Update 3: February operating schedule updates are below and the February Crowd Calendar has been updated with the changes. Like January, few recommendations needed to be changed. We can expect to see a much more robust update to the February operating schedule on or around January 20th.
WDWMAGIC ran a similar story to this one here and TouringPlans.com also made an update today here just in case you thought that maybe I was just making this up. I sent word to the suits asking if there was any chance Disney would be reconsidering the change or offering some other type of evening entertainment. I suppose it would be ridiculous to turn on the Osborne Lights at the end of January and into February and it would be extremely difficult (I would imagine) to move the Electrical Parade from Magic Kingdom to Hollywood Studios for a three week long stint. I guess the Osborne Lights make as much sense six weeks before Christmas as six weeks after? Or 46 weeks before if you want to look at it like that? A Fireworks show at Hollywood Studios would seem to be the most viable alternative, though it’s highly unlikely Disney would spring for it.
Update 2: I updated the January Crowd Calendar with the operating schedule changes listed below. I’ll update February tomorrow. The daily analysis is also updated to reflect the updates. The recommendations remain unchanged. While Main Street Electrical Parade is a major driving force, it’s no coincidence that Disney schedules the Parade on days that are naturally busier. We usually see them on Monday because a lot of people travel over the weekend and want to visit Magic Kingdom first thing. Thursdays are also common because it almost always has a morning Extra Magic Hour pulling Disney resort guests. We also see the Parade most Saturdays. As we know, Saturdays are popular with locals and those heading home the next day. In other words, Disney wants as many people to see the Electrical Parade as possible and the cheapest way for them to do that is to schedule it on days when more people will be in the Park without them having to do anything to get them there. Thus, we can expect Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays to remain more crowded despite the lack of the Electrical Parade.
I’ll update the language in the daily analysis much more when the “final” schedule comes out, which should be no later than next Monday. It’s fairly generic at the moment, but specific things change so much between the initial release of the operating schedule six months out and the “final” schedule two weeks out, that it would be silly to get too specific. For example, the Phineas and Ferb Meet and Greet is one of the two most popular meets at the Studios now, but you never know what it will look like in June. In particular, things will be changing at Magic Kingdom as New Fantasyland begins to open its doors.
Update: Magic Kingdom’s close extended on several dates in January. Specific dates and times are below. I am still expecting additional changes to Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom on or around January 19th. At that time, we should see a second Fantasmic each night that it’s scheduled (January 1 – 9) and the close extended to 8pm to accommodate it. We should also see a second Main Street Electrical Parade added on Saturdays that currently have a Parade scheduled as well as around Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend and possibly the occasional Monday. Epcot’s operating schedule should remain the same and Animal Kingdom should remain mostly the same as well.
Disney has removed the Main Street Electrical Parade from the operating schedule from January 20th through February 10th. During that time, it is expected that Frontierland will be repaved. This is obviously unfortunate news for anyone traveling during this time and hoping to see the Parade, especially because Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios is under refurbishment from January 9th through February 12th. While we can all agree that maintenance and care are ultimately important, it seems much less so when that refurbishment takes place during your trip. Add Dumbo, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Kali River Rapids to the mix and I think we’ll have our fair share of disappointment. Of course, the great majority of attractions will be operating and those of you who normally travel in January will have the opportunity to ride Splash Mountain, which is one attraction that is normally closed. And there is always IllumiNations.
I’ll be taking a look at the respected Crowd Calendars to see if the recommendations need to be reworked. Since Main Street Electrical Parade is a major force that drives crowds, my assumption is that there will be some changes.
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January 9 – Magic Kingdom’s hours extended to 9am – 9pm from 9am – 8pm.
January 13 – Magic Kingdom’s hours extended to 9am – 9pm from 9am – 8pm.
January 16 – Magic Kingdom’s close extended to 10pm.
January 17 – Magic Kingdom’s hours extended to 9am – 9pm from 9am – 8pm.
January 20 – Magic Kingdom’s hours extended to 9am – 9pm from 9am – 8pm.
January 21 – Magic Kingdom’s hours extended to 9am – 11pm from 9am – 10pm.
January 22 – Magic Kingdom’s hours extended to 9am – 9pm from 9am – 8pm.
January 23 – Magic Kingdom’s close extended to 10pm.
