Being in Disney AFTER HOURS!
By Maggie Ballantyne, Team Lead and Travel Advisor
May 8, 2025
Did you know Disney offers special After Hours Events all year long?
These events are not just limited to Halloween and Holiday parties! This blog will cover what you need to know, my recap and review based off my recent After Hours experience in Hollywood Studios, and how YOU can enjoy these events too!
What is a Disney After Hour Event?
Disney After Hours events are separately ticketed, limited-capacity nighttime events at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and/or EPCOT that allow guests to enjoy the parks after regular closing hours. During these late-night theme park events you will find lower wait times for attractions, exclusive meet-and-greets, and complimentary snacks. Disney transportation is provided at the end of the event so you can get back to your resort with ease even though it is well past park closing time.
I checked everything off my list!
While the event at Hollywood Studios did not start until 9:30 PM, Hollywood Studios let guests enter the park at 7 PM. This is when I mobile ordered one of my favorite dinners from ABC Commissary, said "hi" to Olaf, checked in to get my event wristband, and walked on Rise of the Resistance through the single rider queue. After this, I grabbed a drink at Baseline Taphouse and relaxed until the event officially kicked off. Going to watch Fantasmic is always an option too! Once the event started, I rode:
Midway Mania - 15 min wait
Alien Swirling Saucer - walk on
Tower of Terror - walk on
Runaway Railway - 5 min wait
Slinky Dog Dash - 9 min wait
That is 6 major attractions with a combined total of 29 minutes of waiting time. No need to purchase the Multipass or make any ride reservations. I rode each ride once. You can ride as much as you would like if once is not enough for you!
This event also has exclusive character meet-and-greets, classic characters in new outfits, and all character lines are short. Meeting characters throughout the park is a highlight for me on any park day or at any event, so I was thrilled to not wait more than 10 minutes in any line. I was able to meet Bert & Mr. Penguin, White Rabbit, Thumper, Chip & Dale, Mickey, Donald, Bo Peep, Minnie, Goofy, Jiminy Cricket, Mary Poppins, and Geppetto! My clients who purchase tickets with me will receive my strategy for meeting everyone in one night!
As if low wait times and exclusive characters were not enough, I love that snacks are also included in the ticket price for this event. All over the park there were kiosks open and ready for guests to grab popcorn, Mickey bars, ice cream sandwiches, water, sodas, and more! There is no limit; this event is an all you care for experience!
Is this event right for you?
If you fall into any of these categories, I think this event could be the perfect add-on to your Walt Disney World vacation!
A. People who are ride enthusiasts! No need to strategize and reserve passes. Ride those popular attractions as many times as you want! The queues are empty!
B. People who love meeting characters! Whether you enjoy walking up to Mickey to give him a hug or you only want to wait ten minutes to meet a rare character like Thumper, this event is perfect for you!
C. People who prefer all-inclusive types of vacations! Not having to take my wallet out once during the event (almost unheard of at Disney!) made this night feel extra special. I loved walking up and grabbing a drink or sweet treat when I was ready! I never waited more than a minute.
D. People who genuinely love being in the parks without crowds and when the sun is down! You can really appreciate the design and details of the parks when there are no crowds. You can enjoy the sights and sounds with little distraction. Being in the parks after dark also means cooler temperatures, which is a perfect break from the sun and Florida heat.
E. All the Above... people like me!
Will I go back to Hollywood Studios After Hours again? Absolutely. Will I go to one of these events in the other parks? Yes! If you think this event is right for you or your family, please reach out and we can discuss pricing and what day it will fit best in your vacation plans! I can be reached at maggie@wishesfamilytravel.com or www.facebook.com/wishesfamilytravelmaggie