Close Banner

WALT DISNEY WORLD® THEME PARK TICKETS + RESORT HOTELS

Extra Savings Await You

EXTRA $10 OFF per ticket when you bundle your Walt Disney World® theme park tickets & hotel.

Authorized Walt Disney World® Ticket Seller BOOK NOW

How to Make the Most Out of Disney After Hours Events — Tickets Now on Sale!

by Tad on March 3, 2023 66 Orlando

Inside This Post Inside This Post

Summary

'Sup! Tad here. Free, unlimited popcorn and ice cream plus staying up super late is basically my jam, so I toadally love attending Disney After Hours Events. Enjoy little-to-no waits on your favorite attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. Recently announced, After Hours will debut in EPCOT this summer, and you'll have a chance to ride the popular Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind! In this guide, we cover everything you’d need to know, so you can decide if an After Hours event would be a good fit for you — as well as our top tips for attending. (Psst ... tickets are on sale now — save some extra green by purchasing through your favorite frogs!)

Disney After Hours — Event guide at Magic Kingdom

Disney After Hours Events Overview

Disney After Hours — Signage at Magic Kingdom

First appearing in 2016, Disney After Hours events turn Disney World parks into a whole new world. You get to see the parks come to life under the stars, and you don’t have to deal with large crowds or the mid-day Florida heat. It’s a win-win! On the other hand, Disney After Hours is a time-limited, separately ticketed event, so you also have to consider whether it’s right for your schedule and budget.

Disney After Hours events allow guests to stick around the participating parks after normal park hours with limited crowds. Yipee! That means you’ll encounter little-to-no lines while you wait for rides, character meet-and-greets and other experiences at the parks. Plus, you'll get complimentary popcorn, ice cream and bottled beverages during the official event time!

These three-hour nighttime events typically happen during non-peak periods, and batches of dates are released throughout the year. They were first offered at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom for spring 2023. Hollywood Studios will be adding more dates beginning May 3, while EPCOT kicks off starting June 1!

They may have a similar name, but it’s important to point out that Disney After Hours events are NOT the same as Extended Evening Hours. The extended evening theme park hours are a new benefit for Disney Deluxe Resort hotel guests that allows them to stay in a park a few hours later than normal park hours. This offering is exclusive to deluxe resorts and does not require a separate purchase beyond valid park admission, unlike Disney After Hours events.

Disney After Hours Dates & Tickets

Savings Alert

SAVE UP TO $7

Discount Disney After Hours tickets are on sale now!

GET YOUR TICKETS

Disney After Hours is back in 2023 with select nights at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. The event takes place from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. (or 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Hollywood Studios through April 19). You may enter as early as 7 p.m. with just an event ticket.

Magic Kingdom Park

  • Monday, Jan. 9, 2023 (sold out)
  • Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 (sold out)
  • Monday, Jan. 23, 2023 (sold out)
  • Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023 (sold out)
  • Monday, Feb. 20, 2023 (sold out)
  • Monday, Feb. 27, 2023
  • Thursday, March 2, 2023
  • Monday, March 6, 2023
  • Monday, March 13, 2023 (sold out)
  • Thursday, March 16, 2023
  • Monday, March 20, 2023
  • Monday, March 27, 2023

Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023 (sold out)
  • Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023 (sold out)
  • Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023 (sold out)
  • Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 (sold out)
  • Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023 (sold out)
  • Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023 (sold out)
  • Wednesday, March 8, 2023 (sold out)
  • Wednesday, March 22, 2023
  • Wednesday, March 29, 2023 (sold out)
  • Sunday, April 2, 2023 (sold out)
  • Wednesday, April 5, 2023
  • Wednesday, April 19, 2023
  • Wednesday, May 3, 2023
  • Wednesday, May 17, 2023
  • Wednesday, May 24, 2023
  • Wednesday, May 31, 2023
  • Wednesday, June 7, 2023
  • Wednesday, June 14, 2023
  • Wednesday, June 21, 2023
  • Wednesday, June 28, 2023

