Sweethearts' Nite is the ultimate date night event of the year! Sweethearts' Nite is a Disneyland After Dark event that takes place in Disneyland Park after it closes to the public for the night. This separately ticketed event first began around Valentine's Day in 2019 and has grown in popularity each year since. Sweethearts' Nite returns on select sold-out nights in January and February 2025! Love is in the air, with romantic projection effects on Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street, U.S.A., as well as "it's a small world." We attended opening night of Sweethearts' Nite 2025. Let's hop into what to know about attending Disneyland Sweethearts' Nite 2025 — from tickets and pricing to special entertainment, dining options, attire and more!
Overview of Disneyland Sweethearts Nite 2025
Sweethearts' Nite is a themed, four-hour party that offers swoon-worthy entertainment. The party can be so much fun with music, special character meet-and-greets, photo-ops, themed dance parties and sometimes even a short cavalcade. It's one of many romantic things to do at Disneyland this time of year. We'll review everything we know and what we've discovered from attending the event in the past.
Keep in mind some of our photos are from previous years. You can view the event guide in the Disneyland app before your visit.
All party guests gain access to the park as of 6 p.m. for this after-dark event. The park closes to the public at 8 p.m. The party kicks off at 9 p.m. and ends at 1 a.m. Ticket holders have a credential and dated wristband that allows them to stay in the park after 8 p.m.
While the event takes place near Valentine's Day and the majority of the attendees are couples, you do not need a date for this party. You can go with your besties or your kids or other family members. Don't tell Leap, but my tadpoles are some of my favorite Valentines! But it's a late night and the froglets have early bedtimes, so I tend to make it a romantic date night with Leap or a "Galentine's" night out with a bestie! But keep in mind there may still be children at the event.
Demand is much higher for Disneyland events these days than in the past, so you should always plan to purchase early (when tickets go on sale in December). A theme park reservation is NOT required for party tickets.
Upon entering, you'll get a wristband, a lanyard, an event guide and some Dove chocolates!
Disneyland Sweethearts' Nite 2025 Tickets and Dates
Disneyland Sweethearts' Nite 2025 tickets went on sale Dec. 12, 2024, no earlier than 9 a.m. PT (and Dec. 10 for Inspire Key holders and 11 for all other Magic Key holders). You'll want to purchase Sweethearts' Nite tickets as early as you can because all dates will sell out. (All 2025 dates sold out by early January. February dates sold out first.)
When buying Disneyland Sweetheart's Nite 2025 tickets, go to Disneyland.com and go to "Parks & Tickets." Under Tickets & Passes," select "Special Event Tickets."
Even if you're not attending Sweethearts' Nite, you will want to know when it's taking place, since the park closes early at 8 p.m. to daytime guests:
- Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025
- Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025
- Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025
- Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025
- Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025
- Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025
- Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025
- Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025
Guests 2 and under are free and do not need a ticket. Little ones 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 the party's end time (on party nights). You do not need to make a separate theme park reservation with dated Disneyland After Dark tickets.
Characters and Photo-Ops
There are some rare Disney couples to meet and view in the park on Sweethearts' Nite.
The event guide is now available in the app! Usually, it appears a few days before the first event, plus you get a paper copy when you collect your credentials upon entering the party. It lists all the locations of darling Disney couples, so you know exactly where to find them — but keep an eye out for surprises!
Here's who to expect in 2025:
- Donald Duck and Daisy Duck in front of the fire station
- Louis near Mark Twain Riverboat
- Constance Hatchaway in New Orleans Square
- Winnie the Pooh in Critter Country with a Valentine's scarf
- Indiana Jones and Marion Ravenwood above Jungle Cruise
- Clarabelle Cow and Horace Horsecollar in Toontown
- Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in Town Square
- Princess Leia and Han Solo at Star Wars Launch Bay
- Space Couple by the granite ball in Tomorrowland.
- Stitch, Angel and Lilo at the dance party in Tomorrowland
- Royal Couples in the cavalcade and at the Royal Ball (you can meet some couples after the ball).
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, and the party time flies by so quickly! 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.
A few characters do not have lines, as they are distanced. Indiana Jones and Marion Ravenwood are located above the Jungle Cruise. You can interact with them but you don't have to wait in a line to do it.