January 29 – Magic Kingdom’s hours extended to 9am – 9pm from 9am – 8pm.
February 5 – Magic Kingdom’s hours extended to 9am – 9pm from 9am – 8pm.
February 10 – Magic Kingdom’s hours extended to 9am – 10pm from 9am – 8pm.
February 11 – Magic Kingdom’s hours extended to 9am – 11pm from 9am – 10pm.
February 12 – Magic Kingdom’s hours extended to 9am – 10pm from 9am – 9pm.
February 13 – Magic Kingdom’s hours extended to 9am – 10pm from 9am – 9pm.
February 16 – Magic Kingdom’s hours extended to 9am – 10pm from 9am – 9pm.
February 27 – Magic Kingdom’s hours extended to 9am – 9pm from 9am – 8pm.
{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
My itinerary has us seeing the parade on February 9th, boo! I was doing fine with all of the other closures but I think you’re right, Josh, it is now feeling like one too many. Oh well, not like anyone will cancel paid for plans over it. Thanks for the head’s up.
And the worst part is now I feel a need to touch the itinerary since I was compromising other things for the parade. I was so happy when I had declared it done months ago.
Josh,
did you notice Disney´s Site Park Calendar is showing some 9PM close time for Magic Kingdom in January on dates which was set 8PM before (and in most sites I follow, including yours). I wonder if they´ve changed without notifying or if it´s an error. I´ve noticed it a couple of weeks ago. Can you explain it?
Thanks for the information Josh. We are going on Jan 21st and were “ok” with the other things they were refurbishing… but doing both Fantasmic! and the Main Street Electrical Parade at the same time is a bit much. Like Paul, I will likely have to switch around a few days now.
Thanks for all of the work you do for your site, and keeping things current. It is much appreciated!
Thanks for the info. Our trip falls in that time but I’m okay with this since we don’t typically watch parades/shows on our trips. I do love the Electrical Parade but we hadn’t planned on watching it anyway. I am curious to see how this changes your recommendations now though.
Do you know if the daytime parade will be canceled also?
I normally love your posts and I get so excited when you have a new entry. I can’t say the same for this one. We are booked for Jan 22-28 and I was so looking forward to the parade. It was scheduled for only two nights during our trip anyway, and I was planning to do both, despite your better warnings. I have never seen the electrical parade – last time I was there it was still Spectromagic. My kids are small so I was not too upset about Fantasmic but I really wanted to see the parade. So bummed!!!
Canceled due to repaving? Is there exactly one road for the parade to travel on only?
Hmmmmm….can you say “Can I have my Grand Floridian upgrade, please?” ?
I know this is off topic.. but have you made it over to the new Pepper Market buffet yet to try it out? Curious how it is, since it is the only Counter Service buffet. Thanks.
Any word on rides in Frontierland being affected by this? Also wondering about the Frontierland Shooting Gallery. My son is looking forward to it. Thanks!
Paul – The joys of the never-ending schedule changes. Hopefully the added annoyance now will pay off during the trip.
Claudia – I’ll take a look. Most sites base their calendar off this http://media.disneywebcontent.com/StaticFiles/DTA-Domestic/pdf/ParkHours/WDW_Operating_Calendar_jan.pdf which hasn’t yet been updated. Because it’s dated at the bottom of every page, it’s much easier to see when it has been updated. DisneyWorld.com is a lot less transparent and it’s harder to see what’s changed.
Micah – While it’s somewhat doubtful, maybe Disney will do something else during this time. Fireworks at Hollywood Studios would be a nice touch. Even the Star Wars Motorcade Parade at night in one way or another would be cool.
Jill – Just turn on your Christmas Tree and pull up a video of the Parade on Youtube. It’s almost the same. Make sure you have your kids kick you throughout the video and have a family member come up and stand in front of the video right before you click “play.”
Adam – No, it shouldn’t. My assumption is that the Parade will go up Main Street, turn around in the hub area, and go back the way it came. There should be enough room for that and must be the plan. Because it’s scheduled every afternoon and is less crowded overall, Disney can still swing it.
Martha – I’m sorry. Maybe Disney will change their mind again and cancel it. And it is possible they’ll make up for it in one way or another.
Mike – Basically. It doesn’t fit through Fantasyland or Tomorrowland so up through Frontierland is the only option.