EPCOT

  • Thursday, June 1, 2023
  • Thursday, June 15, 2023
  • Thursday, June 22, 2023
  • Thursday, June 29, 2023
  • Thursday, July 6, 2023
  • Thursday, July 12, 2023
  • Thursday, July 20, 2023
  • Thursday, July 27, 2023
  • Thursday, August 3, 2023
  • Thursday, August 10, 2023
  • Thursday, August 17, 2023
  • Thursday, August 24, 2023

Tickets are on sale now! Undercover Tourist tickets for Disney After Hours events range from about $130-$140 per person, plus tax. Tickets for EPCOT as well as Hollywood Studios tickets for May and June went on sale beginning March 3. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels could purchase tickets to Disney After Hours at EPCOT as early as February 28, 2023.

Arriving at Disney After Hours Events

Disney After Hours — Event check-in

Even though Disney After Hours officially starts sometime between 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. (depending on the event), event guests are able to enter the parks as early as 7 p.m. You’ll definitely want to take advantage of that extra time! If you'd like to enter before then, you’ll need regular park admission and a theme park reservation.

If you arrive at (or after) 7 p.m., head to the specific event turnstiles where you'll receive a special event wristband. But if you have regular park admission and you’re already inside the park for the afternoon, you won’t have to go all the way to the entrance. There are typically stations inside the park with cast members distributing wristbands. Just be on the lookout for special event signs! At Magic Kingdom for instance, you could receive your wristband in Adventureland and Tomorrowland.

Once the park closes, guests without wristbands are directed toward the front to exit the park. There are typically 30 minutes from when the park closes to when After Hours officially starts to allow for this transition. Expect some overlap, especially near the front of the park as they are leaving at the beginning of the event, but the process happens fairly quickly. Depending on the park hours, there may not be any transition time. On our Magic Kingdom night, the park closed at 10 p.m., the same time as the event started, so just know you may have some crowds up until the event starts.

Before the event starts, we recommend eating dinner if you have not done so previously. Most restaurants are closed during After Hours, plus you'll want to maximize your event time. The overlap with regular park hours is a great time to do anything not open during the event. We recommend Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios or the fireworks at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT as the perfect time filler.

Disney After Hours Rides and Entertainment

As one of the most significant perks of Disney After Hours, you’ll be able to hop right onto your favorite rides with no — or very short — lines. However, it’s important to note that while most rides will be available, not all attractions will be open during the event. (Note that during the possible transition time from park close to event start, you can hop on any available ride by showing your event wristband. Ride wait times will not appear in the My Disney Experience app during this time, but all event attractions should remain open).

Disney After Hours — Ride wait times at Magic Kingdom

Here's what's open during the events in 2023:

Magic Kingdom

  • Jungle Cruise
  • The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Swiss Family Treehouse
  • Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
  • Country Bear Jamboree
  • Splash Mountain*
  • Haunted Mansion
  • "it’s a small world"
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
  • Princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall
  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  • Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • The Barnstormer
  • Mad Tea Party
  • Tomorrowland Speedway
  • Astro Orbiter
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
  • Space Mountain
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
  • Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater

* Splash Mountain will permanently close on Jan. 23 to make way for Tiana's Bayou Adventure, opening in 2024.

Disney After Hours — Screenshot of wait times at Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios

  • Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway
  • Star Tours — The Adventures Continue
  • Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run
  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
  • Alien Swirling Saucers
  • Slinky Dog Dash
  • Toy Story Mania!
  • Rock 'n' Roller Coaster**
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

** Rock 'n' Roller Coaster will be closed for refurbishment beginning Feb. 20. No end date has been announced yet.

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
  • and more!

At Hollywood Studios, we were able to accomplish every ride, either before or during the event! All rides were under a 10-minute wait with most being a walk-on. At Magic Kingdom, we could get most rides done, with everything having nearly no wait besides Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which stayed at about 20-30 minutes throughout the night (definitely allowing for a reride if a priority!).

Characters at Disney After Hours 

Character meet-and-greets may also be available at every After Hours event. However, character greeting locations may be limited. At Hollywood Studios, we saw Chip 'n' Dale around Centerstage and Woody and Bo Peep at Toy Story Land. At Magic Kingdom, you can meet the princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall or Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater. You can expect that character greetings will be more limited during the party than in daytime hours, so if characters are a priority, hop to it during that early entry period!