In addition to meeting characters, you and your main squeeze can also pose together in front of romantic backdrops. Look for fun photo opportunities featuring romantic scenes from iconic Disney films such as "Lady and the Tramp," "Tangled," "Aladdin" and "Sleeping Beauty."
Here is the full list of 2025 photo-op themes and locations:
- "Up" House in Town Square
- Lady and the Tramp at Plaza Inn
- Mary Poppins Penguins near Jolly Holiday Cafe
- Sleeping Beauty Throne at Royal Theatre
- Luca near the Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Aladdin at "it's a small world" (keep in mind that "small world" has construction walls in 2025)
- Tangled at Fantasyland Theatre
- Mickey's Toontown Picnic near Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
- Love Bug near Autopia
- The Little Mermaid near Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
- "Together Forever" Tombstone near Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square
- Princess and the Frog Storybook at The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Drive-In Movie Theatre near Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
- The Empire Strikes Back at Millennium Falcon in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
- The Aristocats near Casey Jr. Circus Train in Fantasyland
As with all Disneyland After Dark parties, you'll get unlimited PhotoPass downloads. Your event wristband has a PhotoPass QR code on it. Link it to your Disneyland app, and present your wrist to any PhotoPass photographers. The photos will appear in your app.
You'll have 45 days to download the images. The cast members are so helpful at holding your stuff and using your camera and phone as well as the PhotoPass photographer's camera to take pics while you focus on not geeking out over your favorite character. As Tad would tell us, “Stay cool!”
Entertainment at Sweethearts' Nite
One of the best parts of After Dark parties is the special entertainment you cannot experience any other night of the year. Last year, we welcomed a new cavalcade!
Royal Ball (at the Fantasyland Theatre, hourly at 9, 10, 11 and 12)
Disney couples will gather for the glitzy Royal Ball. Dance with your partner or friends while the characters dance with their partners. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes that don't slip off. (That's a tip directly from Cinderella!) This year it's in the Fantasyland Theatre. Don't be late. The dancing only lasts about 15 minutes. Afterward you can meet some of the couples.
Mariachi Band (at Zocalo Park)
Enjoy traditional Mexican ranchera music, played by a lively ensemble of musicians.
Miss Lily’s Revue (at The Golden Horseshoe at 9:15, 10:15, 11:15 and 12:15)
Listen to romantic piano tunes in the Golden Horseshoe where Miss Lily will be stopping by seeking a valentine!
Jazz Piano Player (at Tiana's Palace at 9:15, 10:15, 11:15 and 12:15)
Take in the cool sounds of jazz while you enjoy beignets and other treats.
Lou-Ray Jazz Club (sets off hourly at 9, 10, 11 and 12)
The Mark Twain Riverboat transforms into a floating “under the stars” nightclub. Enjoy music from a fabulous jazz quartet as the Twain sails around the Rivers of America.
Sweetheart's Cavalcade (twice a night at 9:30 and 11:30 p.m.)
The Sweethearts’ Nite Royal Cavalcade has Disney couples and Royal Fanfare dancers making their way through the park. It runs from Town Square to the "it’s a small world" mall. It's short and sweet with one float with four couples on it.
Catch the second cavalcade and watch it in Town Square for no crowds. It goes past the train station and circles past the castle and back.
“Our Love Is Out of This World” Dance Party (throughout the night)
Join hosts Stitch and Angel at the Tomorrowland Terrace Stage, where a DJ keeps the music spinning. We saw Lilo there as well.
Mickey's Mix Magic with projections at 7:30 p.m.
If you arrive early, you can catch Mickey's Mix Magic with projections at 7:30 p.m. during mix-in time. View it on Main Street U.S.A., at Sleeping Beauty Castle or at "it's a small world."
As you wander the park you can enjoy hearts and romantic projection effects on Sleeping Beauty Castle, Main Street, U.S.A. and "it's a small world." Stop to enjoy live music. The park also has a themed playlist throughout the night. Attire at Sweethearts' Nite
One of the reasons many guests love the Disneyland After Dark events is that adults can wear costumes or dress in themed outfits. You’ll see many people dressing in themed outfits and DisneyBounding as their favorite couples at these events. The costume guidelines are similar to the Halloween Party guidelines. Be creative, but use good common sense. If dressing up is not your thing, no pressure. Many couples wear their regular clothes too!
