In May, the Force will awaken at Disneyland Park with the return of Star Wars Nite! This popular Disneyland After Dark event has sold out for its 2023 dates. For four select nights, Disneyland Park becomes a galaxy far, far away, providing out-of-this-world experiences, such as encounters with Tusken Raiders, Jawas, the First Order and the Resistance! Guests can also enjoy themed snacks, merch and interactive activities, including a lightsaber instructional demonstration. Here is everything you need to know about Star Wars Nite at Disneyland Park, including tips that will put you lightyears ahead of everyone else.
Overview of Star Wars Nite at Disneyland Park
Imagine a night of immersing yourself in "Star Wars," in a galaxy far, far away, but only having to travel as far as Disneyland to enter. No need for lengthy space travel! You can dress as your favorite "Star Wars" character, meet characters and get your photo taken in front of themed backdrops to show off your creative talents. You'll be surrounded by like-minded super fans, see some characters or troops in action and enjoy a special battle of fireworks between the Light and Dark sides. At Star Wars Nite, you are, according to our old pal Yoda.
The park is lit up in "Star Wars" decor with special projections on Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle and the façade of "it's a small world."
When you enter or check in, you'll receive a commemorative credential and guide map. You can also find the guide map in the Disneyland app before and during the event. In fact, it's a great way to plan ahead and scout out your top character locations and entertainment for the night as well as any special menu items you want in your belly. The event guide and map are available now.
Star Wars Nites are now sold out this year (tickets went on sale in February 2023). Prices range from $149 to $169 for guests ages 3 and up. Parking fees are not included.
We will be attending the first night of Star Wars Nite! Hop along on our Instagram stories for @ThemeParkFrog!
Star Wars Nite Dates and Times
The event takes place during Star Wars Month on May 2, 4, 8 and 11, 2023. Hop over to our post on Disneyland After Dark events to find out more about these events and when tickets typically go on sale, so you can reach hyperspeed in your race to get tickets for next year. (Psst ... Princess Nite also sold out in advance; however, signage in the Esplanade said tickets may still be available for that day's event. So if you really want to go, and will be in the area, you can always check at the ticket booth that day. Maybe the Force will be with you!)
Pre-party mix-in admission to Disneyland Park starts at 6 p.m. (and you do not need to make a theme park reservation). You can check in when you enter the park or in Tomorrowland near the Space Mountain exit. The party kicks off at 9 p.m. and ends at 1 a.m., with parking lot buses and shuttles running until 2 a.m.
Characters and Photo Locations at Star Wars Nite
Capture all the photos you can! Your party ticket includes unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass digital photos taken during the party. You can scan the QR code on your event wristband into the Disneyland app to access Disney PhotoPass digital photos captured during the event. Photos can be downloaded from your Disney account as often as desired, up to 45 days. Disney PhotoPass photos must be linked to your Disney account to be downloaded.
Meet and Greet Locations
You can meet or see rare and popular characters. Here is where to find galactic encounters:
- Main Street, U.S.A. — Ezra and Sabine, Captain Rex and The Seventh Sister
- Adventureland — Zam Wesell
- Frontierland — BB-8, C1-10P
- Critter Country — Ewoks, R5-D4 and Jawas
- Fantasyland Royal Theatre — Queen Amidala
- Tomorrowland — Darth Vader and Darth Maul, R2-D2, Emperor Palpatine and His Royal Guard
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, Rey, Vi Moradi, C-3PO and Mandalorian with Grogu
But that is not all! There are surprise characters in addition to the ones in the event guide. For example, Luke and Leia appear with R2-D2. Anakin Skywalker is there too at the Royal Theatre! Other characters walked through lands, interacting with guests. Catch Mickey and Minnie in their R2-D2 and BB-8 outfits in front of the train station in Town Square (and during the Fleet of Fandom). On the event guide, any character that does not have a green PhotoPass icon is a walk-through experience.
