Why does Magic Kingdom close early on December 20?

Magic Kingdom closes early to day guests on December 20 because it is a Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party night, a separately ticketed event that runs 7 PM to midnight.

How should I plan around Magic Kingdom closing early on December 20?

Arrive at rope drop, do your must-do rides and shows first, and plan to be finished by 6 PM. Hours can change, so check again as the date gets closer.

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Walt Disney World · Park Hours Alert

Magic Kingdom Closes Early on December 20, 2026

On Sunday, December 20, Magic Kingdom is scheduled to close at 6 PM to day guests, earlier than its usual hours.

Closing time on December 20 6 PM Packed crowds expected

Why Magic Kingdom closes early on December 20

December 20 is a Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party night. The party is a separately ticketed evening event that runs 7 PM to midnight, so day guests have to leave at 6 PM while party guests stay on for the parade, fireworks and holiday treats. Party tickets for this night are listed at $229 before tax. A party ticket gets you into Magic Kingdom as early as 4 PM, so you can ride in the late afternoon without a separate day ticket.

What this means for your day

Regular daytime admission ends at 6 PM, earlier than Magic Kingdom usually closes.
Get to the gates for rope drop and ride the headliners first.
Plan your last ride, snack, and shopping before 6 PM.
Hours can change, so check again closer to your trip.

Headliners to ride before 6 PM

From our own wait-time history at Magic Kingdom, these are the busiest rides whose quietest hour comes before the early close, so you lose nothing by riding them in daylight.

TRON Lightcycle / Run is quietest around 8 AM, about 33 minutes on average, against a typical 58 minutes across the day.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is quietest around 8 AM, about 35 minutes on average, against a typical 43 minutes across the day.
Peter Pan's Flight is quietest around 8 AM, about 26 minutes on average, against a typical 39 minutes across the day.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is quietest around 8 AM, about 7 minutes on average, against a typical 32 minutes across the day.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is quietest around 8 AM, about 9 minutes on average, against a typical 31 minutes across the day.
Jungle Cruise is quietest around 8 AM, about 8 minutes on average, against a typical 30 minutes across the day.

Other Walt Disney World parks on December 20

If you want a full evening in a park that day, these stay open for day guests.

EPCOT is open until 9 PM, with packed crowds forecast.
Hollywood Studios is open until 9 PM, with packed crowds forecast.
Animal Kingdom is open until 6 PM, with packed crowds forecast.

Other early closures at Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom hours on December 20

What time does Magic Kingdom close on December 20?: On Sunday, December 20, Magic Kingdom is scheduled to close at 6 PM to day guests, earlier than its usual hours.
Why does Magic Kingdom close early on December 20?: Magic Kingdom closes early to day guests on December 20 because it is a Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party night, a separately ticketed event that runs 7 PM to midnight.
How should I plan around Magic Kingdom closing early on December 20?: Arrive at rope drop, do your must-do rides and shows first, and plan to be finished by 6 PM. Hours can change, so check again as the date gets closer.

Park hours from Rope Drop News · unofficial, not affiliated with Disney.