• On Nov 5, 2018
    Nichole from OH Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We are going to Disney World the week of Thanksgiving and on Friday we have plans to go to HS but have dining reservations at 5pm in Magic Kindgom. Should we be worried about the park closing due to crowds prior to us entering or dinner?

    Welcome Back, Nichole!

    How exciting that you're visiting Walt Disney World Resort during the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! Pro Tip: Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog so you won't miss a minute of new Walt Disney World Resort news, like where to find the larger-than-life Gingerbread Displays.

    The short answer is no, I personally would not be worried. Walt Disney World Resort has almost 50 years of experience in planning for holidays, large attendance days, and how to still ensure that everyone has a good time that they basically have it down to a science. Disney will enact what they call 'Phased Closures' on days when guest levels do near capacity, which will impact who can be admitted to that specific park for the remainder of that day.

    The good news is that of the four phases, levels 1, 2 and 3 will still allow admission to those who are Guests of a Disney Resort Hotel, those who have an Annual Pass, and/or those who have a Reservations to a Dining Location or scheduled appointment in that specific Disney Theme Park, like at the Harmony Barber Shop. Another plus is that a level four closure, which means no one else may enter, including those with reservations, hasn't officially happened in over a decade.

    If it were me, I would plan to leave Disney's Hollywood Studios around 2:30 P.M. at the latest that day to allow for plenty of time to get to dinner. I would also stop by the Guest Relations location at Disney's Hollywood Studios that morning and ask if they think a Magic Kingdom Park closure will happen that day and adjust my plans from there.

    I hope this helped, Nichole, and We'll See You Real Soon!
    ~Kristen
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Meet the Panelist: Kristen, Texas

Hi, I'm Kristen! I'm a mom to the best ride buddy and a military spouse who loves keeping up with the latest Disney Parks news. Trips to Disneyland and Walt Disney World have always been fun, but now that I'm the parent AND the planner every moment is that much more treasured.  I am so honored and excited to be able to share tips I've picked up, pass on fun factoids I've learned, and help create magical moments for your vacation of a lifetime!  Learn More About Kristen

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