Operating hours extended at Walt Disney World theme parks for the October 1 start of the 50th-anniversary celebration

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Posted: Friday September 17, 2021 10:33am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

In the latest Walt Disney World calendar update, operating hours have been adjusted for the October 1 start of the 50th-anniversary celebration.

With the start of the "World's Most Magical Celebration" less than two weeks away, this latest update is likely to be the final schedule change for the parks around October 1.

The World's Most Magical Celebration begins October 1

At Magic Kingdom, October 1 has posted hours of 8am to 10pm, an increase from the original 9am to 9pm hours. In addition, Early Entry for resort hotel guests moves the start time to 7:30am.

Magic Kingdom will operate from 8am to 10pm on October 1

At EPCOT, October 1 operating hours are now 9am to 10pm, increasing from the original 10am to 10pm. Early Entry adds another 30 minutes at opening to 8:30am.

EPCOT's October 1 hours are 9am to 10pm

Finally, the updated hours at Disney's Animal Kingdom are now 8am to 8:30pm, up from the original 8am to 7pm. Early Entry means the park opens to resort hotel guests at 7:30am.

October 1 hours at Disney's Animal Kingdom are 8am to 8:30pm

Operating hours for October 1 at Disney's Hollywood Studios remain unchanged.

Operating Hours overview

In addition to the changes for October 1, operating hours are also available across all Walt Disney World theme parks through November 27 2021.

View latest Walt Disney World operating hours.

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CreathirDec 10, 2023

I thought they were a fun addition to the parks. Personally I’d have made the replacement medallions the same bronze/gold color, but that’s just me.

nickysDec 10, 2023

Why? When I go back, whether that’s in a year, 2 years or further out, I’d love to be able to use my MB+ to activate them again. They were fun last year, why not let guests who didn’t get to see them at the time have a chance? You’re free to ignore them if you’re not interested.

Vegas Disney FanDec 10, 2023

The Tinkerbell one looks fantastic, the rest don’t match and look horrible. I wonder why they chose to use silver on bronze statues?

MagicHappens1971Dec 10, 2023

Gotta sell those MagicBand+ somehow

BrianDec 09, 2023

I just wish they'd take them out at this point. The hidden ones, like Tinkerbell and Abu are fun, but the ones out in the open seem out of place. I gave it a pass (to avoid my personal scorn) during the anniversary celebration, but that's far in the rear view mirror at this point.

DisoneDec 09, 2023

Agree! Took the post right off my fingertips.

drizgirlDec 09, 2023

Some of those are fine. Some of them are just perplexing.

DCBakerDec 09, 2023

The 50th medallions on a number of golden statues at Magic Kingdom that didn't have them removed yet have been recently covered or replaced. 758241

BrianNov 18, 2023

This special was produced by Fox 35, the Orlando Fox affiliate, for the 50th anniversary, and was recently posted to YouTube. I wanted to share since it has an inside look at the costuming 'vault' where costumes from past and present (and even in some cases, future) are stored, how the land for WDW was acquired and an interview with the daughter of one of the landowners, and an interview with three opening day cast members.

LittleBufordOct 01, 2023

I loved it! Watched it three times during my trip this summer.

ToTBellHopOct 01, 2023

Way to end your celebration with class and optimism toward the future.

Sir_CliffSep 30, 2023

Definitely had the same impression. I'm kind of curious to understand what made Dream and Shine Brighter hit just the right spot. I'm normally not a big fan of the castle shows featuring the characters, but this one just felt like pure joy. I suppose a lot of credit needs to go to the performers, who were fantastic.