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 props surrounding 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! For instance, Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy were all decked out in the '80s attire at '80s Nite.
Dining at Disneyland Sweethearts' Nite
During the event, you can enjoy specially-themed food and drinks meant for two! These special — often heart-shaped — items become available an hour before the party starts. Be sure to allow time to go shopping or dining before or during the actual event hours. You don’t want to miss those limited-edition beverages and treats! And everything closes once the clock strikes 1 a.m. Use mobile order to skip the lines. But keep in mind that on party nights it may take a while for food to get ready, so do not go to pick it up until the app tells you it's ready.
You can mobile order as early as the morning of the day of your event. Just choose a pick-up window of 8 p.m. or later. The full menus with photos are in the event guide in the Disneyland app.
You can pick up Valentine's treats at Candy Palace which are there during the day and for the party.
Here are some sweet and savory quick-service options available just for Sweetheart's Nite in 2025:
- Alien Pizza Planet — A Dining Adventure starting with a Petite Caesar Salad followed by Barilla Love Heart-Shaped Pasta with a Short Rib Ragu, complemented with a Berry Hibiscus Sweet Tea and a Valentine-themed Alien Macarooooon (This sold out before the party started! It's more affordable than some of the table-service packages, and it't the only way to get the Alien Macaron.)
- Tiana's Palace Valentine Prix Fixe — Includes choice of Gumbo or Muffuletta Salad and Entrée. Also, you can buy ube-flavored Me & U-Bae Beignets and Sprakling Strawberry-Basil Lemonade.
- Mint Julep Bar — Me & U-Bae Beignets (a popular classic)
- Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor — Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Sundae
- Tropical Hideaway — Strawberry Shortcake Sundae
- Bengal Barbecue — Strawberry Milk in a chocolate cracking cup topped with cold foam
- Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree Restaurant — Sparkling Strawberry Basil Lemonade and Hot Honey & Cinnamon Sugar Funnel Cake Fries
- Café Daisy — Fried Heart-shaped Ravioli, Tunnel of Love Strawberry Donuts and Strawberry-Pistachio Cold Brew
- Refreshment Corner — Strawberry Shortcake Pretzel filled with cream cheese, and Peach Tea
- Galactic Grill — Sweet 'n' Spiced Chicken Sandwich, Strawberry-Passion Fruit Lemonade (so yummy!) and Sour Cherry Loaded Churro Bites
- Red Rose Taverne — Gaston's Pub Grub (Buffalo Spice-seasoned Battered Fries with Cheese Sauce and Diced Tri-Tip, garnished with Hot Cheese Curls and Green Onions), Fried Pickle Chips, Red Velvet Grey Stuff, Strawberry Sweetheart Tea and Seasonal Cold Brew
- Stage Door Café — Raspberry Cream Heart-Shaped Funnel Cake (better bring your appetite for this huge dessert)
- Harbour Galley — White Chocolate & Cranberry Cookies 5-pack (You can never go wrong with cookies from Harbour Galley.)
- Rancho del Zocalo — Chorizo Carnitas Fries and a Mickey-Shaped Strawberry Cream Puff
You can Mobile Order starting in the morning the day of your event, and we highly recommend that you do because some items sell out and some venues run out of Mobile Order windows before the party even starts. We like to pick up food between 8 and 9 p.m. to maximize party time.
Vending Cart Items:
- Strawberry Cheesecake Churro — at Sleeping Beauty Castle and Tomorrowland
- Chocolate Churro — at Churros near Casey Jr. Circus Train and "small world" promenade.
- Raspberry Dipping Sauce — at both Churros and Pretzels near Big Thunder Mountain
- Strawberry-Guava Dipping Sauce at Churros near Casey Jr. Circus Train & "small world" promenade as well as at Pretzels "small world" promenade.
Look up the menu for any restaurant in Disneyland Park online or in the Disneyland app starting about a week to a few days before the event. Across the top, you'll see a tab that says "Special." Tap or click that to see the special Sweethearts' Nite offerings.