Entertainment at Disney After Hours

At Hollywood Studios, enjoy additional showtimes of both projection shows at the Chinese Theater — Disney Movie Magic at 11:25 p.m. and Wonderful World of Animation at 11:45 p.m. You can also watch the first showtimes during regular park hours, which we recommend to maximize your ride times.

PhotoPass photographers are also available at select locations during the event. At Magic Kingdom, we got to knock off a unique and popular photo opportunity by holding Rapunzel's lantern by the "Tangled" area in Fantasyland — with almost no wait!

Disney After Hours Dining & Shopping

Disney After Hours — Complimentary popcorn, ice cream and drinks

While exploring the park after hours, you’ll definitely crave a late-night snack. Included in the cost of event admission are unlimited ice cream treats (Mickey bar, Mickey sandwich and strawberry bar), popcorn and select beverages (bottled water, Sprite, Coke, Diet Coke), available at carts stationed throughout the park once the event officially begins.

Most table-service and quick-service restaurants will be closed, but some select locations may remain open. At Hollywood Studios, select menu items are available at Woody's Lunchbox, Milk Stand, Anaheim Produce, Rosie's All-American Cafe and KRNR The Rock Station, as well as select outdoor bars. There may be walk-up availability at Oga's Cantina. At Magic Kingdom, Main Street Makery and Casey's Corner are open with select items.

Though we don't recommend spending too much time shopping during the event, select merchandise shops may be open during event hours. Limited walk-up availability may be offered at both Savi's Workshop and Droid Depot.

Hollywood Studios — Mickey's of Hollywood, Tatooine Traders, The Marketplace at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Dok-Ondar's Den of Antiquities, Jessie's Trading Post, Rock Around the Shop and Tower Hotel Gifts

Magic Kingdom — Emporium, Box Office Gifts, Curtain Call Collectibles, Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar, Hundred Acre Goods, Sir Mickey's, Buzz Lightyear's Space Rangar Spin Photos

Themed Disney After Hours Events

Disney H2O Glow After Hours

Guide to Disney H2O Glow After Hours

 

Typically held each summer, Disney H2O Glow After Hours is a separately ticketed event at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. This tadpole-friendly event features DJ dance parties, specialty food and drink, and a chance to enjoy your favorite water attractions glowing at night. Check out our guide to H2O Glow After Hours for all the hoppin' details as the event returns May 20, 2023!

Disney Villains After Hours

Disney After Hours Events - Villains Unite the Night

Disney introduced a wicked twist to the After Hours events in summer 2019. At Magic Kingdom, malevolent music and frightful lighting took over the park as Disney Villains took centerstage! Like any other After Hours event, guests had exclusive three-hour access to over 20 attractions after the park closes, but the event also featured a special stage show, a character cavalcade, a live DJ and specially themed ride overlays. The spooky event returned in spring 2020, as well. No word yet on if this themed event will return in the future.

Tips and Strategies for Disney After Hours Events

Here are our top tips for attending Disney After Hours events:

Disney After Hours — Guide for Hollywood Studios

  • Arrive at 7 p.m. for early access during normal park hours. You’ll want to maximize your time during the event, and this allows up to two or three extra hours that you can spend inside the park before the event officially begins. (Remember that you can get in at 7 p.m. with just your After Hours ticket. If you want to get there earlier, you'll need to have valid admission and a park pass reservation.)
  • If you arrive before After Hours officially begins, visit any attraction or show that is unavailable during event hours. For example, we watched Fantasmic while at Hollywood Studios. In Magic Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is not open for the event, so if going for all of the "mountains", be sure to ride during regular park hours. Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and Carousel of Progress are also unavailable for the event, so if interested in viewing those, we recommend heading to Tomorrowland in the pre-event time. Note that they close early (often by 9 p.m.) so be sure to hop over early.
  • Eat dinner before you arrive. While snacks and drinks are provided, only select food locations remain open. You’ll probably want to spend more time in line for rides and character meet-and-greets anyway!
  • Prioritize your options. We highly recommend figuring out which rides or experiences are must-dos and tackling those as soon as you get there. Three hours pass by in the blink of an eye!
  • Start with your #1 must-do experience and continue to move from one part of the park to the next. You don’t want to lose precious time hopping back and forth from opposite sides of the park.
  • Don’t hesitate to take a short break. You might feel pressured to get everything done in the short amount of time you have, but don’t get so overwhelmed that you don’t enjoy the experience. (Plus, a break is the best time to eat a Mickey ice cream bar.)

