Hard Ticket Events at Walt Disney World: After Hours, Holiday Parties & More
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- Jan 25
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
***Updated June 25, 2025
🎟️ What Is a Disney World Hard Ticket Event?
Normally, your Walt Disney World theme park ticket includes access to all the rides, shows, and entertainment during regular park hours. But every so often, Disney hosts exclusive experiences that go beyond the standard magic—these are called Hard Ticket Events.
A Disney World Hard Ticket Event is a separately ticketed experience that requires its own admission, even if you already have a park ticket for the day. These events often take place after regular park hours, and the parks close to daytime guests while the fun continues just for event attendees.
Most hard ticket events don’t require you to be part of any special group—they’re open to anyone who buys a ticket, but quantities are limited. That means lower crowds, shorter wait times for attractions, and access to unique offerings like holiday-themed fireworks, rare character meet and greets, exclusive merchandise, and more.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: You don’t need a regular park ticket to attend these events. Just your hard ticket event admission is enough—and you’ll usually be able to enter the park a little before the official party time kicks off!
🎉 Types of Hard Ticket Events at Walt Disney World
There are two main types of hard ticket events you’ll find at Walt Disney World: Holiday Parties and After Hours Events.
Seasonal Holiday Parties 🎃🎄
The parties are some of the most popular ticketed events of the year, including Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and Disney’s Jollywood Nights. These festive celebrations include enhanced nighttime entertainment like themed fireworks or parades, specialty snacks, exclusive event merchandise, and beloved characters in seasonal costumes. Since ticket sales are limited, you’ll also find shorter wait times for attractions compared to normal park hours.
Disney After Hours
Disney After Hours takes place later at night in the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and even Typhoon Lagoon, after the regular closing time of the parks. These low-capacity events include complimentary snacks like popcorn, ice cream, and soft drinks. Most restaurants and gift shops are closed, but the real magic is in enjoying your favorite rides with minimal crowds. Learn more about what to expect in our Disney After Hours Guide.
💫 Our Take on These Exclusive Events
We’ve attended every type of Disney hard ticket event—and honestly? We love them all, for different reasons.
The holiday parties are all about the vibes. 🎄🎃 While they’re more crowded than After Hours, they’re still much less packed than a typical park day. You’re there for the specialty parades, themed snacks, exclusive character meet and greets, and unforgettable holiday entertainment—and in our opinion, that’s absolutely worth the price of admission.
On the other hand, Disney After Hours is the definition of chill. ✨ The crowds are minimal, and most rides are practically walk-ons all night long. Plus, if you attend the Hollywood Studios version, you’ll get a chance to meet some hard-to-find characters you don’t normally see during the day.
🧚 Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you’re deciding between the two, go for the holiday party if you want festive extras—and go for After Hours if your dream night includes riding Tower of Terror three times in a row with zero wait - which we totally have done!
🎟️ Ready to Plan Your Own Hard Ticket Night of Magic?
Whether you're craving the festive fun of a holiday celebration or the laid-back luxury of walk-on rides, Disney’s hard ticket events are a magical way to plus-up your vacation. From fireworks spectaculars and rare characters to practically private park time, there’s something extra special about these exclusive experiences.
We’ve broken down each one to help you decide which is right for you:
🎃 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – spooky fun, candy trails, and the beloved Boo-to-You Parade
🎄 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – snow on Main Street, holiday cookies, and festive cheer
🎷 Disney’s Jollywood Nights – glitz, glam, and jazzy holiday vibes at Hollywood Studios
🌙 Disney After Hours – low crowds, short waits, and unlimited snacks
🧚 Pixie Dust Pro Tip: These events often sell out—especially the seasonal parties. Book early, plan ahead, and let the pixie dust do the rest!
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, and Kim
P.S. Planning your own magical getaway?