Photo Opportunities
Here are the photo locations (you can find locations on the event map and guide, as well):
- Frontierland — Mythosaur Skull, Star Wars Nite Location
- Critter Country — Speeder Bikes
- Fantasyland — Rebel Base and K-2SO
- Tomorrowland — Boba Fett’s Throne, Bo-Katan Kryze Throne, Emperor Palpatine’s Throne and Jabba the Hutt
Star Wars Nite Attire
You do not need to be a Jedi or a member of the First Order to attend Star Wars Nite, but you are welcome to dress up like one anyway! One of the best parts of Disneyland After Dark events is that guests of all ages can dress up, just like for Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween parties. It's a great time to capture photos in "Star Wars" clothing with a lightsaber in front of iconic spots in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.
Just be sure that your out-of-this-galaxy attire meets the Disneyland After Dark costume guidelines, is safe and exhibits good judgment:
- Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground (e.g., full-length dresses or robes).
- Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
- All guests may dress as their favorite character, but 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. Lightsabers are welcome!
- 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.
For Guests Ages 13 and Under
- You may wear costumes, as well as some masks, as long as they don't cover the entire face and the eyes remain visible.
For Guests Ages 14 and Older
For adults and teens, keep safety and good judgment in mind and adhere to these guidelines:
- Capes cannot go below the waist.
- You can wear themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats.
- 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 three hours early for the event). Standard theme park attire rules apply during all other times. All rules, regulations and guidelines may 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.
Entertainment at Star Wars Nite
March of the First Order featuring Captain Phasma
Head to Tomorrowland to catch Captain Phasma and the Stormtroopers march through at 10 p.m., 11 p.m. and 12 a.m.
Celebrate the Nite Fireworks Show
Immerse yourself in your own "Star Wars" adventure — listen to iconic music from the films as you watch an amazing pyrotechnical spectacle illuminate the skies above Sleeping Beauty Castle at 9:30 p.m.!
Galactic DJ Party Zone on Main Street, U.S.A.
Dance the night away at an epic event sure to make "Star Wars" history! It takes place from 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Lightsaber Masters (Training) in Fantasyland
Sign up to learn how to use a lightsaber at 9, 10 and 11 p.m.
Fleet of Fandom on Main Street, U.S.A.
Show off your look at 10:15 and 11:15 p.m. Meet 30 minutes before showtime at the Main Street U.S.A. train station and head to the castle for a group photo.
Lightsaber Meetup in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
Join forces at 9, 10 and 11 p.m. This is a toadally cool mini-show with Star Wars characters and dramatic moments. Do not miss it!
Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes
Fresh from the Mos Eisley Cantina, they make quick appearances in The Golden Horseshoe at 9:05, 9:45, 12:25, 11:25 and 11:55 p.m. and at 12:30 a.m.
Dining at Star Wars Nite
You can take advantage of special menu items during Star Wars Nite at Disneyland. You can find food items on the event guide in the Disneyland app, plus event items appear on online and app restaurant menus a few days to a week in advance.
Partygoers have an opportunity to purchase both the Light Up! Acid Spitter Orb Sipper with Lanyard and the Grogu Sipper beginning May 2, while supplies last. Both those sippers are available to everyone starting May 3.
Restaurants have special menu items. You can find them in the guide, and items will appear on restaurant menus in the app as the parties approach. Additional options are also available all day and all month long for Star Wars Month!