Is Disney After Hours Worth It?

Disney After Hours — No crowds in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

We’ve laid out all the details before you, and now it’s time for you to decide. Whether Disney After Hours is worth it truly comes down to whether it’s right for your family, schedule and budget. To sum it all up, these are the main pointers to consider.

After Hours could be a good fit if ...

  • You want to hop on those popular rides with minimal wait times.
  • You want to avoid long lines, large crowds and the daytime heat as much as possible.
  • You're a huge Star Wars fan. Honestly, with this year's event taking place in Hollywood Studios, we think it's an incredible opportunity to visit with shorter wait times AND get a fun nighttime ambiance.
  • You're only visiting Disney World for a short vacation and you just want to hit the highlights. This event can help squeeze in a park that you otherwise might miss due to your schedule's time constraints.

After Hours might not be a good fit if ... 

  • You want to experience everything that a park has to offer. Many shows stop performances after the daytime hours, and some rides are not available during After Hours events.
  • Your budget can't accommodate the extra ticket cost.
  • You have tadpoles. My sister, Lily, did not come with me on this one, since she's little and heads to bed so early. Instead, my dad, Leap, and I headed in to take advantage of all of the thrills and ice cream we could handle.

Overall, you're bound to have a great time in a nearly empty park with unlimited snacks no matter which park you choose!

If you're ready for a fun night at the parks, be sure to get your Disney After Hours tickets before they sell out. Have any questions? Ask away in the comments below!

Related: All the Glimmering Details of Disney H2O Glow Nights

Stay cool!

Keep hopping, Tad!
View Comments
<<  Newer Posts | Older Posts  >>
Mar 14, 2023 at 4:29 a.m. Avani Says...

Hi! we are visiting Disneyworld (May 6-13), I still haven’t bought any tickets to theme parks. We are staying at Disney swan reserve. We are mostly focused on magic kingdom and hollywood studios, but I couldn’t find information on what days will be after hours available for the dates I’m visiting? If disney hasn’t released the days do you think it’s wise to wait and purchase tickets ? I only fear that if I purchased MK ticket for a particular day fir eg wednesday and if they change the after hours day to someother day will I be able to change my reservation? same question with hollywood studios! Appreciate any pointers in planning the trip. I am traveling with my 8 and 4yr old.

Reply
Mar 14, 2023 at 1:11 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Avani!

There are a couple of options at play, so I want to be super clear with the following:

After Hours Events: After Hours events are currently taking place on select nights at Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. Additional After Hours dates were announced a few weeks ago, but it did not include an extension for Magic Kingdom dates, so as far as we know, those will end March 27 for the time being. Disney could bring it back in the future at Magic Kingdom, but not likely for your dates of travel. For Hollywood Studios, After Hours had been extended to June 28, so if more dates are added in the future, it would be more than likely for dates beyond June 28 and not during your travel dates.

Extended Evening Hours: Because you are staying at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, you would have the Extended Evening Hours benefit at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. If this wasn't already on your radar, wanted to bring attention to it, especially for Magic Kingdom.

Overall, we think you can go ahead and purchase your park tickets! If, by any chance, more After Hours dates are released during your visit (but again, not too likely), you would be able to modify your theme park reservations, as long as there's availability.

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Feb 28, 2023 at 8:41 p.m. Micheál Murtagh Says...

Hi when will the Epcot tickets for early August go on sale ?

Reply
Feb 28, 2023 at 2:45 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Micheal!

