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Have you ever wished you could have Disneyland mostly to yourself, hopping from ride to ride with short attraction wait times and no crowds to worry about? Do you love dressing up as your favorite Disney character or creating an outfit based on a certain theme? Do you jump up and down at the chance to meet a rare character who never usually visits the parks (or even your favorite characters in new outfits)? Are dance parties your thing? Then, a Disneyland After Dark event may be just the event for you! The Disneyland After Dark events are separately ticketed parties that are held after the park closes to the public. There were four frogtastic After Dark events in 2025. Pride Nite, Star Wars Nite, 90s Nite and Sweethearts' Nite returned for 2025! We look forward to 2026 events!
Overview of Disneyland After Dark Events
Each four-hour party has a different theme and offers unique entertainment. The parties can be a lot of fun with music, special character meet-and-greets, photo-ops, themed dance parties and sometimes even special fireworks shows or other themed entertainment. The special parties are toadally fun, but there are a few things you should be aware of before purchasing tickets.
In 2025 we had four Disneyland After Dark events! Keep in mind that we do not discuss the Disneyland Halloween Party — Oogie Boogie Bash — in this post. That huge and recurring Halloween Time event takes place on select nights for several weeks in the fall. It has its own post.
These parties are getting so big, with popular events recurring each year with more and more dates, so we now give each event its own page. That way we can share more details and photos of the events. Click on the links to find out more about an event. Check the Disneyland Special Events ticketing page for the most up-to-date information on upcoming After Dark events. Here are the events for 2025:
Hop along as we share what to expect at one of these special events so you can determine if these separately ticketed events are right for you. Let's hop to it! We cover the Disneyland After Dark events for 2025 and take a look back at more past events, as well, in case they return someday. Just like 90s Nite came back after a few years.
Demand is much higher for some Disneyland events these days, so you should always plan to purchase early. No theme park reservation is required for party tickets and there are not Lightning Lanes at these events. You don't need them because attraction wait times are so short!
"Notify Me" Feature When Purchasing
If you've bought tickets for Disneyland After Dark and other events, you may know that sometimes it takes a while to get into the site to purchase. A new "notify me" feature lets you leave your computer while you wait (but you'd better bring your phone with you). To participate, once in the queue, choose the “notify me” option and enter your email address. You’ll receive an email letting you know it’s your turn to return to the waiting room in order to enter the ticket store site. From the time your turn begins, you’ll have ten minutes to use the link to return to the site.
These events can sell out the day they go on sale. We always recommend buying as soon as they go on sale. Use multiple browsers and devices to increase your chances. Have your party and desired dates ready to go before you buy.
2025 Disneyland After Dark Events and Dates
The 2025 events have concluded. Hop back for the 2026 events once they are announced in the fall.
There were four Disneyland After Dark events to look forward to in 2025. All of them took place at Disneyland Park. Here are the events and their on-sale dates:
- Sweethearts' Nite on sale Dec. 12 (and starting Dec. 10 for Magic Key holders) — This one sells out the fastest, in days. It sold out for 2025.
- 90s Nite on sale Dec. 12 not before 9 a.m. PT (and starting Dec. 10 for Magic Key holders)
- Star Wars Nite Tickets (days on or near May 4 are mostly likely to sell out.)
- Pride Nite
All party guests gain access to the park as of 6 p.m. for this after-dark event. The party kicks off at 9 p.m. and ends at 1 a.m.
When buying tickets for Disneyland After Dark events. Go to Disneyland.com and go to "Parks & Tickets." Under Tickets & Passes," select "Special Event Tickets." Be sure to purchase early as tickets almost always sell out well in advance.
Sweethearts' Nite at Disneyland Park — Jan. 12, 23, 28, 30, Feb. 4, 6, 9, 11 & 13, 2025, at Disneyland Park
Back by popular demand, Sweethearts Nite is the ultimate date night or just a great night out with friends. The popular Sweethearts' Nite has been going strong since 2019, adding more dates each year ... and selling them out! Sweethearts' Nite makes Disneyland the most romantic place on Earth for eight unfrogettable nights in 2025.
2025 Sweethearts' Nite Dates and Ticket Prices start at from $149 per guest (3 and up). Here are the 2025 dates and prices:
- Jan. 21 for $149
- Jan. 23 for $159
- Jan. 28 for $149
- Feb. 4 for $149
- Feb. 6 for $159
- Feb. 9 for $179
- Feb. 11 for $179
- Feb. 13 for $179
All nights sell out in days.
