Resort Guests will be getting 1 less Extra Magic Hour at Walt Disney World
Disney has confirmed that evening Extra Magic Hours will be shortened at Walt Disney World Resorts. A special opportunity exclusively for Walt Disney World resort guests, Extra Magic Hours kept one scheduled Disney park open for 3 hours beyond its closing time for those staying on property. In 2o13, the park designated as having extra magic hours will stay open only 2 hours past closing for resort guests. The change in hours is listed on the official Walt Disney World website. Thus far there has been no change made to morning Extra Magic Hours – an hour early opening at a select theme park exclusively for resort guests.
Eliminating one hour of evening Extra Magic Hours is no doubt a cost cutting measure for the Disney parks. The earlier closure eliminates the need for as many cast members, and it eases concerns about earlier closure of the monorail system at Walt Disney World. It will also ease the schedule of Walt Disney World transportation. Resort guests, however, may have to alter plans because they will not have as much exclusive time during extra magic hours to ride high traffic attractions. Many guests may view this as a decrease in the value of Disney resorts since less park time will be offered by the Extra Magic Hour “perk” for vacationers. The earlier closing time may also raise additional interest in night-time activities at Walt Disney World property, an area in which the resort is currently limited.
What do you think? Does losing an hour of Evening Extra Magic Hours change your plans? Do you feel it reduces the value of a Walt Disney World resort stay?
