When you ask your family where they want to take their next vacation, "Disney World!" is the answer you'll most likely hear. It's not hard to imagine why, as the experience you'll enjoy there — and at California's Disneyland® Resort — is almost impossible to replicate.
The popularity of Walt Disney World® Resort has one big drawback: It can get crowded. This means longer waits for attractions and meals, so if you don't plan accordingly, this can hamper your experience.
Fortunately, you can avoid this issue altogether by visiting the park after regular closing hours on certain dates. Allow us to introduce Disney After Hours.
What Is Disney After Hours?
Disney After Hours occurs on select nights at a few of Disney's theme parks. If you've been to Disney World, you know some of its parks can close relatively early. But by coming in After Hours, you can enter the park after its gates ordinarily close for the evening.
Ticket sales are limited, but this lets you enjoy vastly lower waits for nearly every attraction. But this isn't the only perk. Your event ticket also includes many tasty snacks, including ice cream novelties, bottled beverages, and popcorn. You'll find carts offering these freebies around the park and other treats available for purchase.
On top of that, you might get to enjoy events exclusive to Disney After Hours, such as a DJ dance party in Typhoon Lagoon. Even if you visit Disney regularly, you should still check it out After Hours just to see what's different.
The Most Popular Attractions To Experience at Disney After Hours
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom needs no introduction; if there's any place to make your dreams come true, it's here. Some of the most exciting attractions at Magic Kingdom include:
- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin: Unleash your inner gamer and take out as many of Zurg's cronies as possible!
- Peter Pan's Flight: Take to the skies over Neverland on this journey for all ages.
- Haunted Mansion: This wasn't so scary during the day, right? Come back at night and say that again!
Hollywood Studios
Formerly MGM Studios, few places are as immersive as Disney's Hollywood Studios. Jump into your favorite franchises alongside some of Disney's most beloved characters on these attractions and others:
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: Step into the iconic starship and work together to complete your mission.
- Toy Story Mania!: Jump into Andy's toy box, play lots of fun games, and keep an eye out for secrets.
- Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway: Jump into Disney's cartoon world and follow Mickey and Minnie on their adventures.
Disney H20 Glow
Prefer a watery evening? Head over to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and make a splash After Hours. Keep the good times flowing into the evening on the following attractions:
- Castaway Creek: Kick back and relax on this lazy river; you may find it even more soothing at night.
- Crush 'n' Gusher: More of an adrenaline junkie? Ride this 400-foot "water coaster" and plunge into the waters below.
- Miss Adventure Falls: Hop into a four-person raft and hold on tight while keeping an eye open for treasure.
These are just a few highlights, and they're far from comprehensive. The EPCOT and Animal Kingdom parks also have After Hours from time to time, and even Disneyland in California has themed Disneyland After Dark events. Watch for official word from Disney when these parks open After Hours.
Food and Drink Options at Disney After Hours
You didn't think Disney would open their doors and have nothing to eat, did you? In truth, there are plenty of delicious snacks to choose from. Your entrance ticket includes the cost of drinks, popcorn, and ice cream. You'll find these items at stands scattered around the park.
If you crave something more, there are additional paid options, depending on your park of choice. For example, visitors to Magic Kingdom can visit Main Street Bakery soon after entering the park. If Hollywood Studios guests venture to the edge of the galaxy, they'll find Oga's Cantina open for business. It might be worth planning your meals before you step into the park to make the most of your time.
Tips for Making the Most of Disney After Hours
First, note that Disney After Hours events don't occur year-round. The dates are planned in advance for select times of year. Sometimes, one park will be open After Hours even if another isn't. Watch for official word from Disney about when specific parks are open After Hours.
If you're an annual pass holder or Disney Vacation Club member, you might get a discount or bonus when you come After Hours. Be sure to ask before checkout if any perks apply to you.
And plan ahead because the park is open late, not indefinitely. Figure out what you want to ride, when you plan to eat, and which events you wish to attend before you set foot in the park. That way, you spend less time figuring out what to do instead of actually doing it.
How To Save When Booking Your Next Disney Vacation
If you're looking to visit one of Disney's resorts but are turned off by the thought of dense crowds, you should consider visiting Disney World After Hours. It's more than a paid convenience; it's a new way to experience Disney.
Disney After Hours is not included in CityPASS® tickets. However, we can still make your next Disney getaway more affordable. Once you purchase your Southern California or Orlando CityPASS® tickets you can head here to find out more about tickets for Disney After Hours.
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