Private Sporting Event for Department of Defense to Close a Disney World Theme Park
Attention theme park guests, on Friday, June 21, 2024, Magic Kingdom will close early for a private event. The operating hours for Magic Kingdom will change and affect the other Disney World theme parks on that same day. This will limit the time for attractions, entertainment, and dining, so plan accordingly. Hours are as follows:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- EPCOT: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Magic Kingdom: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.*** Early entry for resort hotel guests will be from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
The early closure is do to a private event associated with the Department of Defense Warrior Games from June 21-30 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
The early closure of Magic Kingdom due to the private event for the Department of Defense Warrior Games,. The even will run from June 21-30 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, will affect those attending at that time.
Guests will have to reschedule their plans at Magic Kingdom do to the park closing earlier than usual. This can effect other theme parks as they may now fill the impact and will be higher in volume than normal, so be prepared.
The Department of Defense revealed that it will take over the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort for its annual Warrior Games event in 2024. Hundreds of athletes will participate in dozens of competitive sporting events across the 220-acre complex in Central Florida.
2024 DoD Warrior Games date announcement
In a Facebook post, the Department of Defense shared that the next Warrior Games will take over the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex from June 21 to 24, 2024.
They wrote:
“From June 21-30, 2024, U.S. Army Training & Doctrine Command will host the Department of Defense Warrior Games bringing together hundreds of wounded, ill, and injured active duty and veteran military members to compete in adaptive sports as part of their recovery journeys,” the Warrior Games said in a press release. “2024 is the 14th anniversary highlighting the exceptional physical skills and mental toughness of wounded, ill and injured service members representing the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard and U.S. Special Operations Command.”
Details about specific events, special guests, sponsorships, volunteering, and viewing opportunities will be announced closer to the event. Learn more about the 2024 Warrior Games here.
2024 WARRIOR GAMES ATHLETES
More than 200 wounded, ill, and injured active duty and veteran military members, including warrior athletes from Australia, will come together for the 2024 Warrior Games.
These athletes will compete in adaptive sports as part of their recovery journeys, demonstrating their resilience, determination and fighting spirit. Learn more about each of them. Representing the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Special Operations Command, as well as Australian Defence Force, warrior athletes will participate in 11 adaptive sports over 10 days of competition. Learn more about their journeys to the 2024 Warrior Games.