Disney World Early December 2020 Park Hours
Walt Disney World has released its early December 2020 calendar for Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios, while extending September and October hours at some parks on weekends. In this post, we’ll share details, cover why this is happening, and offer commentary on what to expect going forward.
Let’s start with a brief recap of the park hours roller coaster, which began with Walt Disney World dramatically cutting fall park hours post-Labor Day up until Halloween. That was an unpopular decision among fans, but it was arguably vindicated by Walt Disney World’s abysmal attendance post-reopening.
Following that, Walt Disney World began releasing hours week by week for November 2020 that maintained the status quo of the reduced fall schedule. That continued through Veterans Day and approaching Thanksgiving week. Then Walt Disney World Announced Christmas Entertainment a couple of weeks ago, calling the previous schedule into question. Some of that entertainment required nighttime hours, which were not previously present on the calendar…
Last week, Walt Disney World Released New November 2020 Park Hours, changing and extending a slew of dates previously released. Most notably, Walt Disney World extended park hours for Magic Kingdom beginning November 6, which were previously 9 am until 6 pm. The updated hours reflecting the Christmas-time entertainment are 9 am until 7 pm.
These new hours were necessary to give guests around an hour of the operating day to capture photos of the Cinderella Castle Christmas projections. Previously, Magic Kingdom was closing around 30 minutes after official sunset time, which was too early for lighting effects on Cinderella Castle to be visible.
EPCOT’s hours were also adjusted, with a shift in park hours beginning November 27, 2020. Prior to that date, EPCOT’s hours are 11 am until 7 pm. On that date and thereafter, the park’s hours become 12 pm until 8 pm.
It’s the same length of time (8 hours) but it’s another step in the right direction. As a popular park among local Annual Passholders, this move makes sense. It’s also being done for the start of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays beginning. Beyond the food booths, it’s not clear what that event will entail.
Moving on to the latest changes and additions, we first have new hours for all parks. The calendar was previously posted through November 28, 2020–now it’s posted through December 5, 2020.
The new dates reflect the same shift at EPCOT and extension at Magic Kingdom as identified above for their respective holiday seasons.
Next, another park hours extension at Animal Kingdom. Earlier this week, Walt Disney World extended park hours there by one hour on September 20, 2020. Previously, Animal Kingdom was open from 9 am until 5 pm. Now, it’s open from 9 am until 6 pm.
The same extension has now also been made for September 27, 2020.
Finally, park hours have been extended at EPCOT, with the park now closing at 8 pm on the first two Saturdays in October 2020 (10/3 and 10/10). Previously, EPCOT closed at 7 pm on both evenings.
The good news here is that EPCOT still has Disney Park Pass availability for all three buckets on both dates, so this is a proactive rather than reactive move.
As covered earlier this week in our Crowds Continue Rising at Walt Disney World analysis, attendance has steadily increased this month, even post-Labor Day.
There are a number of viable explanations for this that are discussed in that post. The biggest is that Walt Disney World has quietly increased capacity.
This has become very evident in the last couple of weeks, as Disney Park Pass availability has increased with Annual Passholder inventory replenished on previously ‘unavailable’ dates. APs now often have same-day availability for EPCOT, and they are starting to take advantage of this.
We’ve spent the last two days at EPCOT, and the park has been seeing heavier crowds the second half of the day than the first half.
We’ll have more in a full EPCOT update tomorrow, but the crowd trends are really interesting. Wait times have not been dramatically higher, but crowds have been. Right now, 7:30 pm feels busier in World Showcase than it did back at the end of July. Keep in mind that 7:30 pm is 30 minutes after park closing now, whereas it would’ve been 90 minutes before park closing then.
Heavier ‘feels like’ crowd levels are typical for EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival season, as locals focus more on grazing booths than riding attractions. It isn’t uncommon for Soarin’ Around the World to have minimal waits (that are well below average) while World Showcase feels like it’s a peak day in terms of congestion levels. Thankfully, we’re not at the latter point yet, but the walkways are no longer deserted like they were two months ago.
