Disney After Hours Events: Are They Worth the Splurge?
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- Mar 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 24
***Updated 6/1/25
If you’ve ever dreamed of having the parks almost to yourself, Disney’s After Hours events are your golden ticket. These late-night, limited-capacity experiences are offered at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and even Typhoon Lagoon—and yes, we’ve tested them for you!
We attended an After Hours event at Magic Kingdom in 2024, and most recently, we splurged on an After Hours night at Hollywood Studios for Kim’s birthday. For our family—especially traveling with someone who struggles with social anxiety—these events have been a big win. The low crowds, minimal wait times, and quieter park vibes completely change the game. We’re here for it.
Let’s dive into all the magical details: what’s included, what’s not, and whether we think the extra cost is worth it.
What Is a Disney After Hours Event?
Disney After Hours is a hard-ticketed event—meaning you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket even if you have a regular park pass. But here’s the pixie dust: with limited crowds, you’ll likely experience more attractions in less time than you would during a regular park day.
Disney Theme Park After Hours Events.
Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios each host After Hours events on select nights throughout the year—but do not look for one at Animal Kingdom, because it doesn’t currently offer this experience. Keep in mind that Magic Kingdom’s After Hours schedule shifts with the seasons. During summer, the park typically stays open later every night, and in the fall and holiday months, After Hours is replaced by special ticketed events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
What are the Hours for the After Hours Events?
🕖 Event Hours
Hollywood Studios: 9:30 PM–12:30 AM
Magic Kingdom
EPCOT: 10:00 PM–1:00 AM
Typhoon Lagoon: 8:00 PM–11:00 PM
🎟️ Early Entry at 7:00 PM
You can enter the park starting at 7:00 PM, so you’ll get 5.5 to 6 hours of total park time depending on the location.
💰 Ticket Pricing (as of 2025)
Theme Parks: $150–$175 per person
Typhoon Lagoon: $85 for adults, $42.50 for kids ages 3–9
Discounts available for Annual Passholders and DVC Members
What’s Included at After Hours Events?
✔️ Short Wait Times (walk-ons galore!)
✔️ Complimentary Snacks (think Mickey bars, popcorn, and bottled drinks)
✔️ Access to Top Attractions (including big headliners like Tron, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind)
✔️ DAS (Disability Access Service) is available! It wasn’t abundantly clear to us when searching online, so it was a pleasant surprise. Learn more about DAS here →
Keep in mind that not every attraction or experience is available during Disney After Hours events. Many entertainment offerings, character meet-and-greets, restaurants, and gift shops are closed during these late-night hours. If you’re hoping for the full park experience, this may not be the night for it.
🎟️ Want to know exactly which rides are open during After Hours at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or Hollywood Studios?📅 Need the full list of 2025 event dates?
👉 Head over to our After Hours Attraction Cheat Sheets for the dates and for park-by-park attraction lists and important planning details!
Do any of the water parks have an After Hours Event?
Ready to glow under the stars? 🌊💫Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon also offers an After Hours experience with a totally different vibe. H2O Glow After Hours transforms the water park into a nighttime neon bash hosted by Partysaurus Rex from Toy Story.
What to Expect:
Lower crowds
Short lines for popular slides
Complimentary snacks
Glow-themed decor and entertainment
Released dates for summer of 2025:
May 23 and 31
June 6, 13, 20 and 27
July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
August 5, 13, 18, 25 and 31
September 6 and 13
Pricing is set at $85 for adults (10+), with a special introductory rate of $42.50 for children (3-9). Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can enjoy an additional $15 discount per adult ticket, making this an attractive option for Disney fans seeking a magical evening water park adventure.
🧚 Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Water parks at night = cooler temps, shorter lines, and a seriously fun way to end your day.
Who are Disney After Hours really for?
Honestly, it’s best suited for anyone who can hang past 1:00 AM—night owls, thrill seekers, and park pros who don’t mind skipping the daytime bells and whistles in favor of late-night low crowds and walk-on attractions.
If you’ve got little ones who absolutely need their bedtime routine, or if you’re someone who starts yawning by fireworks time, this probably isn’t the event for you—yet. Save it for a future trip when the kids are older (or the grown-ups are more caffeinated).
It’s also not ideal if your Disney must-dos include fireworks, parades, character meet-and-greets, or leisurely browsing the World Showcase at EPCOT. At Magic Kingdom, for example, you’ll miss out on some classic attractions like Carousel of Progress and Enchanted Tales with Belle. And while complimentary snacks like popcorn and Mickey bars are included, full dining options are limited—so don’t come hungry expecting a proper meal.
But… if you're okay with the trade-offs and just want to knock out headliners like Tron, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, or Cosmic Rewind with minimal waits? This is your moment.
🧚 Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Treat this as your main park ticket for the day. Sleep in, have brunch, lounge by the pool, or explore Disney Springs. Then head to the park around 6:30 PM ready to go, with a portable charger and a full battery (for both your phone and yourself).
🧚 Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Kim and Lyn
P.S. Planning your own magical getaway?