Here's what is included:
- Sweethearts’ Nite Royal Cavalcade: Join in the fun as four Disney couples on a float and Royal Fanfare dancers make their way through the park. It runs from Town Square to Sleeping Beauty Castle and back twice per night.
- Royal Ball (now at the Fantasyland Theatre)
- Projection effects on Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street, U.S.A. and "it's a small world"
- Live music
- Live Mariachi
- Mark Twain Lou-Ray Jazz Cruise
- Disney couples
- Fun photo opportunities featuring romantic scenes from iconic Disney films such as “Lady and the Tramp,” "Aladdin" and more.
- Food and beverage offerings for sale around the park
- A Tomorrowland dance party with Stitch and Angel
- Unlimited PhotoPass downloads
Sweethearts' Nite includes dancing, dining and double dating with Disney couples. You could swing your partner around the dance floors at a glitzy royal ball, but it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes that don't slip off. (That's a tip from Cinderella!)
You could meet darling Disney couples and pose for romantic photo-ops, themed after sweet scenes from iconic Disney films! Our Sweethearts' Nite post has all the locations.
Around the park, you can find Valentine's-inspired décor, food designed for two, beverages and merchandise offerings. Ticketed party guests can make advance reservations for table-service meals now. There are four Sweethearts Nite reserved dining options in 2024. You can view menus, prices and reserve online or in the Disneyland app. We recommend reserving for 8 p.m. so you can maximize your party time.
There are also a lot of quick-service food options.
A few attractions are not available for this event. That may include:
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Tiana's Bayou Adventure
- Sailing Ship Columbia
- Rides under refurbishment
90s Nite — March 4 and 6, 2025
Stroll down memory lane at a rad after-hours 90s party! Fuel your nostalgia with fun festivities that honor music, movies food, fashion and other fads that defined the decade. We've done them all, but we have not been to 90s Nite. But that's about to change in 2025! We'll be there opening night to share our tips and tricks.
Tickets are $149 for both nights.
Here's what to expect:
- Get into the groove of your favorite 90s tunes with a high-energy dance party hosted by a DJ at Rivers of America!
- A highligh of favorite parades of the 90s along the Disneyland Parade Route.
- Dance the night away on Tomorrowland Terrace and get “jiggy” featuring Max, dressed for a Powerline concert, and Goofy in this exclusive 90s dance party!
- Get nostalgic at the Golden Horseshoe and sing along to your favorite 90s tunes.
- See Disney Characters from Disney Afternoon and some fan-favorite 90s Disney movies.
Star Wars Nite at Disneyland — April 8, 10, 22, 24, 29, May 1, 4 & 6, 2025
Wars Nite at Disneyland Park offers up a galactically good time! In 2025 there are eight nights! The parties fall during the extended park celebration, the Season of the Force.
Here are the 2025 dates and prices (for 3 and up):
- April 8 - $169
- April 10 - $169
- April 22 - $169
- April 24 - $179
- April 29 - $169
- May 1 - $179
- May 4 - $189
- May 6 - $179
Tickets go on sale to the public Jan. 30, 2025, no earlier than 9 a.m. PT. A select amount of pre-sale tickets are available for Magic Key holders a few days early. Inspire Magic Key holders may purchase Jan. 28, and all Magic Key holders may purchase Jan. 29.
You can expect:
- Character encounters
- "Star Wars"-themed attractions such as Star Tours, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (usually with shorter lines)
- Enhanced decor and event collectible merchandise
- Themed Photo opportunities
- Unlimited PhotoPass downloads
- March of the First Order in Tomorrowland with Captain Phasma and Strom Troopers
- Lightsaber training at "it's a small world"
- Lightsaber Resistance Show of Unity at Millennium Falcon
- Projection on the castle, Main Street and "it's a small world"
- Galactic Dance Party on Main Street U.S.A.
- Guests in Star Wars-themed costumes may participate in a special cavalcade, with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, in a march down Main Street, U.S.A., followed by a group photo at Sleeping Beauty Castle, illuminated with galactic projections.
- Yummy eats for purchase
We visited Star Wars Nite in 2022, 2023 and 2024. The Force is strong on Star Wars Nite with many guests in costume and with their lightsabers.
Pride Nite at Disneyland — June 18 and 20, 2024
During Pride Month in June, guests can partake in Pride Nite! Pride Nite specifically celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. Guests can enjoy this event for two nights, June 18 and 20, 2024. We attended the first Pride Nite in 2023 and returned in 2024. It is truly one of the sweetest After Dark Events we've attended. The crowd is polite and kind and full of love and Pride. It was a night of great music and good vibes all around. The cavalcade had a special song and characters in their Pride outfits.
