Jenna SaxtonPlanning a Disney World trip and wondering if the Disney After Hours events are really worth the hype…and the price tag? You’re not alone. These specially ticketed nighttime events give you access to your favorite parks after the sun goes down, with low crowds, short wait times, and plenty of complimentary snacks to keep you going into the night.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker hoping to walk right onto Space Mountain or just want to soak up the magic after dark without the daytime chaos, we’re answering all your burning questions about Disney After Hours events including what they are, how much they cost, what’s included, and whether they’re the right fit for your vacation!
What Are Disney After Hours Events?
Disney After Hours events are special ticketed experiences held at select Walt Disney World theme parks on select nights of the year. These events give you extra time in the park after it has closed for the night, giving you more time to enjoy all of the rides, attractions, restaurants, and shops without having to face major crowds.
Most Disney After Hour events last for about three hours, though you can usually enter the park a few hours before the official start time. For example, you might be able to enter as early as 7PM for a 10PM event, allowing you to enjoy the park without having to purchase an extra park ticket on top of your event ticket.
Unlike Early Theme Park Hours or Extended Evening Hours (which also give you more time in the parks if you’re staying at a Disney World Resort hotel), Disney After Hours events are only held on specific nights and come with added benefits like complimentary snacks and special entertainment like meet-and-greets with characters you can’t normally find in the parks.
Where are Disney After Hours Events Held?
Disney After Hours events take place at select Walt Disney World theme parks and event dates and park offerings vary from year to year.
Depending on the year and season, you can typically find after hour events being held at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Plus, in the summers you can also experience Disney H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon water park.
Each park hosts events on different nights throughout the year. Admission to these events requires a separate ticket, which you can purchase online or at the park (subject to availability). Dates and availability can vary, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule before planning your visit.
How Much Do Disney After Hours Events Cost?
Disney After Hours event prices vary depending on the theme park and the date you choose, and often increase from year to year. Tickets are not included with standard park admission and must be purchased separately.
In 2025, Disney After Hours ticket pricing is as follows:
- Magic Kingdom After Hours: $175 to $185 (plus tax) per person
- EPCOT After Hours: $155 to $175 (plus tax) per person
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios After Hours: $155 to $185 (plus tax) per person
- Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon: $85 (Ages 10+) per ticket and $42.50 (Ages 3-9) per ticket, plus tax
Note that after hours events have not been offered at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this year.
Keep in mind that ticket availability can be limited, especially for popular dates. Anyone staying at Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets during a pre-booking window before they open to all guests. Check Disney’s website for the latest pricing, booking dates, and event details.
Are Any Discounts Available for Disney After Hours Events?
Yes, discounts are usually available for select Disney After Hours events at Disney World and can make a big difference in the price of your tickets.
If you are an Annual Passholder or a Disney Vacation Club Member, you can typically save on event tickets (note that Magic Kingdom is usually excluded). Additionally, Cast Members may also receive discounts on certain dates. Specific details for Cast Member savings can be found on Disney’s internal platforms like Cast Life Web or My Disney Today.
Discount dates and availability vary, so it’s important to check the official Disney website before buying tickets to confirm the current offers and restrictions.
What’s Included In Disney After Hours Events?
Tickets may be costly, but these events do come with quite a few benefits! Currently, Disney After Hours event tickets include:
- Park admission from 7PM through the event
- Three extra hours in the park after it closes to day guests
- Unlimited popcorn, ice cream, and select bottled beverages
With the extra time in the park and a full appetite, you’ll find that nearly all major attractions are open, with some entertainment continuing throughout the night. Popular rides generally have low wait times due to limited attendance.
Special character appearances, unique photo ops, and themed merchandise are sometimes available. Be sure to check the event guide for specific offerings on your event night.
What Rides Are Open During Disney After Hours Events?
