Welcome, Disney fans! Ready to have your dreams come to life under the night sky? Brace yourself for a magical, unforgettable nighttime adventure at Walt Disney World. We’re talking about none other than Disney After Hours, a special event that takes you on a starlit journey through the enchanting world of your favorite Disney characters.
With limited entry, shorter lines, and some truly exclusive experiences, Disney After Hours packs in the fun long after sunset. So, let’s dive in and discover the magic that awaits when the gates close:
What is Disney After Hours
Disney After Hours is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the magic of Disney World with significantly fewer crowds. Typically held at either the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Hollywood Studios, these special ticketed events take place after regular park hours. You’ll have extra time to enjoy your favorite attractions with minimal wait times. It’s like having a piece of Disney all to yourself!
Why Attend & What to Expect
Disney After Hours offers a uniquely intimate experience within one of the parks! It gives you access to the most beloved attractions and character experiences with almost no wait times. Plus, most of these tickets include special treats and select beverages to keep you refreshed throughout the night. It’s a perfect chance to see the parks in a whole new light!
What sets Disney After Hours apart is not merely the reduced wait times or the complimentary refreshments, but the magical atmosphere that only emerges after sundown. Nighttime brings a new dimension to the park, a twinkling enchantment that promises awe-inspiring experiences and unforgettable memories.
The iconic Cinderella Castle looks even more majestic illuminated under the night sky, an image that is sure to leave you spellbound. Moreover, some rides take on a new thrill in the darkness, offering a unique perspective you won’t get during the daytime.
You’ll get to relish popular attractions like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, or the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train with virtually no lines. Not to mention, you might even have some unexpected, delightful encounters with Disney characters! They love to surprise guests during these special nights.
But, these special events don’t just happen at Magic Kingdom! The Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom is absolutely stunning under the night sky. And, Hollywood Studios offers attractions that come alive after dark, like the Tower of Terror and Toy Story Mania.
Remember, the number of tickets to “After Hours” is limited, ensuring you can enjoy the magic of Disney at your own pace. So why think twice? With Disney After Hours, you’re not just buying a ticket; you’re purchasing an exclusive, magical, nighttime Disney experience!
2023 Disney After Hours Dates
Here’s what we know so far about the Disney After Hours events scheduled for 2023:
Disney After Hours at Epcot: June to August
Special event tickets are on sale right now for Disney After Hours at Epcot! This 3-hour-long event is taking place on select nights through August 24, 2023.
At Disney After Hours in EPCOT, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Experience your preferred attractions—with drastically reduced wait times due to the limited ticket availability for this event.
- Indulge in delicious snacks, which are included in the price of your ticket.
- Meet and greet cherished Disney Characters.
- Kick off your excitement early by stepping into the park at 7:00 PM, a few hours ahead of the official event start time.
- Enjoy EPCOT Forever, the dazzling nighttime spectacular that will only be here for a limited time!
Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon: May to September
Prepare for an unforgettable aquatic adventure at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon with Disney H2O Glow After Hours! This exclusive event transforms your typical pool party into a nighttime spectacle. Selected nights from May 20, 2023, to September 2, 2023, are set to make a big splash.
At Disney After Hours in EPCOT, here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:
- Witness a new side of Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon as it glows under the starlit sky.
- Make the most of your favorite attractions—like the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, Castaway Creek, raft rides, and waterslides—with shorter wait times courtesy of the limited ticket count for this event.
- Dance the night away with a groovy DJ set to keep the party vibes going.
- Rub fins with some of your favorite Disney Characters.
- Savor a selection of delightful snacks included in your ticket price.
- Get a jump on the excitement by entering the park at 6:00 PM— two hours before the event officially starts.
Other Nighttime Disney World Events: More After Hours Fun
But, the fun doesn’t stop there! The holiday season is around the corner, and that brings even more extra special nighttime events:
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a yearly favorite that gives Magic Kingdom a playful, spooky spin. Running on select nights from mid-August through the beginning of November, this event invites guests of all ages to don their best costumes and join in the ghoulish delight.
Look forward to a special “Boo-To-You” Halloween parade, an eerie but enchanting fireworks show, and trick-or-treat trails throughout the park. And, of course, enjoy shorter wait times for your favorite attractions. This is Halloween, like only Disney can do!
Disney Villains After Hours
Get ready for a wickedly fun night with Disney Villains After Hours. This special event, typically held at Magic Kingdom, is all about Disney’s most mischievous characters. For now, there are no available days or tickets on sale… but we’re keeping our eyes open for an annoucement.
With exclusive villain-themed entertainment and low wait times at over 20 attractions, it’s a different, darker shade of Disney magic that’s not to be missed. Remember, this event has a limited number of tickets, so plan ahead and get ready to embrace your dark side.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Celebrate the jolliest time of the year with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! This festive event, held on select nights from November through December at the Magic Kingdom, fills the park with holiday cheer.
Enjoy a special holiday parade, a magical snowfall on Main Street U.S.A, and an unforgettable fireworks display. Plus, savor complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, meet Santa, and enjoy short wait times at popular attractions. It’s the most magical way to ring in the holiday season at Disney World!
Tips for Maximizing Your Experience
Making the most out of your Disney After Hours involves more than just showing up. Start by planning your night in advance. Prioritize the attractions you most want to experience, but also be open to spontaneous adventures as the park will be significantly less crowded.
Like any trip to Disney World, we highly recommend dressing comfortably and wearing good walking shoes, as you’ll do a lot of strolling in the park. Remember to pace yourself and take breaks when needed. The included refreshments are great for re-energizing.
Lastly, don’t forget to capture the magical moments! The nighttime setting offers a unique backdrop for photos, making your memories of Disney After Hours even more special.
Plan Your Trip & Book Your Stay
Disney After Hours is a bucket-list-worthy experience that lets you see your favorite parks in a new light! With an array of magical adventures in store at Epcot, Typhoon Lagoon, and several other locations, Disney After Hours promises an unforgettable night of fun, excitement, and magic at a relaxed pace.
So why wait? Plan your trip now, buy your tickets, and get ready for a night of enchantment at Walt Disney World like no other. Remember, the magic happens after hours!
Start by browsing through our luxurious and affordable vacation rentals near Disney World and all the other fantastic attractions Orlando has to offer. Have questions or need help planning? The VillaKey team is here to help you 24/7 by phone and email ♥️
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