Disney World October Hours Change for Hollywood Studios Early Closure

Check Disney World October hours before your visit, as Hollywood Studios will close early on October 20 for a private Gartner event

If you're planning a trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on October 20, you might want to adjust your itinerary. The park will close its gates to regular guests at 5 p.m., which is a whole four hours earlier than usual. This change is due to a private evening event hosted by the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2026. So, if you're heading there that day, be sure to check the updated Disney World October hours on the official Disney World calendar before you set off.

The Gartner conference is taking place from October 19 to 22 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, and their exclusive Hollywood Studios event is set for 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Unfortunately, regular visitors will need to exit before the festivities kick off.

A Shorter Day at Hollywood Studios

Losing those four hours can really impact your day, especially if you're hoping to squeeze in a bunch of popular rides. Attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror are definitely ones to plan around.

If you have tickets for October 20, make sure to check the new Hollywood Studios closing time and prioritize the rides that are most important to you. Remember, this earlier closure only affects that specific date, so if you're visiting on other days, be sure to check your own schedule.

For the latest park hours and other important details, the official Disney World calendar is your best bet. It’s a good idea to double-check before your trip, just in case anything changes!

More Schedule Changes Across Disney World

Hollywood Studios isn't the only park adjusting its hours this month. Magic Kingdom will be closing early on select evenings for the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which requires a separate ticket to attend.

EPCOT is also shifting its opening times on October 23 and 25 for the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. These changes might impact guests who are planning to hop between parks during their visit.

Private events and seasonal festivities can really shake up the usual park hours, sometimes leaving guests with less time to enjoy the magic than they anticipated. To avoid any surprises at the entrance, it’s a good idea to check the calendar in advance.

If you're heading to Hollywood Studios on October 20, getting there early is a smart move to maximize your day!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is Hollywood Studios closing early on October 20?

The park is hosting a private event for the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2026.

2. What time will the park close?

Hollywood Studios will close to regular guests at 5 p.m., instead of the usual 9 p.m.

3. What are the hours for the private event?

The Gartner event is set to run from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

4. Are all Disney World parks closing early?

Not at all! The early closure on October 20 only affects Hollywood Studios. The other parks have their own operating schedules.

5. Where can visitors check park hours?

You can find the latest operating hours and schedule updates on the official Walt Disney World calendar.