Hi Kristi! Thank you for bringing your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
Walt Disney World Resort theme parks can close early for many different reasons, including private events or Cast Member only events. While nothing has been publicized through Disney Park channels, I have seen businesses rent one of the parks for the evening for pixie-dust filled private parties. This may be why Magic Kingdom Park is closing early that evening.
Kristi, try not to let the early closing time stop you from visiting the park that day. I have found over the years that days it closes early for seasonal parties or events are excellent days to experience Magic Kingdom Park with lower crowds, as many Guests avoid going to a park with shorter operational hours. Even with shorter hours over the course of the day, we usually fit in more rides with less wait … and who would turn down extra Haunted Mansion rides in a doombuggy with Madame Leota? After Magic Kingdom closes at 7 p.m., you could visit one of the fantastic restaurants in the area Resorts accessed by the monorail, such as
Chef Mickey's,
‘Ohana, or
1900 Park Fare. If you have the Park Hopper Option on your tickets, you could hop over to Epcot to enjoy a delicious dinner around the
World Showcase and close the evening with Illuminations.
I hope you have a magical vacation, Kristi, and please let us know if you have any further questions.
Brandy