During Disney After Hours events, most major attractions in the participating parks remain open throughout the entire evening. However, there are some exclusions. Here’s a breakdown of what rides you can expect to be open for after hours events in each park:
Magic Kingdom
- Jungle Cruise
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
- Country Bear Musical Jamboree
- Haunted Mansion
- The Barnstormer
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- “it’s a small world”
- Mad Tea Party
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Under the Sea — Journey of The Little Mermaid
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Space Mountain
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- TRON Lightcycle / Run
EPCOT
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- Frozen Ever After
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
- Living with the Land
- Mission: SPACE
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Spaceship Earth
- Test Track
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Toy Story Mania!
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Na’vi River Journey
- Flight of Passage
- Expedition Everest
- Dinosaur
Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
- Bay Slides
- Castaway Creek
- Crush ‘n’ Gusher
- Gangplank Falls
- Humunga Kowabunga
- Mayday Falls
- Miss Adventure Falls
- Storm Slides
- Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool
Note that this attraction list is subject to change. Check the event handout or My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information on your event date.
What Restaurants Are Open During Disney After Hours Events?
Free snacks are included in your after hours event ticket, so most people spend the night snacking away on popcorn and ice cream instead of a full meal from a restaurant in the park. Because of this, only a select few restaurants remain open during these events. Most full-service restaurants close with regular park hours. However, several quick service and snack locations continue to serve guests during the after hours even at each park.
You can expect to find the following types of dining locations open:
- Quick service restaurants
- Snack stands and carts
- Select cafés and bakeries
Typically, mobile order through the My Disney Experience app remains available for participating locations, though the wait times for the walk-up windows is usually very minimal. Just keep in mind that options may be more limited than during standard hours.
Additionally, alcoholic beverages are only available at select locations in EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, subject to event guidelines. If you have dietary restrictions, check the app for menu details, as not all regular choices may be available.
Here’s a full list of restaurants open in each park during Disney After Hours events (note that these are subject to change):
Magic Kingdom
- Main Street Bakery
- Casey’s Corner
EPCOT
- Connections Cafe & Eatery
- Kringla Bakeri
- Rose & Crown Pub
- World Discovery Hot Dog Cart
- Mission: SPACE Cart
- Imagination Cart
- Connections Cart
- Fountain Popcorn Cart
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Anaheim Produce Hosted by Cuties
- Milk Stand
- Woody’s Lunch Box
- Oga’s Cantina (walk-up only)
- Grand Avenue Snack Carts
- Hollywood Boulevard Snack Carts
- Sunset Boulevard Snack Carts
- Toy Story Land Snack Carts
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Pongu Pongu
- Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks
- Royal Anadapur Tea Company
Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
- Fred’s Scuba Shop
- Happy Landings
- Lowtide Lou’s
- Tropical Amity Outpost
- Leaning Palms
- Lowtide Lou’s
- Snack Shack
- Surf Doggies
- Tropical Amity Outpost
Remember to check official event guides or the My Disney Experience app for a list of open locations on your event night. Since offerings can change from night to night, review current information closer to your visit.
Are Any Stores Open During Disney After Hours Events?
Yes! During Disney After Hours events, you can still shop at select stores throughout the park. Not every location will be open, but you’ll find that the most popular and convenient stores generally remain accessible.
Main merchandise shops, such as the Emporium in Magic Kingdom or Mickey’s of Hollywood in Hollywood Studios, are usually open for most (if not all) of the event. These shops carry a wide range of Disney apparel, toys, and souvenirs.
Smaller specialty shops and stands are sometimes open as well; however, many kiosks and less-frequented shops may close earlier. If you’re looking for something specific, plan to shop earlier in the evening or get to the park before the event starts so you can shop during regular park hours.
