Florida's Disney World will reduce its opening hours in September

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Those heading to Walt Disney World in Florida should be aware that it is to shorten the hours of operation at four theme parks from September 8. The move will affect The Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Epcot.

A girl at Disney World having a Covid-19 temperature screening — Disney has implemented COVID-19 protocols © David Roark/Walt Disney World Resort via Getty Images

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The Magic Kingdom will now close an hour earlier at 6pm, Hollywood Studios will close an hour earlier at 7pm and Epcot will close two hours early at 7pm. Animal Kingdom will open from 9am to 5pm, which means it is opening one hour later and closing one hour earlier. While Disney has not made an official announcement about the reduction in hours, they have been revealed on the My Disney Experience Disney World app and website.

The theme parks closed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic and reopened in July. This is why revenues for Disney's parks, experiences and products fell 85% to $1 billion (€851,500,000) in its fiscal third quarter, which ran from March 29 to June 27. With the domestic theme parks closed, segment operating results decreased $3.7 billion (€3.15 billion) to a loss of $2 billion (€1.7 billion).

A family wearing masks with a child in a wheelchair in front of the Magic Kingdom — The theme parks reopened in July © Matt Stroshane/Walt Disney World Resort via Getty Images

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Safety measures introduced at the theme parks include reducing capacity at the parks and temporarily suspending parades, fireworks and other events that draw crowds. Face coverings are required for all guests over two and cast members, except when dining or swimming. Other measures implemented include a reservation system for park entry, and temperature screenings for staff and visitors before entering the parks.

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