Hop back for 2026 Star Wars Nite prices. The 2025 Dates and Ticket Prices were at $169 per guest (3 and up). It fell on June 16 and 18, 2025.
Here's what guests can expect at Pride Nite based on the 2025 event:
- Catch a Pride Nite cavalcade, featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Clarabelle, Donald, Daisy and Goofy dressed in special attire as they stroll through Main Street, U.S.A.
- Receive a commemorative lanyard and credential keepsake (one of each per guest).
- Join the Ohana Dance Party with Stitch at Tomorrowland Terrace. A DJ will be spinning great tunes and emitting positive vibes at this dance party that celebrates family!
- Party at a Pride Nite Dance Club along the Rivers of America, which invites everyone to enjoy quality music under the stars.
- Go country line dancing at the Golden Horseshoe.
- Pose in front of fun photo backdrops with inspirational messages or Disney characters (includes unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads).
- Have after-hours access to iconic Disneyland rides.
- Taste some savory snacks and sweets, made especially for the pride party.
Past Disneyland After Dark Events
A few other past Disneyland After Dark themes have included these Disneyland Park events: 90s Nite and 80s Nite, Princess Nite and Throwback Nite. Each of them offered unique types of entertainment, food and opportunities for fun. Past Disney California Adventure After Dark events include Grand Nite Reunion, Pixar Nite, Villains Nite and Heroes Assemble. One of our favorite recurring seasonal after-hours events at Disney California Adventure is the Oogie Boogie Bash during Halloween Time. We cover it separately from these parties.
Here's a look at some of the more recent events! Some of them have occurred more than one year, so you never know if one of them will return in the future.
Princess Nite at Disneyland — March 7 & 9, 2023
This all-new celebration under the stars immersed guests into the adventurous and graceful world of the Disney princesses who ignite the world with kindness, courage, and a touch of magic. Experience shimmering décor, special photo opportunities, themed food and beverage offerings, commemorative keepsakes and characters galore.
Hop over to our guide to Princess Nite at Disneyland for more details. Party ticket holders can reserve a special prix fixe tea service at Cafe Orleans. The Tea Service includes a choice of Twinings London hot tea alongside a wide selection of exquisite eats.
Disney Channel Nite at Disneyland Park — Mar. 5 & 7, 2024
Have you always dreamed of raising your own wand to “paint” a glowing Mickey in the air around you like the stars do on the Disney Channel? You could do this at Disney Channel Nite! This all-new nostalgic celebration is themed after favorite Disney Channel shows that have taken place over the years.
You can also expect fantastic music, memorable characters, high-energy parties, unique photo opportunities, and more, including:
- The “High School Musical” pep rally takes place through the streets of Disneyland Park celebrating the songs from the beloved “High School Musical” franchise.
- The “Phineas and Ferb” DJ dance party takes the stage in Tomorrowland. This high-energy dance party has appearances by “Phineas and Ferb” characters!
- “Camp Rock” Karaoke alternates with the Ultimate Disney Channel Trivia Challenge in the Golden Horseshoe Saloon. Take turns singing your favorite songs as solos, duos and groups! The Ultimate Disney Channel Trivia Challenge will test your Disney Channel knowledge.
- “Descendants” at the Rivers of America invites aboard the Sailing Ship Columbia to enjoy music from “Descendants” 1, 2 and 3 over the misty waters.
- Step into imaginative photo backdrops representing favorite Disney Channel shows and movies, including "Camp Rock," “Lizzie McGuire,” “The Cheetah Girls,” “Teen Beach Movie,” "Halloweentown," Zenon," the Disney Channel Logo and more.
- A "glowing wand" photo opportunity. Step behind the glass, raise your wand and appear to “paint” glowing colors in the air around you!
- Enjoy specially themed foods and snacks all evening long.
- Specialty dining packages are available, too. More details are coming soon.
- Character experiences that will transition your childhood nostalgia into new memories when you meet some iconic Disney characters.
- PhotoPass downloads.
Throwback Nite at Disneyland
Ready to hop back in time to the '50s and '60s? Let's go, daddy-o! On April 18 and 20, 2023, Throwback Nite paid tribute to the first decade at Disneyland Park. Guests could enjoy Mickey and pals in retro 'fits, plus:
- Fantasy in the Sky fireworks, honoring the first show that illuminated the night in Disneyland Park in 1957!