Greg – They’re going to have to up their supply.
Micah – No, I haven’t had the chance because it’s a little out of the way. WDWMAGIC has some pictures here: http://www.wdwmagic.com/Dining/The-Pepper-Market/News/05Dec2011-PHOTOS—A-look-at-the-new-Pepper-Market-buffet.htm and hopefully FoodBlog got over there. They’re staying at the Coronado I think, so chances are they’ll have a full review of both breakfast and lunch.
Laura – I would doubt it. They will most likely wall off sections at a time with room to move around on either side where applicable. Big Thunder is already closed.
Adam — that’s a good question! Since both MSEP and Celebrate a Dream parades share the same route, it seems they would have to close both if the reason is for repaving the street.
Oops! Josh’s answers weren’t up there and now they are. Stupid computer. Stupid Judy.
I am anxious to hear more too! We arrive on a previously scheduled MSEP/Wishes night, which made it least recommended, but we always do MK on arrival day. Hopefully this will spread the crowds out a bit and make MK less crowded. I would also love it if they decided to do some sort of fireworks at HS. That would be a neat surprise! I guess my finished schedule is no longer finished and I’ll have to see what other changes Disney has up it’s sleeve.
First it was Dumbo and Big thunder…ok, fine. Disappointing? Yes, but hey, it’s February, we have to expect some rehabs. And since the Great Goofini won’t be open yet, there’s no coaster options for my daughter. But we will survive. Then, no Fantasmic. Ok, whatever. My son would probably be scared anyhow. But no Electrical parade? Really? That leaves Illuminations and Wishes for evening entertainment. I feel for the family traveling with us, this is their first trip and they probably can’t afford to go back for 4-5 years.
Josh – I was also wondering whether we can see additional resort pool closures for Feb? I know you posted a few the other day, but I wasn’t sure if more are to come. I’m sure it will probably be too cold to swim, but I’d still at least like the option.
Darn…no kids to kick me during my faux electrical parade at home. I suppose I can have my husband do it. Or maybe my dog can just paw at me or something.
I wonder if instead of a Grand Floridian upgrade I can get a Wilderness Lodge upgrade…..hmmm….
Fantasmic is being extended to the 9th now? Thought the 8th was the last date, which is fine by me as I was planning on being their the 8th, 9th isn’t recommended as it has extra hours, however the 2nd show is a nice treat as its been recommended to me to be less crowded.
Now Josh all you got to do is make me very happy by saying Osborne is going to have the last show on the 8th as well
*sigh* Our entire 10-day trip falls within those dates. I was fine with all the other closures (we did Dumbo and Big Thunder in Sept.) but I was really looking forward to the Electrical Parade. Bummer! Better to find out before we go though, so thanks. I think. Ha.
Ferg – I’ll give you a pass. It will be interesting to see them try to run the Parade with limited space. I don’t think I’ve seen it when it didn’t go into Frontierland.
Karen – I’m assuming that arrival day is a Monday, which is why a lot of Mondays aren’t recommended in the first place.
Jill – Call a neighbor. The Wilderness Lodge might be a good alternative.
Mike – The 8th is the last show. It’s not scheduled beginning on the 9th.
angela – Hoping for a consolation prize.
Uau! Now I’m proud of myself. It seems I’ve maken my first contribution to a Disney blog. First hand and not copying from anywhere else. My upcoming january trip made my day once more.
Josh, this falls during our visit as well. Any chance you get some glow sticks and do a solo parade? I would show up for that to take pictures! ( sorry is that unprofessional?)
Not happy to hear this. Appreciate you reporting it, but… not happy to hear it.
It is definitely now feeling like “too much.” No coasters for the little ones (Barnstormer closed and Goofini not open yet, Big Thunder under rehab). No Dumbo, new one not open yet. No Liberty Belle for our dates either. And elsewhere… No Fantasmic. No Kali.
Are they TRYING to make lines long at the MK? And put us all back in our resorts (rather than keeping us out in the parks possibly shopping) at night?
Any chance the Christmas Parade will run at MK on the Jan 1st? I have found it has in past years and hoping it does. We arrive on NYE but I didn’t want to try braving the parks with my little ones to see it unless we have to. In that case we would probably only go to see the Parade then leave on NYE.
