If you’ve ever dreamed of riding Space Mountain with no lines, walking down Main Street U.S.A. without crowds, or grabbing a Dole Whip without waiting in a 45-minute line-you’re not alone. Disney After Hours events make that dream real. But here’s the thing most people miss: Disney After Hours doesn’t mean you can just show up whenever the park closes. There’s a strict window, and knowing exactly when you can enter makes all the difference.
When Disney After Hours Starts
You can enter Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom for Disney After Hours at 7:00 p.m. That’s three hours before the park officially closes. The event runs until 1:00 a.m., giving you a full six hours of nearly empty park time. This isn’t just extended hours-it’s a separate ticketed event with its own rules.
It’s not like staying late after a regular day. On normal days, guests must leave when the park closes. But with Disney After Hours, you’re allowed in early, and you don’t need a regular park ticket. Just your After Hours ticket. And once you’re inside, you can stay until 1:00 a.m., even if the park normally closes at 10:00 p.m. or earlier.
What You Get Inside
Once you’re in, it’s like the park belongs to you. Rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Splash Mountain, and Peter Pan’s Flight have wait times under 15 minutes-often under five. You can walk right on. There are no rope drops, no crowd control, no jostling for position. You get access to nearly every attraction, except a few that may be closed for maintenance.
You also get unlimited snacks. That’s right-free popcorn, ice cream, bottled water, and select soft drinks are available at stations scattered across the park. You don’t need to buy anything. There’s even a special dessert party with themed treats near Cinderella Castle. And because there are so few people, you can take photos with characters without waiting. Meet Mickey, Elsa, or Buzz Lightyear with zero lines.
How to Get In at 7:00 p.m.
Don’t show up at 6:30 p.m. and expect to walk in. The gates don’t open until 7:00 p.m. sharp. But you can line up outside the Magic Kingdom entrance before then. Most guests arrive between 6:00 and 6:45 p.m. to avoid the rush. Cast Members will check your ticket and scan your MagicBand or ticket card. Once you’re in, you’re free to roam.
Pro tip: Use the Disney Park Pass system to reserve your Disney After Hours date in advance. You can’t just walk up and buy a ticket on the day of the event. These events sell out weeks ahead, especially during peak seasons like summer, holidays, and spring break.
What’s Not Included
Disney After Hours is not the same as Extra Magic Hours (those ended in 2021). It’s also not a regular park day. You need a separate ticket-usually priced between $169 and $219 per person, depending on the date. You can’t use a regular park ticket or annual pass. And if you don’t have an After Hours ticket, you’ll be turned away at 7:00 p.m., even if you’re already in the park.
Also, no dining reservations are included. You can’t book a table at Be Our Guest or Cinderella’s Royal Table during After Hours. The restaurants are closed. But as mentioned, the free snacks are plentiful and cover most cravings.
Best Days to Go
Weeknights are your best bet. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday events have the smallest crowds-even by After Hours standards. Avoid weekends if you can. While weekends still have fewer people than a normal day, they’re busier than midweek. Also, check the calendar: events are only held on select nights. You won’t find them every night, even in peak season.
Summer and holiday seasons (like Halloween and Christmas) have the most After Hours events. But they also sell out fastest. If you’re planning a trip in June or December, book your ticket as soon as it’s released-usually 60 to 90 days in advance.
What to Bring
- Your Disney After Hours ticket (digital or printed)
- A valid photo ID (for ticket verification)
- Comfortable shoes-you’ll walk a lot
- A light jacket or sweater-it gets cool after dark
- A portable phone charger
- A small bag for snacks (they’re free, but you might want to take extras)
Leave strollers, large bags, and tripods at home. They’re not banned, but they slow you down and make navigating the park harder. And don’t bother bringing a camera with a big lens-most rides and photo ops are designed for phones.
