You might think you’ve seen it all in Disney World, but there are a bunch of SECRET things you’ve probably NEVER experienced.
Sure, you’ve stayed at Magic Kingdom from rope drop to park close, and maybe you’ve even been one of the last guests out of the park. But unless you’ve worked as a Cast Member, you probably haven’t experienced what comes next — the many SECRET things that all take place in the Magic Kingdom once the guests have left for the day. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Today, join us for a little peek behind the magic curtain to see what happens in this iconic park once it is CLOSED.
Cleaning
This is probably an obvious one, but a LOT of cleaning takes place after guests have left for the day — you gotta make sure those trash cans are emptied and ready to go for the next day, right?! Things need to be spruced up, washed down, and put in order to make sure the magic can continue for those coming.
One of the unique aspects of this closure time is that you’ll often see things you normally don’t. For example, you wouldn’t ordinarily see a truck coming your way in Fantasyland during operating hours, but once the regular guests have gone for the day, Disney’s Cast Members need to get around the park ASAP to get their work done, so things like trucks can help!
Click here to see 5 things you WON’T believe about Disney trash
Holiday Decorating
Another special thing that takes place once the park is closed to regular guests is holiday decorating! Disney pulls off some spectacular transformations at Magic Kingdom during both Halloween and Christmas, often in just one night.
From one day to the next, Mickey Pumpkin Wreaths, jack-o’-lanterns, and more can appear in Magic Kingdom (though sometimes the transformation can happen a bit slower, over a few days). The Disney team works diligently to make those transformations happen when guests have left for the day.
The same is true for the holiday season. Magic Kingdom’s GINORMOUS Christmas tree pops up magically overnight (often with tons of other decor). The swift transition really makes the whole effect more impactful.
Reportedly pieces of the Christmas tree are even lifted over some of the stores on Main Street, U.S.A. to get it into position — seems like QUITE the undertaking! But the effect is totally worth it.
For 2023, Disney has noted that Halloween decor will be found in Magic Kingdom from August 10th through November 1st. We expect that after the final Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on November 1st, we could see an overnight transformation from Halloween to the Holidays — with November 2nd potentially serving as the start of holiday decor in the park.
Check out the video below to see how Magic Kingdom transforms from Halloween to the Holidays in ONE NIGHT. And stay tuned for news about this year’s transformation!
Show and Parade Rehearsals
Once Magic Kingdom has closed, Cast Members may also be able to finally get in some in-park rehearsal time for shows and parades.
Practice may make perfect, but you can’t practice those entertainment routines in the actual park while guests are around, so trial runs are done when guests are not present.
Where have all the Disney parades gone?!
Fireworks Testing
This is also a great time to get in some fireworks testing.
We’ve actually seen Disney issue notices about upcoming fireworks testing in the past, to alert locals and those in nearby hotels that they could hear a few BOOMS at unexpected times.
Click here for a complete history of Magic Kingdom fireworks shows
Exclusive Events
Once the park has closed for the day, there may also be some EXCLUSIVE events held in Magic Kingdom. For example, Cast Members celebrating big work anniversaries with the Company may be treated to a special night in the park that only they and their guests can attend.
When these happen, you might find that Magic Kingdom will close several hours EARLY, so that’s something to keep an eye out for if you’ll be heading to the parks.
At events like these, Cast Members may get access to rare character meet-and-greets, appearances by Disney executives, special fireworks, and more.
Weddings are also generally scheduled in the parks at times when other guests aren’t around (whether that’s in the evening or in the morning).
So if you’re hoping to ride a carriage down Main Street, U.S.A., and get married in front of the Castle, you might need to take a few naps to make sure you’re rested up for the late-night occasion!
Click here to see how you could have your wedding in front of a Disney BATHROOM (no, we’re not joking)
Repairs
Just like cleaning, Disney sometimes takes advantage of times regular guests aren’t in the park to do things like concrete work (which needs time to dry before guests can step on it), repainting the exterior and interior of park attractions, shops, etc., and sprucing up parts of the park.
If you visit the parks day after day and start to notice little changes that have suddenly popped up overnight, your eyes probably aren’t playing tricks on you. Disney has just been BUSY while you were asleep!
Ride Walk-Throughs and More
Most Disney World rides (especially roller coasters) need to have their tracks fully walked each day as a safety precaution. These types of safety and security checks are done when the parks are closed.
Cast Members may also be treated to early-morning tours of certain rides on certain occasions — something regular folks might NEVER see or only experience to a limited extent through special, paid backstage tours.
Security Checks
Disney also ensures that all people leave the parks when they close, so security sweeps are done to ensure that no one has been left behind.
As tempting as it may sound to stick around to experience some of this backstage magic, you’ll need to be out of the park if you want to avoid any kind of penalization.
Animal Encounters
Finally, we heard from one member of our team who is a former Cast Member that once regular guests have left for the day, some unexpected friends may come out to play. It seems that the lack of humans in the park might make certain wild animals feel curious enough to explore the area. Can’t say we blame them!
Our team member shared that they once had an incident with a possum in the park. 😱 We have a feeling these creatures won’t be needing Genie+ to get around so at least they’ve got that going for them!
And that’s a peek at some of the SECRET things that happen in Magic Kingdom once guests have left for the day. Which of these surprised you the most? Tell us in the comments. And stay tuned for more Disney fun!
Which of these things would you most want to see in Magic Kingdom? Tell us in the comments!
Seriously, I’m not being wise here but if you were to become very ill in say a restroom and couldn’t leave there, would you be in trouble when they found you? Hopefully, no one will be ignorant enough to ever do this intentionally bc that’s so VERY wrong!! Ty.
Good question Gurl. The cleaning crew will find you that’s for sure and will offer help. I would bet Disney would call an ambulance for you if it took you a long time to recover. Not just to get you out of the restroom, but to make sure they protect themselves from legal issues by not calling emergency personnel.