Thanks for updating the crowd calendar for January. It was interesting that there really weren’t any changes to the recommendations, just the reasons why.
This will still change our trip a little since we were planning around the best day to make it to the MSEP, and can now just avoid MK completely on the Not Recommended days. Other than not seeing the parade, I think this will actually help us plan better, rather than making it worse.
Couple of quick questions:
1) You mentioned that it’s possible to that Disney may have an additional showing of Fantasmic during the first week of 2012, when will that information be released?
2) During the first week of January 2012 the park is scheduled to close at 7pm with a showing of fantasmic 6.30pm. However it seems like the Osbourne Lights are still ongoing during this week. Is it possible to see both the Fantasmic show and Osbourne lights during the same evening?
If you’re dying for an electrical parade of sorts, you can watch the one on Bay Lake. I’m bummed I’ve missed that one so many times.
Robert: 2) During the first week of January 2012 the park is scheduled to close at 7pm with a showing of fantasmic 6.30pm. However it seems like the Osbourne Lights are still ongoing during this week. Is it possible to see both the Fantasmic show and Osbourne lights during the same evening?
I say yes. The Osbourne lights is more of a walk through thing. We started at the front, walked all the way through and circled back around to catch Fantasmic!
Claudia – If “Uau” is good, then an “Uau” right back at you. Please keep an eye on all other months for me.
Rebecca – I think it would depend on how much I rehearsed for the parade. I would be willing to walk around with lights strewn over me, but electrocution might be a concern.
NLD – The good news is that overall crowds will be low, which is why they choose to do this sort of thing now. The closure of Big Thunder will disperse about 1,000 people around the Park, but it shouldn’t do much overall.
DavidC – Someone might have to correct me, but I believe that Mickey’s Christmastime Parade was shown on January 1st last year. But that was also a Saturday, whereas this year it’s on a Sunday. Most likely, I would have to say that the Christmastime Parade would not be scheduled on January 1st this year.
Micah – Really, there isn’t a whole lot to go on with no Fantasmic and no Main Street Electrical Parade. People do things for a reason and when most of those reasons don’t exist, we can expect less variability between days. The good news is that it’s one of the least crowded times of year overall.
Robert – That information should come out on December 19th. It could be as early as the 16th and as late as the 23rd, but it should be one of those dates. Hollywood Studios’ close should be extended to 8pm with a second Fantasmic scheduled at 8pm. If you were planning to see the 8pm Fantasmic, you’d want to see the Osborne Lights before that. if you’re seeing the 6:30pm Fantasmic, the best time to see the Lights would be 7:45pm – 8:30pm because they’ll leave the Lights on and dancing at least until then. But they probably wouldn’t leave them on for much longer than that.
Meghan – The Electrical Water Pageant would be a good poor man’s substitute.
Josh: speaking of MSEP. We arrive the 15th (45 hours from now!!!!). I’m really, really tempted to go see wishes, MM&Y, MSEP that night, because its scheduled really early. Other option, is my already planned night of Tuesday the 20th…. but we’ll have to do the 9pm parade, cuz there’s no way I can keep my super sleepy family up for the 11 one.
So…. early schedule on the 15th, or normal schedule on the 20th? it is no difference really then? as far as level of squishy-ness?
What else would you be doing on the 15th? And would that change your plans on the 20th? I would “play it by ear.” If the kids and everyone else are ready to go when you arrive, by all means head over.
Yeah… I keep getting frownies from the forum for wanting to go out on our arrival day!
so…….. I see how we feel. thanks!
“Jill – Just turn on your Christmas Tree and pull up a video of the Parade on Youtube. It’s almost the same. Make sure you have your kids kick you throughout the video and have a family member come up and stand in front of the video right before you click “play.”
I think the other option is to head to the Poly, grab a cocktail or three, sit on the beach and watch the Electrical Water Pageant with someone standing in front of you. It is the same thing.
Thanks Josh for all that you do in keeping us informed and up to date with current news and happenings around The World. I love your blog, it is one of the top websites for accurate and complete information about WDW. The fact you do near daily updates puts you in the #1 spot in my opinion.
Wait…so around January 20th they will add more ride closures for February?!? Hopefully not for the first week of February.
Jill – No, we may see some additional refurbishment announcements, but nothing more is necessarily “expected.”