How It Compares to Regular Park Hours
| Feature | Disney After Hours | Regular Park Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Time | 7:00 p.m. | 9:00 a.m. or park opening |
| End Time | 1:00 a.m. | Varies (usually 9:00-11:00 p.m.) |
| Ticket Required | Yes, separate ticket | Standard park ticket |
| Ride Wait Times | Usually under 15 minutes | 30-90+ minutes |
| Snacks Included | Yes, unlimited | No |
| Character Meet-and-Greets | Minimal to no wait | 30-60+ minute lines |
| Capacity | Limited to 25,000 guests | Up to 100,000+ guests |
Who It’s Best For
Disney After Hours isn’t for everyone. If you’re traveling with young kids who need to be in bed by 8:00 p.m., this isn’t your event. But if you’re a teen, a couple, or a group of friends who love the park and want to experience it without the chaos-it’s perfect.
It’s also ideal for photographers. With no crowds, you can get that iconic shot of Cinderella Castle lit up with no strangers in the frame. Many Instagrammers and YouTubers plan their entire Florida trip around these nights.
And if you’ve been to Disney a dozen times and feel like you’ve seen it all? This is how you rediscover it. The park feels new again-quiet, magical, and almost surreal.
What Happens After 1:00 a.m.
At 1:00 a.m., the music stops. The lights dim. Cast Members start politely guiding guests toward the exits. You can’t linger. There’s no midnight snack cart or last-minute photo op. You leave with your free popcorn, your memories, and maybe a little extra magic.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need to stay until closing. Many people leave around 11:00 p.m. after hitting their top three rides. The point isn’t to stay all six hours-it’s to make the most of the quiet time you have.
Can You Do This at Other Parks?
Right now, Disney After Hours only happens at Magic Kingdom. Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios have their own after-hours events-but they’re called Disney After Hours only at Magic Kingdom. Epcot’s version is called Epcot After Hours, and it runs from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. with the same perks: low wait times, free snacks, and no crowds.
If you’re visiting multiple parks, consider booking one After Hours night at Magic Kingdom and another at Epcot. You’ll get the full experience.
Final Tip: Book Early, Arrive On Time
Disney After Hours tickets are limited. You can’t just show up and buy one. They’re sold online only, through the official Disney World website or app. And they sell out-fast. If you’re planning a trip in the next three months, check availability now.
Arrive at the Magic Kingdom entrance by 6:45 p.m. Bring your ticket, your ID, and your excitement. At 7:00 p.m., the gates open. The park is yours. And for the next six hours, you’ll feel like you’re the only one who knows how special it really is.
Can I enter Magic Kingdom before 7:00 p.m. with a Disney After Hours ticket?
No. You can only enter at 7:00 p.m. sharp. Even if you have a regular park ticket for the same day, you must leave when the park closes and re-enter at 7:00 p.m. with your After Hours ticket. There’s no early access.
Do I need a regular park ticket to attend Disney After Hours?
No. Your Disney After Hours ticket is all you need. You don’t need a separate park admission ticket. Just bring your After Hours ticket and a photo ID for verification.
Are all rides open during Disney After Hours?
Almost all are. A few may be closed for maintenance or seasonal refurbishment. You’ll get a map at the entrance listing which attractions are available. Typically, 20+ rides and shows are running, including all the major ones.
Can I use my Disney Dining Plan during After Hours?
No. Restaurants are closed during Disney After Hours events. You won’t be able to use dining credits or make reservations. But free snacks like popcorn, ice cream, and drinks are available at multiple locations throughout the park.
Is Disney After Hours worth the price?
If you hate crowds and want to ride your favorite attractions with little to no wait, yes. For many, the value comes from saving hours of waiting. One person can ride Space Mountain five times in an hour during After Hours-something that would take all day on a normal visit. The free snacks alone are worth $20-$30. When you add it all up, the ticket pays for itself.
Next Steps
If you’re ready to go, head to the official Disney World website and check the Disney After Hours calendar. Pick a date that works with your trip. Book as soon as you can. Then plan your outfit, pack your bag, and get ready for a night you won’t forget.
And if you’ve already been? Tell someone who hasn’t. Because once you’ve experienced Disney after dark, you’ll never see it the same way again.