

DHS would be far more preferable

spectromagic0421 days ago

Well expect no MK probably until January. MK usually goes on hiatus when the Halloween and Christmas parties start.

Disgruntled Walt21 days ago

I'm quite disappointed at this news, actually. I (wrongly) assumed things would go back to the way they were back when Spectro & MSEP were there. They had EMH when those parades were there. And there's barely anything to do at Animal Kingdom.