Party Guests can make advance reservations for table-service meals. There are six Sweethearts Nite dining options in 2025. Dining packages are available at:
- Blue Bayou — Enjoy à la carte selections of starters, entrees, dessert and special offerings in a romantic setting (reservations taken)
- Carnation Café — À la carte selections of comfort food and some of Walt's favorite dishes (reservations taken)
- Plaza Inn — $45 ($25 kids) Prix-fixe spaghetti and meatballs for two (and a themed photo op); You must cancel reservations for pick-up a day in advance.
- River Belle Terrace — $52 Prix fixe walk-up meal with indoor and outdoor seating (child prices based on à la carte selections)
- Cafe Orleans — Walk-up à la carte selections
- Oga's Cantina — Unique à la carte concoctions for all ages, with walk-up availability.
You can view menus, prices and reserve online or in the Disneyland app. If you want to do a dining package, we recommend reserving for and early time so you can maximize your party time. Some dinners start as early as 6:30 or 7 p.m. to allow you to preserve party time for the actual party.
Around the park, you can also find Valentine's Day-inspired décor, beverages and merchandise offerings.
Attractions at Sweethearts' Nite
Most attractions are open, with very short lines. A few attractions are not available for this event, including any rides closed for refurbishment. That may include:
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (closes at 7 p.m., but check back on party day to confirm the hours. We've found inconsistencies between posted closing and actual closing time during past events.)
- Tiana's Bayou Adventure (closes at 8 p.m.)
- Sailing Ship Columbia
- "it's a small world" (closed for refurbishment)
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage closes at 12 a.m.
You can access many rides and areas that will be closed for the party during mix-in time if they are on your must-do list. And remember, the rides will always be there for another visit. The rare characters, photo-ops and exclusive party merchandise will not. That being said, 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, like Leap. Even Disney Lightning Lane isn't available. Why? Because you don't need it during the party!
Merchandise at Sweethearts' Nite
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. You can find exclusive event merchandise at Starcade in Tomorrowland and a Pandora charm at Mascarade d'Orleans in New Orleans Square. Shop for Jewelry at the trunk show at the Emporium.
You can get a light-up Valentine heart bucket at Alien Pizza Planet. It comes with breadsticks. At popcorn carts it comes with popcorn.
If you are a Magic Key holder, you can pick up a free button set during Sweethearts' Nite. You can find it to the side of Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Disneyland Sweethearts' Nite Tips
Here are a few tips for attending Sweethearts' Nite and managing your time.
- Arrive early to avoid long lines at parking and the park gate.
- If you meet either Daisy and Donald or Mickey and Minnie, hop back in line to meet the other couple when they swap.
- Food service stops before the park closes to day guests at 8 p.m. but reopens pretty quickly with the After Dark menus. Some dining packages open even earlier. We suggest eating before party time.
- Dress for the weather. It gets cold at night!
- Identify your must-do photo-ops or must-see characters and get in line early before the lines close (some may close early).
- Don't miss the ball! It's about 15 minutes on the hour.
- Make advance reservations. Aim for an 8 p.m. reservation so you do not waste your limited party time on dining.
- Visit attractions that will be closed for the party between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Have realistic expectations about what you can accomplish. 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.
Arriving at a Disneyland Sweetheart's Nite
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 and entertainment times. If you're already in the park during the day, ask about in-park check-in at Starcade 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 is underway, you can go on rides, take pictures while the lighting (and maybe hair and makeup) is usually better, and jump in line early to meet your favorite character. 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. But go ahead and mobile order food a few hours early because, by party time, there may not be very many pick-up windows left.
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.
Is Sweethearts' Nite for You?
This is always a complex question to answer. The tickets are only good for four hours (plus three hours of mix-in time). The party offers 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.
- You want a fun date night with your partner.
- You want a super low capacity experience in the park.
- 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're OK with long lines for photo-ops and character greetings. (We have to say that we did not see many long lines in 2025.)
- You love dancing in a Disney park.
- You like staying up late.
Are you ready to experience Disneyland After Dark Sweethearts' Nite? Let us know which Disney couple is your favorite in the comments below.
Related: Full Schedule of Disneyland Events
Related: All the Otherworldly Details About Star Wars Nite at Disneyland Park
Hoppy planning!
