Disney To Shut Down All of Hollywood Studios in August

If you’re planning a visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Saturday, August 16, there’s an important schedule change you’ll want to know before you finalize that dining reservation or lightning lane strategy: the park will be closing at 6:00 p.m. — a full three hours earlier than usual.

That means no Fantasmic!, no evening stroll through Batuu, and no late-night Ronto Wrap or funnel cake on Sunset Boulevard. The modified hours also impact Park Hopping and evening dining options, so you’ll want to adjust your plans accordingly.

Here’s What the Park Hours Look Like on August 16:

• Early Entry: 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

• Park Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

• Park Hopper Access: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Compare that to the standard 9:00 p.m. closing time, and you’re losing three full hours of park time — including one of the most coveted experiences at Hollywood Studios: Fantasmic!. The show has been canceled for the night, making this one of the more disruptive schedule changes we’ve seen at the park this summer.

Why the Early Closure?

While Disney hasn’t released an official reason, it’s likely the park has been booked for a private event or full buyout— a not-uncommon practice, especially at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom. Private events often result in early closures, particularly during non-peak periods or weekdays.

For example, Magic Kingdom will be closing early on October 21, 2025 for the Gartner IT Symposium, with the park expected to shut its doors by 5:00 p.m. This follows similar closures:

• EPCOT closed early in October 2024 for the same conference.

• Magic Kingdom shut down in January 2025 for a private cast member celebration.

Hollywood Studios is a less frequent host for private rentals, but with its flexible layout and mix of IP-based lands, it’s increasingly a target for themed corporate events.

But Wait — Didn’t the Park Just Have Another Closure?

Yes — and it was far less predictable.

On the morning of Wednesday, July 31, guests arriving for rope drop found half the park mysteriously closed with no warning. Entire lands were blocked off by Cast Members as early as 8:00 a.m., creating confusion and unexpected delays for those who had early lightning lanes or time-sensitive breakfast reservations.

Closed areas included:

• Echo Lake

• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

• Grand Avenue

• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

• Star Tours

Even Galaxy’s Edge, which technically remained open, was only accessible through a rerouted path via Toy Story Land, as the usual entrance near Grand Avenue was blocked.

The only unaffected zone? Sunset Boulevard, where attractions like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror continued operating as usual.

Disney never offered a public explanation for the partial shutdown, but it serves as a reminder: even the most carefully planned Disney day can come with a twist.

Tips If You’re Visiting on August 16

Don’t panic — you can still have a fantastic time at Hollywood Studios, even with the shortened schedule. Here are a few strategies:

1. Arrive Early and Prioritize Big Rides

With the park opening at 8:30 a.m. (or 8:00 a.m. if you’re eligible for Early Entry), you’ll want to be through security by 7:30 a.m. Hit Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, and Tower of Terror early to beat the crowds and Florida heat.

2. Plan to Hop or Dine Elsewhere

Since the park closes at 6:00 p.m., you might want to hop to EPCOT for dinner and fireworks, or book a late dining reservation at a nearby resort like Topolino’s Terrace, ‘Ohana, or California Grill.

3. Pack for the Heat

It’s no secret that August in Central Florida is brutal. On July 29, the National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Warning, with “real feel” temps hitting 115°F. Hydrate, bring cooling towels, and take advantage of indoor shows and restaurants to cool down.

4. Be Flexible

As we saw on July 31, unexpected closures or detours can happen without notice. Stay calm and listen to Cast Members — they usually have a backup plan or an alternate route to help you keep moving.

A Park in Transition: What’s Coming to Hollywood Studios

The early closures and occasional disruptions may be inconvenient, but they’re also signs of something bigger: Hollywood Studios is in the middle of a significant transformation.

Here’s what’s changing:

Monstropolis is Coming

Disney has officially closed the Grand Avenue area, including Muppet*Vision 3D and Mama Melrose’s, to make way for a new land based on Monsters, Inc.. The centerpiece attraction? A suspended roller coaster inspired by the door warehouse finale of the film.

A Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster?

Yes, you read that right. Disney plans to retire Aerosmith from Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and introduce a Muppets-themed overlay by 2026. While there’s no official closing date yet, expect this update to coincide with other major changes in the park’s layout.

Goodbye, Animation Courtyard

On September 25, 2025, Animation Courtyard will close permanently. This includes Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play & Dance. Taking its place: The Magic of Disney Animation, a brand-new land designed to mirror Walt Disney’s original studio lot in Burbank.

Disney describes it as a hands-on, immersive space featuring:

• Animation workshops

• Meet-and-greets

• An original short film

• Interactive exhibits and indoor play zones

Most exciting of all? The return of the Mickey Sorcerer’s Hat, which will mark the entrance to this new land.

With the August 16 early closure, canceled entertainment, and ongoing construction, Hollywood Studios is not the same park it was just a year ago — and it won’t be the same park next year either.

If you’re visiting soon, the key is to plan smart, arrive early, and remain flexible. The park may be shifting around you, but with the right mindset (and maybe a Mickey pretzel or two), there’s still plenty of magic to go around.

Just don’t count on Fantasmic that night — and have a backup plan for dinner.