Disney’s Hollywood Studios, one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved theme parks, will be closing early at 6:00 p.m.on Friday, August 16. The evening’s headliner, Fantasmic!, will not be shown. Early Entry begins at 8:00 a.m., with Park Hopper hours running from 8:30 a.m. until the early closure.

Entrance of Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Credit: Inside the Magic

This is a major departure from the typical park schedule—Hollywood Studios usually operates until around 9:00 p.m.Operators say the likely reason: the theme park has been bought out for a private event.

Normal vs. Modified Hours

Here’s what the park’s schedule looks like on August 16:

  • Early Entry: 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

  • Park Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

  • Park Hopper Availability: 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Contrast that with standard hours—Hollywood Studios typically stays open through 9:00 p.m., with Fantasmic! usually performed nightly. The sudden shift signals a significant private-event occupancy or filming takeover.

Why the Sudden Shutdown? A Pattern of Private Events

Entrance of Disney World's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort
Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic

Disney World parks often close early when a major conference, private booking, or company event takes over. For instance, last October, EPCOT shut down early for the Gartner IT Symposium & Expo. In another instance, Magic Kingdom closed as early as 5 p.m. for a cast-only celebration.

The most recent early closure for Studios happened on July 31, but that was a surprise partial shutdown—not a full park buyout.

The July 31 Incident

When the sun rose that morning, many guests arriving for early entry encountered silent, blocked-off sections. Cast Members were stationed along Hollywood Boulevard, redirecting guests. Affected areas included:

  • Echo Lake

  • Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

  • Star Tours

  • Grand Avenue

  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

According to reports, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge remained technically open, though guests had to be rerouted via Toy Story Land, entering through the Animation Courtyard side, not the main hub pathway. Meanwhile, Sunset Boulevard—home to Tower of Terror and Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster—stayed open as usual.

Disney never officially explained the cause of that partial closure. However, savvy guests pointed out that knowing alternate routes and early reopening strategies could help salvage a day even when attractions unexpectedly shut down.

Making the Most of the Early Closure

If you’re visiting on August 16, here are smart ways to plan your day:

  1. Arrive Early. Make use of Early Entry to ride flagship attractions before the park is quiet.

  2. Hop Strategically. With Park Hopper closing at the same time, plan carefully if you intend to hit other parks afterward.

  3. Skip Fantasmic. Since it’s canceled, consider dining or hotel-entertainment alternatives that evening.

  4. Maximize Daytime Attractions. Focus on rides typically open until park close—Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog Dash, and Galaxy’s Edge staples.

  5. Have a Plan B. If another unexpected closure occurs—like July 31—use the reroutes familiar veterans know: through Toy Story Land to Galaxy’s Edge and up through Sunset Boulevard.

Broader Changes in Hollywood Studios

The early closure on August 16 comes amid sweeping changes throughout the park.

  • Grand Avenue has already shut down, including Muppet*Vision 3D and eateries like Mama Melrose’s, making way for the upcoming Monstropolis immersive land, which will feature a suspended roller coaster based on the iconic door sequence from Monsters, Inc.

  • The Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, slated for a Muppets retheme, is expected to close in 2026, though Disney has not set a specific date.

  • On July 22, Disney announced a permanent closure of the Animation Courtyard, including Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play & Dance, effective September 25, 2025. In its place, the new Magic of Disney Animation experience will open, styled to evoke the studio buildings in Burbank, with animation workshops, a dedicated Disney-themed film, meet-and-greets, and plenty of character sketching surprises. The iconic sorcerer’s hat will also return, welcoming guests to the new space.

All of these changes are funneling more crowds into Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge, pushing foot traffic toward attractions like Slinky Dog Dash and Rise of the Resistance, increasing the importance of early entry and efficient routing—especially on closed nights like August 16.

Heat Warning Reminder

As you plan your August visit, don’t forget the Florida sun’s brutality. On July 29, the National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Central Florida, with “real feel” temperatures soaring to 115°F between noon and 7 p.m. Expect intensity: hydration, sun protection, and cooldown plans are a must—even if you’re indoors or in air-conditioned queues.

Since then, Orlando has been in a dangerous heat warning, so staying hydrated and going indoors from time to time is key.

Why You Should Care

Magic is about making memories—but a surprise early shutdown can derail the best-laid plans. Whether you’re a first-time guest or lifelong AP holder, knowing about park closures and upcoming rethemes helps you build a smarter, more efficient itinerary. If you were hoping to enjoy Fantasmic! or stay late on August 16, you’ll want a backup plan—and early hour planning becomes your key strategy.

In the end, here is what to know:

  • Hollywood Studios will close at 6:00 p.m. on August 16, with no Fantasmic! show.

  • This likely stems from a private event or park buyout.

  • Park Hopper access also ends at 6 p.m.—typical departure time for many visitors.

  • Recent earlier park disruptions (on July 31) illustrate how unexpected closures can occur and how savvy guests navigate them.

  • Major rethemes, closures, and brand-new expansions (like Animations Courtyard, Grand Avenue, and Muppets lands) are reshaping the park dramatically through 2026.

  • Heavy crowds are now centering in Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge, making early arrival and ride strategy even more critical.

  • And last but not least: manage the heat.

So if you’re headed to Hollywood Studios on August 16, go early, plan smart, and be aware that the evening entertainment will look a little different this time around.

The post ALERT: Disney Is Closing Hollywood Studios to the Public in August appeared first on Inside the Magic.

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