A Walt Disney World vacation is already filled with magical moments, but did you know there’s a way to make it even more memorable? Disney After Hours events offer a unique opportunity to experience the parks like never before, with shorter wait times, exclusive entertainment, and complimentary snacks. If you’re looking to maximize your Disney trip, this after-hours experience is a must!
What Is Disney After Hours?
Disney After Hours is a separately ticketed event that allows guests to enjoy select Walt Disney World parks for three extra hours after they close to daytime visitors. With limited capacity, these events provide a rare chance to experience attractions with little to no wait, meet beloved characters, and enjoy special entertainment.
Events are held at Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT on select nights throughout the year. Each event includes complimentary popcorn, ice cream novelties, and select beverages, adding even more value to your ticket.
Why You Should Attend Disney After Hours
1. Minimal Wait Times for Popular Attractions
One of the biggest advantages of attending Disney After Hours is the significantly reduced crowd size. Popular rides like TRON Lightcycle / Run, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind often have long standby lines during the day, but during After Hours, wait times are dramatically shorter—sometimes as little as 5 to 10 minutes!
2. Cooler Temperatures and More Enjoyable Park Time
Florida heat and humidity can be intense, especially in the summer months. With Disney After Hours events taking place in the evening, guests can enjoy the parks in cooler temperatures, making for a much more comfortable experience. Plus, the parks are beautifully lit at night, creating a stunning and immersive atmosphere.
3. Exclusive Character Meet-and-Greets
Another perk of these events is the opportunity to meet some of your favorite Disney characters with little to no wait. In some cases, rare characters make special appearances, offering a unique experience you won’t get during regular park hours.
4. Complimentary Snacks & Beverages
As part of your After Hours ticket, you’ll enjoy unlimited complimentary popcorn, ice cream novelties (including Mickey Bars!), and select bottled beverages. These little extras make the experience even sweeter—both literally and figuratively!
5. A Unique Park Experience With a More Relaxed Atmosphere
With fewer guests in the park, the entire experience feels more relaxed. You can take your time soaking in the details, snapping incredible nighttime photos, and truly immersing yourself in the Disney magic without the usual hustle and bustle.
Which Disney After Hours Event Is Right for You?
Each park offers a slightly different experience, so depending on your interests, you may want to choose one over the other—or attend multiple events!
- Magic Kingdom After Hours: Perfect for families and classic Disney fans. Enjoy attractions like Space Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, and TRON Lightcycle / Run with minimal waits.
- Hollywood Studios After Hours: Ideal for thrill-seekers and Star Wars fans. Experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Toy Story Land with shorter lines.
- EPCOT After Hours: Great for those who love innovative attractions and World Showcase. Ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and explore EPCOT’s stunning nighttime ambiance.
Tips for Making the Most of Disney After Hours
- Arrive Early: Your After Hours ticket lets you enter the park before the event officially begins, giving you extra time to enjoy attractions.
- Prioritize Your Must-Do Rides: With limited hours, decide ahead of time which attractions are your top priority.
- Enjoy the Complimentary Snacks: Take advantage of the free treats, but also consider having a meal before the event starts so you can focus on rides and entertainment.
- Capture the Magic: The nighttime atmosphere makes for incredible photos, so don’t forget to snap some memories.
Is Disney After Hours Worth It?
If you want to maximize your time at Walt Disney World while avoiding long lines and daytime crowds, Disney After Hours is absolutely worth considering. It’s especially great for families with older kids, adults looking for a unique Disney date night, or anyone who wants a more relaxed theme park experience.