Here's a quick look at some of the Star Wars Nite food offerings:
Jolly Holiday Bakery Café
- Bulgogi Toasted Cheese Sandwich and Corn Cheese Soup
- Pandan Croissant
- Strawberry Macaron
Refreshment Corner
- Cantina Snack Mix
- Blue Cream Soda
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor
- Galactic Princess Sundae
- Snacky Sundae
Little Red Wagon
- Loaded Corn Dog
Plaza Inn
- Shaak Shortrib and Tip-Yip Bowl
- Zeltron Punch with Death Star Glow Cube
Castle Churro Cart
- Mossy Mint Churro
Frontierland Churro Cart
- Mossy Mint Churro
New Orleans Square Churro Cart
- Endor Forest Churro
Critter Country Churro Cart & Lemonade
- Endor Forest Churro
- Mustafar Slush with Death Star Glow Cube
Fantasyland Churro Cart
- The Phantom Churro
- Dark Side Dip
"it's a small world" Churro Cart
- The Phantom Churro
- Dark Side Dip
Tomorrowland Churro and Pretzel Carts
- Mossy Mint Churro
- Dark Side Pretzel
Red Rose Taverne
- Harissa Tip-Yip Bowl
Royal Street Veranda
- Dagobah-bite Beignets
Hungry Bear Restaurant
- Corned Shaak Loaded Fries
- Dagobah-bite Beignets
- Dagobah Sunset Slush with Glow Cube
Harbour Galley
- Mos Eisley Spaceport Cookies
- Takodana Rice Porridge
- Kashyyk Cold Brew
Kat Saka's Kettle
- Mossberry Biscuit
Ronto Roasters
- Ferrixian Spiced Puffer Pig Slider
Docking Bay 7
- Gomgourd Seed and Ration Cream Noodles
- Fried Sakiyan Gwayo with Herb-roasted Topato
Galactic Grill
- Bacon & Slaw Burger
- Ferrixian Fries
- Bossk Brew
- Wookiee Parfait
- Pineapple Coconut Juice
Alien Pizza Planet
- Curry Tip-Yip Noodles
Our advice is to mobile order party food a few hours in advance. By the party start time, all the return windows may be full for popular items. You can usually start picking up special event food items at 8 p.m. Use from 8 to 9 p.m. to eat food, so you can get that out of the way and maximize your party time for entertainment, characters and photo-ops.
Table-Service Dining
There is also a table-service dining option and a bar. You can reserve a Café Orleans dinner each Star Wars Nite from 8 p.m. until 12 a.m. Unlike other After Dark parties, this is not a prix fixe meal. You can order items à la carte. That means prices will vary. Here is the menu:
- Fried Fingerling Potatoes & Herbs
- Shrimp & Crab Hush Puppies
- Onion Tarte Tatin
- Seafood Toast
- Fried Chicken & Waffle Cone
- Battered & Fried Monte Cristo
- Serrano Ham & Cheese Sandwich
- Pork & Chicken Paella
- Short Rib & Shrimp Yakamein
You need a Star Wars Nite ticket to book this dining event.
Oga's Cantina
- Garra Outpost Roll
- Blue Bantha with Guava and Dragonberry Rum
Attractions Open for Star Wars Nite
You can enjoy after-hours access to attractions, including Star Wars-themed attractions such as including Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (this one is subject to availability, which may vary and is not guaranteed), usually with shorter wait times. Don't froget about Hyperspace Mountain! Space Mountain gets a Star Wars overlay from May 1 through June 4, 2023, for Star Wars Month! It's our favorite time to ride.
Certain attractions and lands are not available during the event, including Critter Country, Mickey’s Toontown and Sailing Ship Columbia. Visit them before 8 p.m. if they are important to you.
Star Wars Nite Merchandise
Purchase special event merchandise (limit five items per guest) usually at the following locations:
- The Star Trader
- Emporium
- Pioneer Mercantile
Both the Acid Spitter Orb Sipper with Lanyard and the Grogu Sipper are sold during the event (starting May 2) as supplies last. And don't froget to hop through the Candy Palace to see if there are any themed treats to take home and enjoy. Mommy Frog loved her Grogu apple last year. You can often find Grogu apples at Marceline's Confectionery in Downtown Disney on other days, but they are usually sold in the park only on Star Wars Nite.
Tips for Star Wars Nite at Disneyland Park
Here are a few tips for Star Wars Nite:
- Arrive early to avoid long lines at parking and the park gate.
- Visit the characters right after the fireworks for the shortest wait times.
- Food service stops before the park closes to day guests at 8 p.m. but reopens pretty quickly with the After Dark menus. We suggest eating before party time.
- Mobile order food in advance of the party.
- Dress for the weather.
- Identify your must-do photo-ops or must-see characters and get in line early before the lines close (some may close early).
- Visit attractions before they close for the party between 6 and 8 p.m.
- Try to sleep in the next day if you can.
- Bring your lightsaber.
- If you want to purchase an inexpensive lightsaber, you might find one on a cart outside Galaxy's Edge (about $40) near the tunnel to Frontierland.
- If you also have a day ticket, you can check in for the event in Tomorrowland.
Are you attending Star Wars Nite at Disneyland? Let us know what you are most excited to see in the comments below!
Related: What to Expect at Disneyland After Dark Events
Related: How to Celebrate Star Wars Month at Disneyland Resort
Keep hopping!
