Hi Kara,
It's always nice to see you planning a Walt Disney World Resort vacation. There's a special kind of Disney magic in the air during the
50th Anniversary Celebration. I especially love seeing the theme park icons shine as
Beacons of Magic on select nights and I have yet to taste an
EARidescent treat that I didn't like.
I can already tell you've been doing your Disney research, Kara. You understand that
valid admission and a
theme park reservation are currently required for theme park entry. You also know that
extended evening theme park hours are an extra dose of magic given to Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, or other select hotels. You're smart to wonder how these magical worlds collide.
A theme park reservation is required to access extended evening theme park hours, Kara. You have two options. The first option is to make a theme park reservation for the same park on the same day that you plan to experience the extended hours. The other option is to purchase a ticket with the
Park Hopper Option, make a theme park reservation for a different park, enter that park, then "hop" to the park hosting extended hours anytime after 2:00 p.m.
My family chose option two on our most recent visit. We had theme park reservations for Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park, which is where we spent our morning. After a delicious lunch at
Satu'li Canteen, we returned to Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa for a pool and nap break. We then enjoyed an amazing meal at
Cítricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa before walking over to Magic Kingdom park for extended evening hours. This was truly one of our best Disney days ever. The small crowds during extended evening hours were akin to a special ticket event, which let us experience multiple attractions and precious moments with
Cinderella Castle.
When experiencing attractions during extended evening theme park hours, every Guest should be prepared to tap their
method of entry (MagicBand, admission card, or Disney MagicMobile pass) with a Cast Member.
Scroll down to view the extended evening theme park schedule, which is currently available through August 17. Check back regularly for updates.
PlanDisney wishes to
extend our gratitude for being a part of your Disney vacation planning team. You've got questions, we've got answers. You know where to find us!
Choose magic,
Jennifer