If you're at Walt Disney World Resort hotel guest, you can buy tickets starting today! If not, the general sale begins March 3, 2023.

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Feb 28, 2023 at 7:13 p.m. Frankie Says...

Do you know if these events will run through November and December? And if so, when will they go on sale?

Reply
Feb 28, 2023 at 1:57 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Frankie!

At this time, we don't know any future dates beyond what has been announced (though in the past, Disney has extended dates throughout the year), so we'd just keep hopping back — we'll update our post if we hear any news!

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Feb 28, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. Kari Says...

Will the back entrance to Epcot be open for the event? I'm making a reservation at Boardwalk now so I'd love to just walk over!

Reply
Feb 28, 2023 at 11:55 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kari!

That's a great question! We would think so (as it's open during Early Entry), but since After Hours at EPCOT hasn't happened before, we're not 100% positive. Though if you arrive during the pre-event time, which starts at 7 p.m., it should be open!

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Feb 28, 2023 at 4:44 p.m. Addie Bender Says...

Is the World showcase all open for the event?

Reply
Feb 28, 2023 at 11:15 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Addie!

Good question! We don't know all of the details since After Hours hasn't taken place at EPCOT before, though we have an idea of what will be open since Disney has listed the attractions that would be included — Frozen Ever After, Gran Fiesta Tour, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Living with the Land, Mission: SPACE, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Soarin' Around the World, Spaceship Earth and Test Track.

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Feb 27, 2023 at 5:42 p.m. Jill Says...

If you arrive at 7:00 pm for the event, are you able to ride any rides you choose before the event officially starts?

Reply
Feb 27, 2023 at 2:21 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jill!

Toadally :) in fact, we suggest doing anything that isn't available during the event. Enjoy!

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Feb 27, 2023 at 2:14 a.m. Abby Schlehuber Says...

Do you know what time the tickets will go on sale? Looking to get tickets for EPCOT!

Reply
Feb 27, 2023 at 8:16 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Abby!

We don't know an exact time tickets will be available (usually, released in the morning though), but tickets go on sale March 3. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can purchase as early as Feb. 28. This includes Disney Resort hotels, Swan and Dolphin, Swan Reserve and Shades of Green.

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Feb 28, 2023 at 3:52 p.m. Maxims Says...

I bought tickets for EPCOT today (staying at SSR so had early access) at 6:00 am.

Reply
Feb 28, 2023 at 10:57 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Thanks Maxims!

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Feb 18, 2023 at 9:56 p.m. Marisa Says...

So I’m in Disney for a short time and unfortunately when I searched after hours it was sold out . Is it worth me going to guest services on the day of and see if any cancellations ?

Reply
Feb 20, 2023 at 9:36 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

We think so! Generally, you'll see a sign out front indicating that tickets are still available. Good luck!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jan 25, 2023 at 3:03 p.m. Mel Says...

I am due to go to Disney May-June and would love to be able to attend after hours. Based on previous years, what is the likelihood of the after hours tickets being extended to cover this time frame as currently they both finish March/April time. Or is there another event that takes its place? Thank you

Reply
Jan 26, 2023 at 8:31 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mel!

Yes, in the past, Disney has extended After Hours dates, though we still don't know exactly what's in store for this year. Other past themes have been Disney Villains After Dark at Magic Kingdom and H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon.

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Jan 11, 2023 at 11:50 p.m. Vern Woodruff Says...

Is there a way to find out in advance if Savi's Workshop and Droid Depot would be available during the After Hours event? My kids would like to participate in these experiences, and I am trying to decide if we should try squeezing it in after entering at 7 or wait until the event starts. Thanks!

Reply
Jan 12, 2023 at 1 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Vern!

Both Savi's Workshop and Droid Depot have limited walk-ups available during After Hours events.

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Jan 11, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. Kate Says...

If you are staying offsite, do you still have to pay the full day rate for parking to attend the MK After Hours event?

Reply
Jan 11, 2023 at 9:34 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kate!