Ultimately, the latest weekday trends are a promising development (excluding Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which has its own set of unique problems). Crowd levels appear to be growing at a level disproportionate to wait times. While the first month-plus of ‘ghost town’ crowds at Walt Disney World were enjoyable, they were also unsustainable. What we’re observing now is better for Disney and guests, as it inches things back to normalcy.
If this pattern holds, we’d expect park hours to continue being extended, with more food booths and restaurants reopening. Perhaps more entertainment or shows returning, as well. While increased crowds might be concerning for those of you planning Walt Disney World trips for later this year, the dynamic here is win-win-win. Locals win because they can enter the park to eat. Tourists win because attraction wait times (at least on weekdays) are still relatively low. Disney wins because park profitability increases–that also ends up being a win for guests, as it reverses the cost-cutting spiral we all derided when fall hours were reduced.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What are your thoughts about the latest Walt Disney World calendar changes? Happy to see hours extended, or concerned about the accompanying crowds? Do you anticipate Walt Disney World will make additional extensions if demand picks up? Or will ‘fine tune’ operating hours—extending, reducing, or shifting as appropriate? Will you be visiting Walt Disney World in November or December 2020? Does this modified schedule influence your decision to visit this holiday season? Do you agree or disagree with our advice and commentary? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
We met with a DVC CM while we where at Poly on post-Labor Day trip. He mentioned that the All Stars and Port Orleans would be most likely a year out from reopening. His reasoning was feeding everyone while social distancing because they really only have the massive food courts. Not where we typically stay, but still just something I really hadn’t thought about from an operation standpoint.
We are very anxious for our Thanksgiving week trip and after seeing the crowds on Labor Day, we hope they increase hours! We are worried about a week of long lines without fast passes and without many crowd eater shows open. Let’s hope they open more places to eat, a few more attractions and/or extend park hours!
Tom, if you had to go To Epcot on a Friday from 11-7pm or a Saturday from 11-8, which day do you think you could get more done on? Just curious if that extra hour gets balanced out with additional local crowds coming on a Saturday. We will be there not this weekend, but the next and need to make our park pass reservations. Originally we had planned for Friday (and to enjoy the pool at our resort, Beach Club, on Saturday) but now we are wondering if we should switch things up. Thanks!
When does Disney let guests know, if a resort is not going to open up? We have a November split stay starting out at Coronado springs, followed by Riviera. If they don’t open up Coronado springs by October 15, how soon will they let Guests know? Thanks 🙂
Until masks are not required, we will not return.
We haven’t missed a year in the last 20 years. This will be our 1st missed year.
Do you have anything predictions as to when nov 2021 dates will open?
With crowds increasing, will fast-passes be coming back?
This is what I am also wondering. We are going thanksgiving week and I am worried steadily increasing crowds will lead to ridiculous wait times.
That would be great!!
But, highly unlikely till 2021.
Yeah. If we had to go to year round time, my preference is standard. I hate waking up in the dark.
Thoughts on additional ticketed events (early morning magic or holiday parties) coming back for December? We’ll be there the week before Christmas for our second trip, and the MK Early Morning Magic event was a favorite from our first trip. Though perhaps these events aren’t necessary, given reduced capacity?
Disney has already announced there will be no Christmas Parties. I doubt they will bring Early Morning Magic back at this point. LInes aren’t long enough to necessitate it… just my thoughts.
I’m curious what you make of Columbus Day week, Tom. It’s clearly a standout on the Park Pass calendar.
They handled Labor Day crowds so well. My hope for that week is that they’ll lengthen hours and keep caps low enough that we can both stay safe and have a reasonably enjoyable experience in the parks.
When we booked, it was based on photos of empty parks (I know–not sustainable), which made all the current concessions more palatable. If they keep hours short and/or let in a lot more people that week, I have concerns that we’ll even get to experience many attractions. Weekends look pretty awful right now, and I guess my fear is that every single day that week is shaping up to be weekend-like…
Just curious if that week stands out to you too! Thanks!