- Live bands and DJs around the park, hosting dance parties where you can do the twist, the mashed potato and more.
- Snacks from the bygone eras
- Vintage photo backdrops of attractions and posters from yesteryear, near Skyway and Autopia
- After-hours access to iconic Disneyland attractions such as Peter Pan’s Flight, Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise
Grad Nite Reunion at Disney California Adventure
What fun it was to attend a summer After Dark party in 2022. It was so nice to have a warm summer night in the park with no crowds, short lines and music you cannot help but sing and dance to.
Leap and I enjoyed our date night at the first Grad Nite Reunion. We had so much fun reliving a time when we were young and launching off into adulthood. The hoppin' playlist that spanned the past six decades had us singing and dancing all night!
Undercover Tourist sold discount tickets to this event, which was super exciting.
Villains Night at Disney California Adventure
You could unleash your inner scoundrel at this sinister soiree. This party included:
- Live music where Villains crooned the night away in a live performance with villainous virtuosos, malevolent musicians and a few spellbinding surprises!
- Ursula’s Seaside Sing-a-long, where you could channel your inner Ariel ("now sing!") at Pacific Wharf
- The Underworld Dance Party, hosted by Hades
- Special photo backdrops inspired by favorite villains
- Encounters with Disney’s famously nefarious fiends — or their henchmen
- Delightfully decadent food and beverage offerings
- Dastardly décor and merchandise
Disney Merriest Nites
This was the first and only Disneyland Holiday Time after-hours event. Disney Merriest Nites occurred on five nights in November and December 2021.
What we love about after-hours parties is seeing rare characters and new entertainment while getting to dress up in costumes. This party did not disappoint with Mickey's Christmas Carol characters played by Mickey, Minnie, Scrooge McDuck and Goofy (as the Ghost of Jacob Marley). Character interactions were still somewhat distanced, but the most unique experience of them all was seeing the Muppets travel down Main Street, U.S.A. singing carols. Guests received a light-up Christmas light lanyard, which helped light up the night.
Disney Merriest Nites had six different themed holiday parties hoppening across different lands. The parties included live bands or DJ dance parties. A Disney or Pixar character hosted each party:
- Mickey Mouse was the host of a Victorian party on Main Street, U.S.A. He was joined by the Muppets singing Christmas carols from a special traveling coach. Seeing the Muppets at Disneyland was enough for me! I heard that news and did not hesitate to buy a ticket to see this sight.
- Lilo and Stitch hosted a tropical party in Adventureland.
- On the other end of the thermometer, Queen Elsa from "Frozen" took over Fantasyland with an icy cheer that warmed our hearts.
- Buzz Lightyear from "Toy Story" hosted an out-of-this-world party with a DJ in Tomorrowland.
- Princess Tiana from "The Princess and the Frog" took us down to the Bayou for beads, beignets and more jazzy fun in New Orleans Square. We embarked on a holiday jazz cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat.
- Miguel Rivera from "Coco" hosted a fiesta that had us all singing "Feliz Navidad" in Frontierland.
Party guests were treated to A Christmas Fantasy Parade, though it was the same parade that usually takes place during normal days of Holiday Time and was not unique to the event.
'80s Nite at Disneyland
This event celebrated the toadally awesome '80s! As a tadpole of the '80s, I toadally wish every year that Disneyland would bring back this After Dark party. I had my day-glow colors, stone-washed jeans, vintage jean jacket and frosty makeup ready to go, and Leap put on his neon tracksuit!
Does anyone remember Videopolis in the '80s? Teens could dance to hits of the day with state-of-the-art videos and lighting. Well, we went old school with a "Flashback to Videopolis" takeover of Fantasyland Theatre. There was a live DJ, music videos and dancing to hits of the '80s. Videopolis was hoppin'! All of the dance parties were full of people singing and dancing all night long. We did not hear a song we didn't love!
We got into the groove with live bands and DJs around the park. Projections decorated the castle, Main Street U.S.A. buildings and what we fondly referred to as "Radderhorn Mountain." But the cutest dance party — Totally Minnie! — took place in Tomorrowland with Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Pluto!
What to Expect at a Disneyland After Dark Event
Now, onto the general details of what you might generally expect at a Disneyland After Dark event! You may also be interested in our tips for deciding whether a Disneyland After Dark event is right for your family, which we'll share a little later.