So, our answer is a bit complicated — at a certain point near the end of the day, the parking toll booths close and people who are arriving can just drive through and not pay. However, there isn't a specific time when this hoppens, so it's hard to guarantee that the toll booths will be open or closed when you arrive. Though if they are open, you would need to pay full price. We can say that based on our personal experience going to After Hours events this past week, there was still a parking toll attendant at one park but not the other (and we aimed to arrive around 7 p.m., give or take a little, for both events at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios). If you arrive closer to the event's official start time, there's definitely a better chance of not paying for parking. But that leaves you with less time in the park since you can enter at 7 p.m. so you wouldn't be able to maximize your time. Let us know if you have any other questions!

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Jan 11, 2023 at 4:52 a.m. Cid Says...

So just going at 7:00 PM and no earlier park I don't need to make a park reservation?

Reply
Jan 11, 2023 at 9:38 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

That's correct, Cid! Have a frogtastic time!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jan 9, 2023 at 5:39 p.m. Jen Says...

Should day guests pick a different day to visit Hollywood Studios when an after hour event is planned? For example would 3/23 be less busy overall then 3/22?

Reply
Jan 9, 2023 at 4:16 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jen!

While it wouldn't hurt to avoid Hollywood Studios on the dates that After Hours takes place, it's not toadally necessary since the regular park hours aren't affected (unlike Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, which close Magic Kingdom to the general public earlier than usual). If you do go on an After Hours date, you may see a spike in crowds starting at 7 p.m. when After Hours guests can enter the park. However, After Hours attendance should be very limited, so it really shouldn't be a significant increase.

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Dec 15, 2022 at 8:40 p.m. Megan Says...

Would you recommend After Hours vs. another day in the park for tweens and teens? For example, we are considering 5 park days or 4 park days plus one LATE night "After Hours" event in March. Which park would you recommend for ages 12, 14, 17 to pick for After Hours?

Reply
Dec 15, 2022 at 3:06 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Megan!

If visiting in March, you'll likely face spring break crowds, so the After Hours event may be a good option if you want to avoid the normal daytime crowds since attendance is limited during After Hours. After Hours will only be available at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, so considering the age group, we'd recommend Hollywood Studios, which has more thrill rides such as Tower of Terror and Rock 'N' Roller Coaster. (However, we'll say that Magic Kingdom wouldn't be a bad choice either because it has a larger number of attractions, so there are more things you could do during that time.)

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Oct 4, 2022 at 4:28 p.m. Katherine Says...

When do tickets go on sale for afterhours events in March? I couldn't find them.

Reply
Oct 4, 2022 at 12:09 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Katherine!

Disney After Hours tickets are on sale now for hotel guests at Disney World (including Swan & Dolphin and Shades of Green), and tickets for the general public go on sale starting Oct. 7, 2022.

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Oct 4, 2022 at 2:19 p.m. Nellie Says...

Do you think this will be in place of deluxe extra magic hours? Its hard to make decisions without knowing all the information!

Reply
Oct 4, 2022 at 9:40 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Nellie!

No — while the Extended Evening Hours schedule has not been released past December, we'd expect the Extended Evening Hours benefit for Deluxe Resort hotel guests to continue into 2023. The After Hours events and Extended Evening Hours would fall on separate nights during the week.

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Aug 5, 2021 at 10:02 p.m. Steven Says...

Me and my brother are a bit confused about the wording of "Disney After Hours events are open to anyone, but require a separate ticket". Does this mean that we would need a standard theme park ticket and event ticket to attend After Hours or can you just buy the event ticket and come at 7 pm (the earliest).

Reply
Aug 6, 2021 at 7:28 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Steven!

To attend just an After Hours event, you would only need the After Hours ticket (no theme park ticket is necessary unless you're hoping to explore Magic Kingdom or another park earlier in the day). Hope this helps!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 5, 2020 at 11:51 a.m. Kelley Murray Says...

Will they still provide transportation (busses and such) back to your Disney resort or will you have to pay to use a Lyft/Uber.

Reply
Mar 6, 2020 at 7:23 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kelley!

Buses will still be running after the event.

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Feb 19, 2020 at 8:50 p.m. tam1MI Says...