Same here! I hope they do not increase availability any more that week AND also increase park hours to ensure we all have ample time to do the attractions we want. I know I am assuming the risk of not getting to do everything I want because of current reports, but they truly are on notice already that that week is going to be the busiest so far. Therefore, I am going to be very mad if it they change nothing and the crowds/short hours make for a bad trip. Tom, thanks for your ongoing updates! Is there a number we can call to nicely state our concerns about that week? May not help, but it can’t hurt.
Calling will waste your time and further jam-up the phone lines, so I would not recommend that. Try emailing, though: [email protected]
With that said, don’t hold your breath. This is generally not the type of thing that they’ll change over prospective guest feedback. The only thing that could change capacity caps is surveys from guests who have visited when crowds are higher show lower satisfaction, a safety scare, or something like that.
As for Columbus Day, availability is already limited either because they’re holding back Park Pass inventory like they did for Labor Day or because it’s already booking quickly. My guess is a mix of the two. Definitely the next big week to watch.
Thanks Tom!
We have been visiting that week after Columbus Day for the past several years because it’s Southern schools fall break week
I will be the first to tell you that it’s one of the busiest weeks at Disney I have experienced EVER!!!
You cannot even find a way to get into a line at the Epcot food booths.
It’s very very crowded
Not sure about this year, but all other years, a definite week to avoid if you have a choice
We are planning a trip in early December and will be making dining reservations soon. Can you give recommendations on outdoor dining options (table service) in the parks, hotels, Boardwalk? Or if indoor dining, recommendations that allow social distancing?
So I don’t know if Tom has already done a post for this and I haven’t seen it if he has, but Disney food blog recently made a list of all the restaurants that are currently open and have outdoor dining. They even made a printable list of it. There’s a high chance that sun’s of it may change between now and December but it’sa good place to start. (Also I believe all the restaurants have social distancing enacted inside). The link for the dfb list is https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/09/15/you-asked-we-listened-our-printable-guide-to-all-outdoor-dining-at-disney-world/
We have a list: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/best-restaurants-outdoor-seating-disney-world/
Just keep in mind that a lot will likely change between now and December.
Does anyone know when three bridges bar and grill open at Coronado springs?
If you were going November 21-Dec 2 with 2 special needs kids, which parks would you pick on which days? Like everyone else, trying to avoid crowds as much as possible.
Thanksgiving week, all parks will be busy, so it won’t really matter which days you go to which parks. Your best days will be starting the Sunday after Thanksgiving. I’d go Epcot on Sunday, AK Monday and MK Tuesday. If you’re planning on Wednesday as a park day as well, it’d probably work even better to do HS on Sunday, Epcot Monday, AK Tuesday and MK Wednesday
I don’t know what your kiddos special needs are but I have a kid with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and vision impairment and standing in long lines is really bad so we always get the DAS pass. You might be able to get it depending on your kiddos needs, but it’s great because you can get a return time and go wait to ride AWAY from the crowds. Or for my son, he can sit and just take a break from working so hard. If he overworks his vision or physically it could cause a seizure so it’s so nice to “wait” our turn but to do it in a better location.
Hello! As a mother of a autistic 18 year old daughter we have been to Disney several times during different times of the year. With that being said we have not been there since the Covid 19 redoing of the park schedules. I would avoid Epcot and Hollywood Studios on Saturday and Sundays if at all possible as the locals usually come and it can get quit busy. I would stick to Animal Kingdom or Magic Kingdom. Have you considered the DAS pass. It gives you a return time so you don’t have to stand in line and wait for a longer time. We were there last December and my best advice to you is to bring snacks from home and any comfort items your children may like and use throughout the day. That seemed to work with our Ally! Best to you and you family and have a Magical Time!
I wish they would think about about park hoppin at least last 3 hours of day. I just want to eat at epcot.
Something to keep an eye on. The Florida Legislature approved year round Daylight Savings Time in 2018. It must be approved by Congress. Florida’s Senators are pushing it now. If passed, a closure at 8pm would still be before dark. Stay tuned…
https://apple.news/ATlMENnL0S_6VYO-sh9h9MA
Thanks for the heads up on this. I pay pretty close attention to the news and politics, but the concern over DST continues to confound me–and I grew up in a Midwest farming community.
