When you think of visiting Walt Disney World theme parks, you might picture crowds, long lines, and the hustle and bustle of daytime park activities. But what if you could enjoy some of the most popular attractions with shorter wait times, smaller crowds, and exclusive entertainment? Welcome to the world of Disney After Hours events—a magical experience for guests looking for something a little extra during their Disney vacation.
Disney After Hours is a separately ticketed event that takes place after normal park hours, allowing a select number of guests to enjoy some of the most beloved Disney attractions with minimal wait times. Whether you’re visiting Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom, these exclusive events offer a unique way to experience the parks without the daytime hustle.
What Are Disney After Hours Events?
Disney After Hours events are special events held on select nights throughout the year at various Walt Disney World theme parks. These events are designed for guests who want to experience the magic of Disney with smaller crowds and shorter wait times for attractions. Because the events take place after the parks close to day guests, you’ll enjoy an intimate atmosphere with fewer people in line for your favorite rides and attractions. However, get ready to pay out the nose for the privilege.
Only a limited number of tickets are sold for each event, ensuring that the parks are less crowded than during normal operating hours. The event hours typically run for three hours after the park closes, giving attendees ample time to ride their favorite attractions with much shorter/no lines, enjoy the unique theming, participate in unique activities, meet characters, and enjoy complimentary snacks like ice cream novelties and popcorn.
Key Highlights:
• Shorter wait times for popular attractions.
• Complimentary snacks like ice cream, popcorn, and select beverages.
• Exclusive entertainment and character greetings.
• Unique experiences at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and Animal Kingdom.
• A chance to see the parks in a new light with smaller crowds and more personalized experiences.
Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park
Magic Kingdom, the heart of Walt Disney World Resort, offers some of the most sought-after After Hours events. During these events, guests can enjoy iconic attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, TRON Lightcycle / Run, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure with significantly lower wait times than during the day. The separately ticketed event also includes character meet-and-greets, where you can interact with beloved Disney characters in a more relaxed setting.
Special events at Magic Kingdom Park include the seasonal Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the ever-popular Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. These Disney After Hours events range in theme, and prices vary depending on the time of year and specific event dates.
Pro Tips:
• Arrive early to get a head start—your valid park admission often allows entry a couple of hours before the event officially begins.
• Check the Disney World website for details on Disney After Hours ticket prices, which typically range from $135 to $159, depending on the event and date.
• Make use of the lack of crowds to ride new attractions like TRON to maximize your ride time (and you don't have to use those often-pesky virtual queues!).
Disney After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll find the magic of After Hours events amplified by the park’s focus on thrilling attractions and cinematic experiences. Fans of Star Wars will love exploring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge without the daytime crowds, riding Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance with shorter wait times.
The park’s other popular areas, like Toy Story Land, offer quick access to rides like Slinky Dog Dash and Toy Story Mania!. In addition to the shorter lines, you’ll also get to enjoy special experiences like the Disney Jollywood Nights, which debuted last year and quickly became a fan favorite.
Insider Tip:
• Keep an eye on the Walt Disney World website for information on Disney After Hours dates at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members often get special pricing, so it’s worth checking if you’re eligible for any discounts.
Disney After Hours at Animal Kingdom
For a more adventurous After Hours experience, Animal Kingdom offers a chance to explore nature at night. With attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest, you can experience the park’s wildest rides without the usual long lines.
One of the unique aspects of Animal Kingdom After Hours events is the chance to enjoy rarely open attractions during the event hours. Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, Triceratop Spin, and even Fossil Fun Games are all open for guests to enjoy, creating a more diverse experience for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Must-Do Experiences:
• Be sure to check out Pandora – The World of Avatar at night for a breathtaking, bioluminescent atmosphere.
• Ride Avatar Flight of Passage with little to no wait, allowing you to enjoy the world of Pandora without spending hours in line.
• Don’t miss out on the complimentary snacks—ice cream and popcorn are always a fun way to keep your energy up during these After Hours adventures.
Important Information About Disney After Hours Tickets
As mentioned earlier, Disney After Hours events are separately ticketed events. This means you need to purchase Disney After Hours tickets in addition to your regular day ticket or theme park reservation. However, the price of your ticket includes access to most attractions, complimentary snacks, and exclusive entertainment.
It's also extremely important to note that if you are attending a park with an after-hours event and do not purchase a ticket for the event, they will kick you out of the park early! This has ruined many a family's trip, so don't let it ruin yours!
Disney After Hours Ticket Prices
The Disney After Hours ticket prices range from $135 to $189, with special pricing available for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members, and eligible service members. While it’s an additional cost on top of your day ticket, many guests find the extra money worth it for the ability to experience Disney’s most popular attractions without the long lines and larger crowds.
Special Pricing for Select Guests
Certain groups, such as Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members, and those staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels like the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, may be eligible for discounts on special event tickets. Be sure to check the Disney World website or consult Disney vacation planners for details on special pricing and limited availability.
Additional Benefits of Disney After Hours Events
One of the key benefits of attending a Disney After Hours event is the lower wait times for popular rides, but there’s more to these events than just shorter lines. You’ll also get to experience unique entertainment, character meet-and-greets, and even exclusive food options that aren’t available during regular park hours.
These events often offer a more intimate atmosphere, making it easier to snap that perfect photo in front of Cinderella’s Castle or meet characters without waiting in line for hours. Whether it’s the holiday-themed Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom or Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios, each event brings its own special touches.
Exclusive Entertainment
In addition to character greetings, After Hours events frequently feature exclusive shows, parades, and other entertainment. This could mean anything from a dance party at Animal Kingdom to special fireworks displays at Magic Kingdom Park. No matter which park you’re attending, there’s always something magical to see during these extra hours.
Early Access to New Attractions
For those wanting to experience Disney’s newest attractions, After Hours events offer a prime opportunity. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and TRON Lightcycle / Run are just a couple of examples of how guests can enjoy headliner rides with shorter wait times and without needing a theme park reservation for the day.
Final Thoughts: Is Disney After Hours Worth It?
If you’re looking to make the most of your Disney vacation, Disney After Hours events can be an excellent investment. While the additional cost may give some guests pause, the shorter wait times, exclusive entertainment, and complimentary snacks often make these events a worthwhile splurge. Whether you’re visiting Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there’s something truly magical about experiencing Disney at night with fewer people around.
For families looking for an alternative to the busy daytime parks or those wanting to ride their favorite attractions multiple times, Disney After Hours events are the perfect solution. Be sure to check the Disney World website for specific event dates and plan your visit accordingly—if you're a true Disney diehard, you won’t want to miss this opportunity for a one-of-a-kind Disney experience.
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