For those of us unlucky souls who do NOT have an After Hours wristband, will we be allowed to see the fireworks before we have to leave the park?

Reply
Feb 19, 2020 at 3:15 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there!

Yes, even without a wristband, you can stay for the regularly scheduled fireworks, "Happily Ever After," before Magic Kingdom closes :) It's only the event-specific shows, such as the stage show at Villains After Hours, that are limited to event guests only once the park closes to the general public.

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Feb 12, 2020 at 8:11 a.m. Linda Says...

Are merchandise shops open during after hours?

Reply
Feb 13, 2020 at 3:55 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Linda!

Yes, but only select gift shops remain open during the parties. If there's something you have your eye on, we recommend shopping before the park officially closes for the evening and tucking it away into a backpack or bag for safekeeping :)

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Feb 6, 2020 at 6:35 a.m. Brittany Says...

Hi! My family is really wanted to attend the party on March 23rd at magic kingdom! We heard it will be pretty busy so we were thinking it would be a good idea to get tickets to have the park much calmer! We are pretty energetic and quick walkers and want to get a lot done! I planned on making a list for us to start at with rides and where to go to next and so on to try and help us avoid running back and forth. What land do you think would be the best to start at and what would be the best finish at?

Reply
Feb 6, 2020 at 4:29 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Brittany!

We are so excited for you - we really love these events! We'd suggest planning a few FastPass reservations (if it's for some of the bigger rides) before the party officially starts to maximize time before the event. We'd also plan to tackle any rides that won't be open during the event first. You can continue to check wait times on the app as the night progresses, and wait times will drop off as the night goes on, so we'd suggest saving some of the bigger rides for later in the evening if you can wait that long. Keep in mind that, just like on normal nights, the castle will be closed off for fireworks, so you'll want to plan your route accordingly so you don't have to get rerouted (we made that mistake and had to try to make our way past fireworks crowds into Tomorrowland!) if you aren't watching them. We started at Casey's Corner for a hot dog dinner, then made our way to Adventureland and around to Frontierland, before Fantasyland and Tomorrowland - then back to Big Thunder and Pirates for another ride :) We essentially worked counter-clockwise, but it's toadally up to you and your family's priorities! You can also check general wait times when you enter the park to see which land seems to be the best overall and work your way around that way to avoid trekking back and forth. Have a great time!

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Feb 3, 2020 at 11:34 p.m. R M Says...

Can you enter the park early for after hours event if you have a dining reservation? Say a 615 reservation for BR Guest with only after hours ticket?

Reply
Feb 4, 2020 at 7:52 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi R M!

No, unfortunately the ticketed early entry time (7 p.m., for example) is the earliest After Hours guests can enter without regular park admission.

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Jan 20, 2020 at 6:12 a.m. Bea Says...

I’ve noticed there is now an hour gap between regular park closing and the extra hours opening.

What happens in this time especially if you can enter the park at 7

Reply
Jan 21, 2020 at 4:29 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Bea!

Likely this gap is just to allow cast members some extra time to filter out anyone without a wristband for the party; expect that rides, shows, etc. will continue on as normal, but you may need to show your wristband before you're permitted to hop on a ride.

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Jan 17, 2020 at 12:27 a.m. Pam Says...

Do you have to wait for the official event start time to take advantage of the snacks? Thanks!

Reply
Jan 17, 2020 at 8:10 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Pam,

Yes, the stations with the free snacks don't open up until the event starts. (But once they do, get all the Mickey ice cream bars your froggy heart desires.) Have fun!

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Jan 12, 2020 at 10:43 a.m. Ron Hunt Says...

Hi,

Can you tell me if Fastpass is available during After Hours events? I thought I read somewhere that you could not enter the parks until the event actually starts at 9:00pm - unlike Not so Scary when you are allowed to enter at 4:00pm so that's good news. Thank you.

Reply
Jan 13, 2020 at 8:57 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Ron!

No, FastPass is not available during the After Hours events since lines are so short (but just during official party hours). You will, however, be able to enter the park early (be sure to check the fine print on your ticket, as the entry time varies!), and FastPass will be available from the early entry time until the official event starting time. Hope this makes sense!