Do you think AP block out dates will yield lower than expected crowds then? Like the week leading up to xmas? Thanks
That’s a possibility–it depends upon what percentage of guests have the highest tier APs.
I have zero insight into that whatsoever, but my guess is not many.
Any hope for the Arts Fest or is it too soon?
More hope than I would’ve had 2 weeks ago, but still too soon.
You can get park hopper tickets for January. Do you think that it really will happen? I have a trip scheduled for then but only coming if you can park hop. Thanks.
Please remind us Tom what your recommendation is for a face mask? We will be there the first week of November
https://suayla.com/collections/masks/products/suay-mask-surgical-wrap?variant=31982531575908
That’s the link for their recommended mask. It is awesome!
It looks like a nice fit but, for the price I would want a nose contour. This is the main missing piece in 99% of the masks that people are selling. First, without it you can never wear glasses because your exhale goes straight up and out the pockets between the bridge of your nose and the mask. Secondly and finally, the same thing as the first. It allows way too much exhale out of the ask. The point of the mask, in a pandemic, is to limit the exhale of the wearer. Find some of the metal contours from other masks and please glue them on to whatever mask you are wearing. For all of us.
SML, it has the nose piece listed as part of the description:
“Constructed from medical grade non-woven polypropylene surgical wrap, with a nosepiece, elastic ties (color may vary) and adjustable rubber stopper on earloops for secure fit.”
Just curious if you have them and know for a fact that the nosepiece doesn’t work right? I’d like to buy some, but I do agree with you that the form fitting nosepiece is essential. Thanks!
I ordered them to Canada and they are excellent masks. The nose piece is the same as on a surgical paper mask so it works just fine. I ordered other Suay masks in black bandana pattern and they are best too. My kids won’t wear them to school though. They only want solid black lol so lots of awesome masks for grocery shopping.
Erik, I have three of these. The nose piece works as well as any other mask I’ve used. I love these. My wife isn’t as big of a fan, but I think that’s more of an issue with the design and not functionality.
I wear glasses and I’ve been searching for the perfect mask and bought SEVERAL different kinds. I just can’t justify the price of the Suay. Still searchingfor perfect but my 2 favorites so far: Old Navy (3 for $12,50 right now) and Swaddle Designs.
Etsy has the best masks. Pink perfect shop,
And Maskbuddies. $8.96/mask With nose piece and pocket for filter. Very soft ear loops and has the must have “metal nose piece” 🙂 Free shipping.
Any guess on what will be the hours for the rest of Dec? We’ll be there the second week.
My expectation is they’ll continue these week by week announcements with the same hours through December 19, 2020.
I’d then expect extensions much closer to travel dates, with those increases much more common in November and December. It really depends upon the extent to which WDW realizes that locals are more likely to show up after work, spend money on food & merchandise, and not do as many attractions. They can have their cake and eat it too when it comes to tourists & locals. It’s just a matter of recognizing that and juggling both.
Thanks Tom.
We are leaning more into making the trip during your #1 week for the year.
The overly simple summation of what I’ve been observing from all your posts and other sources is, weekdays should be pretty light on the crowds. Weekends are more of a wildcard. Hollywood studios is a kind of a mess, whenever.
We are thinking of hitting each of the parks Tuesday-Friday so we get one weekday at each. We have weekend reservations for MK and HS. I figure if they are uncomfortable we will just bounce and we got at least one day at each park
I think that makes sense, and I’d more or less expect that simplified trend to hold through December. (It’s not really even a new trend–just one that has become exaggerated thanks to locals being the disproportionate demographic right now.)
Hi Drew,
What is the number one week you are going? What parks are you planning for each day? We are tentatively planning on going the first 2 weeks of December and I’m so confused about planning! Haha
@Kelly. We are going the beginning of December. Tues-MK. Wed-HS. Thurs-AK. Fri-EC.