Disney World doesn’t just open its gates at sunrise and close at midnight. On select nights, some guests get access to extra evening hours-long after the crowds have thinned and the fireworks have ended. But who actually gets to enjoy these quiet, less crowded rides under the lights? It’s not luck. It’s not a secret code. It’s tied to where you stay, what you pay, and when you book.
Who qualifies for Extended Evening Hours?
If you’re staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort or a Disney Deluxe Villa Resort, you get access to Extended Evening Hours on select nights. That includes places like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Even Disney’s Riviera Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort count.
You don’t need to buy a special ticket. You don’t need to RSVP. You just need to be a registered guest at one of these resorts on the night the hours are offered. Your MagicBand or Disney Resort hotel room key acts as your pass. Cast Members scan it at the park entrance after regular closing time to let you in.
Disney doesn’t offer these hours to guests staying at value or moderate resorts. That means no access for those staying at Pop Century, All-Star Resorts, or Caribbean Beach. Even guests staying at Disney Springs-area hotels like the Swan and Dolphin don’t qualify-despite being owned by Marriott, they’re not Disney-operated resorts.
When do Extended Evening Hours happen?
These extra hours aren’t available every night. They’re offered on specific dates, usually during peak seasons like summer, holidays, and spring break. You’ll typically see them on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Magic Kingdom, and on Mondays and Wednesdays at EPCOT. The schedule changes monthly, so you can’t assume they’ll be there next week just because they were last week.
Disney releases the official calendar about six weeks in advance. That means if you’re planning a trip for late February, check the calendar in early January. The calendar is updated on the official Disney World website under Park Hours. Look for the blue banner that says Extended Evening Hours next to the park’s closing time.
On average, you get two extra hours-usually from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. But sometimes, it’s just 90 minutes. The length varies. And it’s not the same for every park. Magic Kingdom often gets the longer slots because it’s the most popular.
What rides are open during Extended Evening Hours?
Not every ride runs. Disney picks the most popular attractions that usually have long lines during the day. At Magic Kingdom, you’ll typically get access to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Sometimes, Haunted Mansion and Jungle Cruise are included too.
At EPCOT, you’ll usually get Test Track, Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Soarin’ Around the World, and Mission: SPACE. Spaceship Earth stays open, and sometimes the World Showcase pavilions have limited food and drink options.
Character meet-and-greets? Rare. Shows? Usually not running. The focus is on rides. You’re there to ride, not to wait in line for Anna and Elsa. The lines during these hours are often under 15 minutes-sometimes under five. That’s the real value.
How do you know if your resort qualifies?
Disney has a strict list. Here’s the full breakdown of qualifying resorts:
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (cabins only, not campsites)
- Disney Deluxe Villas (including those at Bay Lake Tower, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas, and Disney’s Vacation Club properties)
If your resort isn’t on this list, you don’t get access. Even if you’re paying $800 a night at a nearby hotel, it doesn’t matter. Only Disney-owned Deluxe Resorts qualify.
What about Disney Vacation Club members?
If you’re a Disney Vacation Club member staying at a Deluxe Villa-whether you’re using points or paying cash-you get the same access as any other guest staying there. Your membership status doesn’t give you extra privileges beyond the resort you’re staying in. But if you’re staying at a Deluxe Villa, you’re already in the club. You don’t need to be a member to qualify-you just need to be staying there.
And yes, you can book a room at one of these resorts just for one night to get access to Extended Evening Hours. Some guests do this strategically-fly in for a late-night ride on Space Mountain and leave the next morning. It’s not cheap, but for a family that’s been waiting years to ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train without a 90-minute wait, it’s worth it.
Can you bring non-resort guests with you?
Yes. If you’re staying at a qualifying resort, you can bring friends or family who aren’t staying at a Disney resort. They just need to be with you when you enter the park. Cast Members will check your room key or MagicBand, and they’ll let your group in together. But you can’t drop someone off at the park gate and leave them there. You have to be physically present with them.
That means if your cousin is staying at a hotel in Orlando and wants to join you for the extra hours, they can-but only if you pick them up and walk into the park together.
Why does Disney offer this perk?
It’s a loyalty tool. Disney knows that people will pay more to stay at a Deluxe Resort if they know they’ll get quieter rides and shorter lines. It’s not just about comfort-it’s about time. Time saved on rides is time spent with family, taking photos, or just breathing without the noise.
Disney also uses it to spread out crowd density. Instead of having everyone in the park until midnight, they give a smaller group of guests a second window to enjoy the park. That helps reduce congestion during peak hours and improves the experience for everyone.
And yes, it’s a subtle way to push guests toward higher-priced accommodations. But if you’re already planning a Disney trip, it’s not manipulation-it’s a bonus. Treat it like a perk you’ve earned by choosing a better hotel.
What if you’re not staying at a Deluxe Resort?
You still have options. Disney occasionally offers Early Morning Hours to all ticket holders, which gives you a 30-minute head start on the park. It’s not as powerful as Extended Evening Hours, but it’s better than nothing.
You can also use Genie+ to skip lines during regular hours. It’s not free, but it’s cheaper than a Deluxe Resort room. Or, plan your visit on a weekday when crowds are lighter. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the quietest days in the parks.
And if you’re willing to pay more, Disney offers VIP tours that include after-hours access to select attractions. These are expensive-starting at $3,000 for a group-but they include personalized guides, food, and priority access to rides.
Is it worth it?
For families with kids who love rides, yes. For couples who want to enjoy the park without screaming children, yes. For photographers who want to capture Main Street with no one in the background? Absolutely.
One guest told me they waited 11 years to ride Space Mountain without a line. They booked a one-night stay at the Grand Floridian just for Extended Evening Hours. They rode it four times. They took a photo of themselves on the ride with no one else in sight. They called it the best $500 they ever spent.
Extended Evening Hours aren’t a gimmick. They’re a real, measurable upgrade to your Disney experience. And if you’re staying at the right place, you’re already in line for it. Just make sure you check the calendar before you book your hotel. Because once the dates are gone, they’re gone until next year.