Here’s an overview of the merchandise locations that are typically open in each park during Disney after hours events (note that these are subject to change):
Magic Kingdom
- Box Office Gifts
- Curtain Call Collectibles
- Emporium
- Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar
- Hundred Acre Goods
- Sir Mickey’s
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Photos
- Tomorrowland Launch Depot
EPCOT
- Creations Shop
- ImageWorks gift shop
- Treasures of Xandar
- Mission: SPACE Cargo Bay
- Test Track gift shop
- SeaBase giftshop
- Plaza de los Amigos
- World Traveler
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Mickey’s of Hollywood
- Tatooine Traders
- The Market Merchants in Galaxy’s Edge
- Dok Ondar’s
- Jessie’s Trading Post
- Rock Around the Shop
- Tower Hotel Gifts
- Savi’s Workshop (reservations first come, first serve)
- Droid Depot (check for walk-up availability at the location)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Serka Zong Bazaar
- Windtraders
Do Characters Do Meet and Greets During Disney After Hours Events?
You can meet Disney characters during After Hours events at the parks. Character meet-and-greets are a regular feature of these nighttime events, though not every character from daytime hours will appear.
Many of the meet-and-greet opportunities feature rare or unusual characters that are not usually seen during regular park hours. This makes these events unique if you’re seeking photos or autographs with characters you don’t typically encounter. You may want to ask a Cast Member which characters will appear on the night of your event. The selection can change, and not every character is available at every event.
Is There Any Entertainment During Disney After Hours Events?
You can expect a variety of entertainment options during Disney After Hours events. While the main focus is on lower wait times at popular attractions, entertainment is still a part of the experience.
Firework shows and parades typically do not run during after hours events (though you can see them before the event starts if you arrive at the park early enough). However, select shows and character meet-and-greets are available. Plus, some parks also offer dance parties or themed DJ entertainment during the event.
Be sure to check your specific event guide or the My Disney Experience app for details, as offerings can change depending on the park and date.
Free snacks like popcorn, ice cream novelties, and bottled drinks add to the event atmosphere. These are available throughout the night at various snack carts, giving you a chance to enjoy treats alongside your favorite attractions.
Do I Need To Buy A Park Ticket In Addition To My Disney After Hours Events Ticket?
No, you do not need to buy a park ticket in addition to your Disney After Hours event ticket. However, your event ticket will only get you admission to the park in the evening (usually beginning at 7PM). So, if you want to spend the day in the park before the event, you will need to purchase a separate theme park ticket.
How Are Disney World’s Holiday Events Different From Disney After Hours Events?
Disney World’s holiday events and After Hours events are both separately ticketed, but they offer very different experiences. Holiday parties, like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, are themed around specific seasons.
During holiday events, you’ll find exclusive entertainment, themed parades, special fireworks, and character meet-and-greets with the characters dressed in seasonal costumes. After Hours events, on the other hand, usually focus more on the “regular” park experience with fewer crowds and shorter wait times for attractions.
What About Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon?
Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon is a limited-capacity, separately ticketed event held on select nights each summer. You can typically expect this event to run from late May through mid-September.
Like the after hours events held inside the theme parks, your ticket lets you enter Typhoon Lagoon early, usually a couple of hours before the official event start. And, once the party begins, you can find much shorter wait times for popular water attractions. Free ice cream, popcorn, and bottled beverages are also included.
Special nighttime lighting, music, and dance parties give the water park a different feel compared to a daytime visit. And you might even spot Disney characters in swimwear, posing for photos.
All in all, H2O Glow After Hours events are nearly identical to traditional after hours events, with the biggest difference being that they’re held at a water park! It’s ideal if you want to avoid daytime heat, experience exclusive entertainment, and have more time on the attractions.
Are Disney After Hours Events Worth It?
Deciding if Disney After Hours events are worth it depends on your vacation priorities and who you’re traveling with. The biggest perk of these events is the shorter wait times (with rides usually having a 10-minute wait or less), so if you hate waiting in lines and don’t want to have to pay for Lightning Lane access, then these events can really be worth it!
That being said, these events require a separate ticket, and prices are higher than regular park admission. If you have little kids who can’t stay up very late or don’t particularly enjoy riding attractions, then your money could be better spent on other Disney World add-ons and experiences.
So, before you buy your tickets, consider your family’s stamina for late hours and whether you prefer exclusive experiences and access to rides. If you’re focused primarily on attractions and don’t want to spend a full day in the theme parks, After Hours events can be a big win.
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