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Feb 28, 2023 at 7 p.m. Chris Says...

Hello! Can you please clarify..in order to use “Fast Pass” this would only be for prior to after hours official opening, and you would need a regular park ticket and park reservation as well as purchasing Genie+…is that accurate?

Reply
Feb 28, 2023 at 1:38 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Chris!

That is correct (our previous answer was from early 2020 when FastPass was still around)! In order to use Genie+ before the event, you would need regular admission and a park reservation. Because attendance is limited, Genie+ is not available during the event.

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Jan 7, 2020 at 5:01 p.m. Sheri Says...

Are you able to start riding rides once you are let in at 7:00 pm or do you have to wait until the start time of the event?

Reply
Jan 7, 2020 at 11:05 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sheri!

You can start riding right away! Event-specific activities and decor won't be active until party time, but your access to the rides is good as soon as you're able to enter the park.

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Aug 25, 2019 at 3:02 p.m. Jeannie Says...

Hello,

can you tell me which quick service/ table service restaurants at Animal Kingdom after dark are still open?

In the very first picture it looks like they are listed on the paper guide, but it's hard to see from the picture. I'm especially interested if the Pandora quick service is open.

thanks!

Reply
Aug 26, 2019 at 11:28 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jeannie,

The following locations offer additional food and beverage items for purchase at Animal Kingdom's After Hours events: Pongu Pongu in Pandora, Snack Cart near Tiffins Restaurant, Thirsty River Bar in Asia and Dino Diner in Dinoland U.S.A.

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Jul 25, 2019 at 11:02 a.m. Jason Says...

What happens if you have after hours tickets, the park closes at 10pm for traditional guests, and at 10pm there is still a 90 min wait for a ride? If I am after hours, do I have to wait in that line or does after hours get to use a fast pass line?

Reply
Jul 25, 2019 at 8:37 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jason!

If you were in a line at 10 p.m. as the park closes, you'd still need to wait in the regular line. Our strategy (when lines have been long) have been to hit the most in-demand rides later in the evening after park closing when lines are shorter and instead hit the lines with the shorter rides early to maximize our time.

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Jul 21, 2019 at 12:56 a.m. Mandy Says...

Do you recommend eating in the Magic Kingdom, say at 720pm or so. Then watching the fireworks- or would you think it would be a wiser use of time to eat before the after hours event and just do some rides and character meets before the fireworks? We are going to the last villians after hours and it is our first after hours experience!

Reply
Jul 22, 2019 at 8:29 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mandy!

We would definitely suggest eating prior to the event and planning on taking advantage of some villainous treats during the party itself. Then, you can catch the fireworks and start riding (and/or meeting!) One other tip: take a peek at the rides that will be open during the event (and there's a lot of them, so you're in luck!) If there are any NOT listed, you'll want to ride those before official park closing. Have fun!

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Jun 20, 2019 at 5:46 p.m. Alexandra Valdez Says...

What if you are staying at a Disney Resort and get the Extra Magic Hours after the park closes. Can you still enjoy the Disney After Hours Event? Or will you need to buy a separate ticket for the event?

Reply
Jun 21, 2019 at 9:13 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Alexandra,

Good question! Extra Magic Hours and After Hours events do not happen at the same park on the same day. You will need a separate ticket for an After Hours event.

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Jun 18, 2019 at 3:19 a.m. Frank Thomas Says...

Will After Hours dates be set for the rest of the year? My family will be visiting WDW in mid-November.

Thanks.

Reply
Jun 19, 2019 at 1:14 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Frank!

Right now, After Hours dates have only been announced up until September at Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. But from what we've seen, Disney seems to release new batches of dates throughout the year, so keep an eye out for any November dates. We'll update here!

Stay cool!

Tad

Reply
Leave a comment
Name is required. Email is required. Please input a comment.
About Us
About Undercover Tourist

Undercover Tourist is the leading supplier of online discount tickets to Orlando, Florida-area attractions, including Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort™, SeaWorld® Orlando, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and more.

Sign up for our newsletter!
Please enter your Name
Please enter your Email address