What happens after the sun sets and the crowds begin to dwindle in Disney Parks? Enter the Disney After Hours events! These magical opportunities are for guests to enjoy the parks in a whole new light, quite literally!
Disney After Hours Events gets you into the parks at night after closing with lower wait times and crowds. photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn
Disney After Hours Events are special ticketed nights offering a unique and exclusive experience. The events allow guests to enjoy the parks after regular operating hours with fewer crowds and shorter wait times.
Exclusive access to the park after closing means more time to appreciate the theming. photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn
Let’s take a closer look at what makes After Hours events at Disney theme parks so special. Before we get started, I encourage you to utilize the service of a travel professional that specializes in Disney Destinations for any Disney related travel plans.
Exclusive Access to Attractions
One of the most appealing aspects of Disney After Hours Events is the chance to enjoy popular attractions with minimal wait times. Imagine strolling through the lands of Magic Kingdom or Disneyland Resort with significantly fewer guests around. Ultimately, allowing you to hop on your favorite attractions multiple times without the typical daytime queues.
Enjoy more fun and hours of lower wait times during Disney After Hours Events. photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn
From Space Mountain to the Haunted Mansion, guests can experience iconic attractions like never before, often with little to no wait. Events officially begin as the park closes. Hours vary per event and season. However, guests with event tickets can enter the park early (often 2-3 hours prior) and get even more out of the night!
Immersive Atmosphere
Disney After Hours events also offer a chance to soak in the ambiance of the parks in a more intimate setting. With fewer crowds, guests can fully appreciate the attention to detail and theming that Disney is known for.
Whether it’s wandering through the streets of Fantasyland or riding Slinky Dog Dash multiple times, After Hours events allow for a deeper immersion into the magic of Disney.
Exclusive Entertainment
In addition to access to attractions, After Hours events often feature exclusive entertainment offerings. This may include special nighttime shows, character meet-and-greets, or themed dance parties.
Disney After Hours Events include character meet and greets. photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn
Picture meeting Mickey Mouse under the stars or enjoying a fireworks display reserved exclusively for After Hours guests. These unique experiences add an extra layer of enchantment to the evening. Similar to other special ticketed events such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, some popular characters are out and about to interact with guests for the events.
Disney After Dark: Star Wars Nite will take place on April 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, May 2, 7 and 9, 2024 at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. These themed evenings will include after-hours theme park ride access, unique entertainment, character appearances, specialty food, beverage, merchandise offerings and more. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)
The events take place at both Disneyland Resort and at 3 of the 4 Disney World theme parks. However, the events much like the parks, differ on each coast. Themed After Hours events at Disneyland (Disneyland After Dark Series) features live entertainment and specialty snacks (for purchase).
Mr Toad’s Wild Ride in Disneyland Park. photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn
Disneyland include:
Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts Nite (concluded)
Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Night (select nights April 16- May 9, 2024; $159/guest)
Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite (March 5 & 7, 2024; $139/guest)
Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite (June 18 & 20, 2024; $159/guest)
Disney World:
After Hours at Magic Kingdom: Select nights now through June 27, 2024 (prices start at $165/guest)
After Hours at EPCOT: Select nights now through July 18, 2024 (prices start at $149/guest)
After Hours at Hollywood Studios: Select nights now through August 29, 2024 (prices start at $145/guest
*guest= persons aged 3 years and older
Complimentary Treats
As if the attractions and entertainment weren’t enough, Disney After Hours events often include complimentary snacks and beverages. From ice cream novelties to popcorn and select beverages, guests can indulge in treats as they explore the parks after dark.
Mickey bars are usually included with the price of a ticket to Disney After Hours Events. photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn
It’s the perfect way to satisfy those late-night cravings while adding to the overall experience of the event.
A Private Paradise
Perhaps the most significant allure of After Hours events is the feeling of having the park all to yourself. With significantly reduced attendance, guests can enjoy a more relaxed pace, allowing them to enjoy every moment without feeling rushed or crowded.
Enjoy the parks at night as a much slower pace durning the Disney After Hours Events. photo: @bizzy.runninanddizn
Disney After Hours events offer a truly unforgettable experience that is sure to create lasting memories. For some guests, the events might be worth more than paying roughly the same price as a full day ticket.
What You Need to Know
Some attractions may not be included in After Hours Events. photo: Bizzy.runninganddizn
First, not ALL park attractions are available during the After Hours Events. So, if your goal is to ride Rise of the Resistance without a long line at Hollywood Studios, you may be disappointed to learn it is not open during the event. The attraction NOT included for the night are few. However, if they are the attractions you most want to ride, the event might not be worth it for you!
Most table service dining will be closed during Disney Special Ticketed Events. photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn
Secondly, most dining locations are closed during special ticketed events. Only select food service are in operation. Don’t plan to reserve dining during Disney After Hours events. Some quick service locations and food carts will be open with free snacks and specialty food items available.
Lastly, Disney’s complimentary transportation may not be running after the event is over. Buses, boats, the Disney Skyliner and the monorail will stop running approximately an hour after park close. That means you may need to use ride share if your resort is not within walking distance of the park.
Planning Your After Hours Adventure
If you’re considering attending an After Hours event at a Disney theme park, there are a few additional things to keep in mind. Tickets for these events typically need to be purchased in advance, and availability may be limited. It’s also essential to check the schedule for specific dates and times, as After Hours events are held on select nights and may vary depending on the park.
Most importantly, be sure to arrive early to make the most of your time. While After Hours events typically begin after regular park hours, guests with event tickets are often allowed to enter the park earlier in the evening, giving them a head start on the fun.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Hollywood Studios. photo: @bizzy.runninanddizn
Overall, After Hours events at Disney theme parks offer a unique opportunity to experience the magic of the parks in a whole new way. The special ticketed events offer exclusive access to attractions as well as an immersive atmosphere.
In addition, themed events offer special entertainment! Tickets can include complimentary treats, and the chance to enjoy the parks with minimal crowds. It’s an experience that truly lives up to the Disney standard of excellence.
If you’re thinking about a vacation to any Disney destination, you can submit a free no-obligation quote request to start planning your trip right away or reach out to DizN Vacations. Their team of expert and experienced Travel Professionals will work to build and book the personalized Disney vacation of your dreams.
About the Writer:
Hi! I’m Jessica Yashin. I’m an independent travel planner for DizN Vacations at CS Elements Travel. I’m a wife, mom of 4, a grandmom, and a RunDisney participant. I love travel and sharing my years of accumulated tips and tricks on vacations to Disney destinations and Universal Studios. If you are looking for assistance on your next vacation, email me at Jessica@diznvacations.com. You can find me on social media using the links below.
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