Disneyland After Dark is more likely to occur in the winter or spring months and not at peak times because they may cause the parks to close earlier than usual. The exceptions have been the Halloween Time Oogie Boogie Bash, plus the Grad Nite Reunion in June 2022 and Pride Nite in June 2023 and 2024. And we must say that we especially love having a warm summer night with low capacity at the June events!
You can purchase tickets on the event's page. Children ages 2 and under do not need a ticket, but they may need a nap first and may prefer to stay with a babysitter or family member than stay out that late. (We leave Lily with Grandma when we attend.) Tickets sell out in advance, and parking is not included in the ticket price. The parking shuttles and buses for the structures and Toy Story lots are extended until one hour after party end time on party nights.
Arriving at a Disneyland After Dark Event
If you have been to a Disneyland Halloween Party such as the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure, then you’ll find that the Disneyland After Dark events work similarly. The party hours can vary per event, but they generally run from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m., and the park closes to the public at 8 p.m. (each party time may vary slightly).
Party guests can usually enter the park three hours early and start mixing in with the daytime guests beginning at 6 p.m. For some parties, a popular meet and greet line might open early. That's what hoppened with the Ewok meet at '80s Nite, so be sure to ask about those when you arrive. All times may vary based on the specific party. There are separate entrances for Special Event tickets up until the event starts.
The Special Event Tickets turnstiles lead into a roped area to pick up a wristband and credentials. The wristband may be color-coded and include the event name and date. The credentials are essential for staying in the park after the park closes. You'll want to pick up a program with a park map. If you're already in the park during the day, ask about in-park check-in so you don't have to exit and reenter.
The program points you in the right direction to find characters around the park (who might be in very different areas than they normally are during regular park hours). It also highlights themed foods, entertainment and any can’t-miss moments. It's very helpful, so don’t froget to read it, especially since there are not always many specific details released before you arrive.
If you arrive before the party gets underway, you can go on rides, take pictures while the lighting (and maybe hair and makeup) may be better, and jump in line early to meet your favorite character. (FYI: At '80s Nite, nobody's hair was better! It was fun to see the big bangs, crimped hair and colorful bows, though.) You can scout out the lines to purchase limited-edition merchandise you must have in your life and must-try foods, but none of the special menu items will be available until the party officially starts.
Plan your meals and shopping into your party itinerary. On normal nights, the shops on Buena Vista Street or Main Street, U.S.A. are still open after the parks close so you can get some souvenirs or a caramel apple and other yummy treats. But at Disneyland After Dark events, the shops close up as soon as the event ends. We have learned this the hard way.
Be aware that the mix-in time will be more crowded than the actual party until the daytime guests leave the park. Cast members will do sweeps and have checkpoints to look for bracelets and credentials throughout the night to make sure only party guests are partaking in the fun. Guests without wristbands will be escorted to the exit and not allowed to participate or purchase event foods.
Food, Drink and Merchandise at Disneyland After Dark Events
During the event, you can enjoy specially-themed food, drinks and special merchandise. These special items become available an hour before the party starts. Be sure to allow time to go shopping or dining during the actual event hours. You don’t want to miss those limited-edition beverages and treats! Use mobile order to skip the lines.
If you know of any limited must-have merchandise, hop on that and purchase ASAP. Do your research ahead of time and identify any must-have items to purchase right away.
Some events offer special meals that ticket holders can reserve in advance. These dining packages are usually available at Plaza Inn and Cafe Orleans. You can reserve online or in the Disneyland app.
Costume Guidelines for Disneyland After Dark
Capes? Or no capes? One of the reasons many guests love the Disneyland After Dark events is that adults can wear costumes or dress in themed outfits. At Throwback Nite, many folks were dressed all dapper. You’ll see many people dressing in themed outfits and DisneyBounding as their favorite characters at these events. The costume guidelines are similar to the Halloween Party guidelines. Be creative, but use good common sense.
Here are the costume guidelines for Disneyland After Dark:
- Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
- All guests may dress as their favorite character, but they may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other guests.
- Costumes may not contain any items that resemble (or could easily be mistaken for) an actual weapon.
- Costumes may not contain sharp/pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another guest.
- Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
- Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground (e.g., full-length princess dresses).
For Guests Ages 13 and Under
- Costumes may be worn, as well as some masks, as long as the entire face isn’t covered and the eyes are visible.
For Guests Ages 14 and Older
- Capes cannot go below the waist.
- Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are permitted.
- Acceptable accessories include transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords and tutus.
- Headwear may not cover the face.
- No masks of any kind, except for medical purposes.
