There is nothing worse than planning the perfect Disney day and then finding out you’re being kicked out of Magic Kingdom before the sun goes down.

Magic Kingdom is home to some of the most iconic nighttime entertainment at Disney World, from the Starlight Parade to Happily Ever After fireworks. But if you’re visiting this fall or winter, there are 53 upcoming nights when you won’t see either unless you’ve got an extra ticket. That’s because Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party take over the park on select evenings. Today, we’re breaking down every date you’ll want to watch out for, plus the best tips to help you avoid disappointment.

Why These Dates Matter

When one of Disney’s after-hours parties is scheduled, Magic Kingdom shuts down to regular guests at 6:00 PM. That means no fireworks, no nighttime castle photos, no leisurely dinner in Cinderella’s Royal Table, and no chance to hit rides after dark. If you aren’t planning ahead, it’s easy to lose a good portion of your day without realizing it.

And while the parties themselves are a blast if you have tickets, a surprise early closure can completely derail your park plans if you don’t.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates

The Halloween season at Disney is long, stretching all the way from late summer through October. If you’re in Magic Kingdom during this time, check your calendar carefully because these are the nights you’ll have to leave at 6:00 PM without a party ticket.

• September 2025: 9th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 19th, 21st, 23rd, 25th, 26th, 28th, 30th
• October 2025: 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 13th, 14th, 16th, 17th, 19th, 23rd, 24th, 26th, 28th, 30th, 31st

That’s 28 party nights in total between September and October. If fireworks are a must-do, steer clear of Magic Kingdom on these dates unless you’re also buying a party ticket.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates

Once Halloween wraps up, the park doesn’t slow down. Instead, it jumps right into Christmas mode with another wave of special ticketed nights. These are the dates when the holiday parties will take over and regular guests will be leaving before dinner.

• November 2025: 7th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 21st, 25th, 26th, 28th, 30th
• December 2025: 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 19th, 21st

That adds 25 more early closure nights, bringing us to a total of 53 upcoming nights when Magic Kingdom will shut down early in 2025.

What Early Closure Actually Looks Like

On party days, Cast Members will begin gently clearing the park starting in the late afternoon. Around 6:00 PM, ride lines close to non-party guests, dining reservations end, and you’ll start to see wristband checks. By 7:00 PM, only party guests remain in the park.

If you don’t have a ticket, you’ll be walking toward the exit while the exclusive party entertainment is just getting started.

Tips for Handling Early Closures

Just because Magic Kingdom is closing early doesn’t mean your day is ruined. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Expect lighter crowds earlier in the day. Some guests avoid Magic Kingdom on party days entirely, so mornings and early afternoons can feel more relaxed. That makes these dates great for knocking out attractions with shorter waits.
• Don’t plan on fireworks or the parade. Both Happily Ever After and the Disney Starlight Parade won’t run on party nights for regular guests. If those are on your bucket list, save Magic Kingdom for a non-party day.
• Avoid booking table service dinners. With the park closing at 6:00 PM, sit-down meals eat up valuable park time. Opt for quick service so you can maximize your rides.
• Use a park hopper if you have one. Magic Kingdom is still worth visiting until 4:00 PM, then hop to EPCOT for dinner or over to Hollywood Studios for Fantasmic.
• Buy a party ticket if you want the experience. The parties themselves are packed with unique entertainment, rare characters, and exclusive treats. If you want to see fireworks, it’s your only option on those dates.

The Bottom Line

Visiting Magic Kingdom during party season requires more planning than usual. With 53 total nights of early closures between September and December 2025, your vacation experience could look completely different depending on the day you pick.

If you want the full Magic Kingdom experience — fireworks, nighttime rides, and castle photos after dark — choose a non-party day. If you’re flexible, use these party days to your advantage with lower morning crowds and a park-hopping evening plan. And if you’re excited about Halloween or Christmas extras, grab those tickets and enjoy the special events. What you don’t want is to show up expecting a 10:00 PM closing and find yourself heading for the monorail by 6:00 PM. Check the calendar, plan ahead, and you’ll set yourself up for a much smoother trip.

Will you be attending either Holiday Party this year? Let us know in the comments, and continue to follow us here at DFB for all the latest Disney World coverage!

Click here for all the info on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Disney World

Have you ever been surprised by an early Magic Kingdom closure, or do you plan your trips around party days? Let us know in the comments below!