Disney theme parks: extended hours this summer and new showtimes for fireworks

Disney World has just updated park hours for the theme parks for the rest of summer and into fall. Because of the new hours, fireworks will also take place at different times. See the new changes and how to adjust your touring plans below.

Park Hours

Last week, Disney extended park hours at Hollywood Studios and it looks like that was just the beginning!

For most dates in August, the park will be open an extra hour. Now, Guests can enjoy attractions like Tower of Terror and Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run until 9 pm instead of 8 pm. Read last week’s update HERE.

New Extensions

The other theme parks are following along as Disney has extended operating hours there as well. Here are the new updates:

On August 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, and 27-29 Epcot will be open from 11 am to 10 pm. This will give Guests an extra hour at night to enjoy the International Food and Wine Festival!

Over at Animal Kingdom, park extensions begin later this month into September. From July 26-30, it will be open from 8 am to 8 pm. From August 1 – September 25, it will be open from 8 am to 7 pm.

Hollywood Studios sees even more extensions. On August 29 to September 25, the park will be open from 9 am to 9 pm. This will be great for riding Slinky Dog Dash at night!

There are no new hours at Magic Kingdom.

New Fireworks Showtimes

As a result of the above changes, fireworks showtimes have also changed.

For Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom, the show will begin at 8:45 pm from August 10 – 31. Right now it shows at 9:15 pm.

Beginning August 2, EPCOT Forever will be shown at 9 pm Monday to Thursday. During the weekends, you can catch the show at 10 pm.

Because of the extra hours in the park and new showtimes, it’s more important than ever to double check those touring plans! With more time in the parks, you can adjust your itinerary as necessary. Character Locator is an excellent source with pre-made touring plans, maps, full menus, and more.

Are you in the parks in August or September? Are you happy about these changes? Let us know on our Facebook page.