The above rules apply only during event hours (and mix-in time when you're allowed to enter the park a little early for the event) — standard theme park attire rules apply during all other times. All rules, regulations and guidelines are subject to change without notice. If you don't adhere to the guidelines, Disney may remove you from the event, unless you can modify the costume to meet the above standards.
Some of the classic Disney characters may also wear special costumes or outfits for the event. Be sure to hop by to compliment them on their party clothes! Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy were all decked out in the '80s attire at '80s Nite!
Character Meet-Ups at Disneyland After Dark
One of the most exciting aspects of Disneyland After Dark is getting to rub elbows with very rare or never-before-seen characters. The hardest part about meeting these rare characters is that the lines can get prohibitively long. We advise staking out a couple must-see characters and hopping in their line before the party starts.
If you are in line to meet a character when the event ends, you can remain in line to meet them. But don't necessarily wait until the very end to jump in line as some lines may close early. Ask a cast member if you aren't sure.
Rides at Disneyland After Dark Parties
Most rides are open during the After Dark events. Be aware that Toontown, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Critter Country sometimes close during Disneyland Park events — it just depends on the event's theme. You can access these areas during mix-in time if it's on your must-do list but don't waste valuable party time in line for a ride that will still be there the next day. The party waits for no one.
Ride wait times are usually short. When else can you hop on the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Dumbo or Space Mountain without a wait? This is a major plus for people who want to ride a lot of rides without any kind of wait. In fact, even Disney Genie+ isn't available. Keep in mind that Hyperspace Mountain, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run had the longest lines during Star Wars Nite. The rest of the rides had very short lines.
PhotoPass and Photo-Ops at Disneyland After Dark Events
Free PhotoPass downloads are included in the After Dark events. You'll have 45 days to download the images. With PhotoPass, you have great professional photos of special moments when meeting those favorite characters and posing for photo ops. Capture that perfect costume or outfit! Each Disneyland After Dark event presents uniquely themed photo-ops in line with the event. Scout out your favorites and prioritize because lines can get long. Disneyland After Dark events have many themed props and backdrops for striking your favorite pose.
PhotoPass photographers are available at character meet-ups, as well. Link your PhotoPass code in your bracelet to the app or wear a MagicBand+. You can have the photographer scan your wrist. The cast members are so helpful at holding your stuff and using your camera and phone to take pics while you focus on not going all fangirl or fanboy on your favorite character. As Tad would tell us, “Stay cool!”
Is a Disneyland After Dark Event Right for You?
This is always a hard question to answer. The tickets are only good for four hours (plus three hours of mix-in time). The parties do offer some unique experiences, but the hours fly by so quickly that it's challenging to do it all. It may be a good choice for you if any of the following apply:
- You really love dressing up in costume, themed outfits or DisneyBound attire.
- You're toadally excited about the party theme.
- Seeing one particular rare character would make your night.
- You love all things Disney and just want to be part of the magic.
- The main reason to go is to experience rides without wait times.
- You want a new or different experience in a Disney park.
- You like meeting others who share the same interests.
- Exclusive party merchandise really excites you.
- You're OK with long lines for photo-ops and character greetings.
- You love dancing in a Disney park.
- You like staying up late.
Even if you don’t care about the theme and really just want to focus on riding all of the rides without a wait, then the Disneyland After Dark events may be well worth it.
You need realistic expectations to tackle these events. If you want to do it all (characters, food, photo-ops, rides and other entertainment), you may get a little frustrated when time flies (did someone say flies? Yum!) while you’re having fun and you miss out on experiences before the party ends. We feel a little like Cinderella at the ball, getting caught up in the fun and frogetting to watch the clock. (Thank goodness we leave the park with both of our shoes!)
If you have a favorite rare character you’d love to meet, then expect long waits. Use pre-party time as eating or wait time so you can enjoy more of the party when it starts. The experiences will vary per theme, so it’s hard to predict the must-see attraction or merchandise of the night.
You can skip the long lines and look for shorter lines (or roaming characters), but all of the characters have lines. set priorities. You might be disappointed to miss a favorite character, but you would be more disappointed if a three-hour wait to meet them took up three out of four hours of your actual party time. So, if the line is too long, be flexible. Wave or snap a pic from afar and hop on to a different experience instead. You’ll best enjoy the event if you can be flexible and set realistic expectations. And remember, the rides will always be there for another visit. The rare characters, photo-ops and exclusive party merchandise will not.
Are you ready to experience Disneyland After Dark? Let us know which one is your favorite theme in the comments below.
Related: Full Schedule of Disneyland Events
Hoppy planning!
