Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Sally!
I’m so happy to hear you’ve got a Walt Disney World Resort vacation planned and that you’ll be in the middle of the magic again sometime soon! Hurray!
You’re right that Extra Magic Hours are one of the many
benefits of being a Walt Disney World Resort hotel Guest, and it’s important to check the
Park Hours so you can make the most out of every magical minute. During Extra Magic Hour mornings, things are easy, because as Guests scan their
MagicBands at the admission tapstiles, Cast Members can see whether they are resort Guests or off-property Guests and admit those who are eligible. In the evenings, which I think you’re asking about, the process is a little different.
During evening Extra Magic Hours, Cast Members check MagicBands at the entrance to every attraction and show that remains open. (You can find a list of which attractions are open at each park during morning and evening Extra Magic Hours on the
Extra Magic Hours web site, but note that this list is subject to change and unplanned closures do happen.) Sometimes, Cast Members are stationed at the entrance to lands or areas of the park, similar to what happens at “rope drop” during morning Extra Magic Hours.
Extra Magic Hours are a benefit for Guests of Walt Disney World Resort hotels and select Good Neighbor hotels, so while you may be able to stay in the park after official closing, you’ll not be able to access any attraction or show without a qualifying resort hotel reservation linked to your MagicBand or admission card. (You also may be asked to leave by a Cast Member if they scan your band or card and note that you are not an eligible Guest.) Note that evening fireworks spectaculars, like Happily Ever After in Magic Kingdom Park, usually take place during hours when the park is open to everyone. It’s best to look at the Park Hours and make a plan so you’re able to see the things you want to see during the hours the theme parks are open to all Guests.
Sally, I’m not sure how far along you are in your planning, but you might want to look at the
list of participating hotels for Extra Magic Hours, as these
Good Neighbor hotels may be in your budget and still provide some of the magical benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.
Have so much fun planning your visit! As you continue with your Disney Dreaming, please come back and see us if we can help with any more questions.
Wishing you a magical vacation,
Robyn