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Disney World offers an endless amount of exclusive events that are great for all ages, but Disney After Hours may top the cake! Whether it be getting two-minute wait times outside of Space Mountain or diving into a mouth-watering bucket of buttery popcorn outside of Cinderellas Castle, After Hours are the surefire all-inclusive option that you are looking for! Read on to get a glimpse of what you are getting yourself into when you shell out the extra cash for this stupefying event!
What To Expect During Disney After Hours?
Disney After Hours is a special ticketed event that takes place after the park closes to the general public. During After Hours, you are granted exclusive access to select attractions, character meet and greets, and complimentary snacks for a limited time. As you read on, I am going to give an extensive rundown of what to expect during Disney World After Hours, so you are prepared for the masterful event!
1. Attractions:
During Disney After Hours, you can enjoy exclusive access to select attractions, which typically have little to no wait times. The number of available rides varies by park and event, but some of the attractions that have been featured in the past include the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Epcot ball and the Haunted Mansion. This makes it an ideal event if you are trying to bypass the lengthy wait times that accompany basically every ride in Disney World.
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2. Character Meet and Greets:
You will also have the luxurious opportunity to meet some of your favorite Disney characters. Unlike during regular park hours, these meet and greets typically have shorter lines, and you can often interact with the characters for a longer period of time. From personal experience, this is one of the finest perks when you have young children as no Disney World vacation is complete without meeting your beloved Cinderella or Woody.
3. Complimentary Snacks:
Another plus of Disney After Hours is the complimentary snacks that are available throughout the park. You and your family can enjoy an array of treats such as popcorn, ice cream bars, and bottled beverages. The best part about it is that it is all included in the After Hours ticket price so you won’t have to pull your wallet out every time your stomach is grumbling for a delicious cookie.
4. Event Dates and Times
Disney After Hours events are on select dates throughout the year and vary by park. The events typically begin after the park closes to the general public and last for three hours. It is important to note that this does change at times though, so call ahead of time if you are expecting to arrive on a specific date to prevent your loved ones from disappoint if they aren’t running the After Hours at that time.
5. Ticket Prices:
As with the majority of events in Disney World, the cost of a Disney World After Hours ticket varies depending on the park and the date of the event. Prices range from $129-$149 per person, but if you are an annual pass holder or Disney Vacation Club member, you may be eligible for discounted tickets.
6. Park Restrictions:
During Disney After Hours, only guests with a valid After Hours ticket the park. However, guests are able to enter the park a few hours before the event starts, which means that you can enjoy regular park attractions and activities before the exclusive After Hours experience begins. One tip that I have figured out is to get to the park a few hours early so you can scout out what rides and attractions you want to take advantage of when the crowds simmer down.
Overall, Disney World After Hours is a great opportunity to experience some of the most popular attractions and meet and greet with Disney characters without the crowds. Although it comes with an extra cost, it is a unique and fun experience that is well worth it!
After Hours Schedule
Disney After Hours typically takes place for three hours after the park closes to the general public. The exact timing of the event can vary depending on the park and the date of the event, but typically it begins at 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM and ends at midnight or 1:00 AM. If you partake in the event, you can enter the park a few hours before the event starts, which means that you can enjoy regular park attractions and activities before the exclusive After Hours experience begins as I previously pointed out. The shorter duration of the event may mean that you have to prioritize the attractions and experiences you want to enjoy during the event, but the smaller crowds and exclusive access certainly make for a unique and enjoyable experience that you will never forget.
Is Disney After Hours Worth It?
In my eyes, Disney World After Hours is more than worth it! In saying that though, for example, if big crowds aren’t that big of a deal to you, then this may not be for you. I have always said to Disney first-time parkgoers nevertheless, you should always give everything that they have to offer a try at least once before you are kicking it to the side. Some of the best adventures stem from a 50/50 decision that you joined in on at the last minute. Do not let Disney’s After Hours be that event that you decide against and regret when you get home! Who would not want to be able to get in and out of rides, meet their favorite characters, and stay up until midnight inside of Magic Kingdom? If your budget allows it to, do not pass up on Disney World After Hours!
