Rumors have been swirling for a little while about after hours at Disney World becoming a reality. It’s official now, Disney World has it on their website with all the info. So here is a little run down of Disney After Hours.
I’m not sure if this is going to become a permanent thing, but right now it is only available on select nights. On the after hour nights, guests can check in as early as 7 p.m. at the Main Entrance to the Magic Kingdom. So you will get more than 3 hours in the park for your $149. The dates for the party are April 28 and May 5 from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m., and April 14 and 21, and May 8, 12, and 19 from 11 p.m. – 2 a.m.
There was some uproar in some Disney groups about Disney charging for this and I think people were afraid it was going to cut into regular park hours, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Right now it just seems to be the Magic Kingdom that will have the after hours party.
Here is some other important info to know about Disney After Hours:
- Popular experiences will be available. Things like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Princess Fairytale Hall, Peter Pan’s Flight, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, and more will be available for the limited number of guests in the park.
- There will be ice cream novelties and select bottle drinks available at carts throughout the park. (These are included with the price of admission)
- Casey’s Corner, Starbucks, and Main Street Bakery will all be open with select menu items available for purchase.
- On nights with the after hour parties, the park will close to guests without tickets. April 28 and May 5 the park will close at 10 p.m. and on April 14 and 21, and May 8, 12, and 19, it will close at 11 p.m.
- Transportation will be available to guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel and guests staying at the Dolphin Hotel and the Swan Hotel for up to 2 hours after the event.
- There are a limited number of tickets available for each party night. Keep in mind that the tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and can only be used for the specific date on the ticket.
It’s nice that they are letting people with tickets in at 7 p.m., so you will get more time for the $149. I also like the fact that they are including the ice cream and bottled drinks with the price of admission. It makes the price a little easier to understand.
For our family, I don’t think it would be worth it. We have two little kids that would never make it that late. If it was a date night for me and my husband then that’s a different story.
I am curious to see if they are going to try this at other parks. I wouldn’t mind having the World Showcase stay open a little later for ticketed guests.
What do you think? Is this something you would spend money on in Disney World?
Thanks for reading!
*Liz*
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Are the Disney after hours open to the Walt Disney resort stayers?
Hi Kelsey!
Yes, it’s open to everyone.
But even if you are staying at a resort — you still have to purchase an “After Hours” ticket— correct??
Hi Kathleen!
Yes, you would have to purchase the “Disney After Hours” ticket, even if you are staying at a Disney World Resort. Unlike the Extra Magic Hours, which is included with your stay if you are staying on property.
I think this is a horrible move. As if we aren’t paying enough money already. One of the reasons we stay on property is for the extra magic hours. That was a perk for us staying on property. You sure do know how to take the magic away from Mickey fans.
Hi Janet!
I don’t think you are alone in your feelings. As far as I know, Extra Magic Hours will still be available to guests staying on property. If Disney announces anything about the Extra Magic Hours, I will definitely post something about it.
So will they still have extra magic hours for those staying on site resorts? Planning a trip soon and this may swing me to saving on an off-site resort…
Hi Rick!
I haven’t heard anything about Disney getting rid of Extra Magic Hours. They are still on the calendar through October, according to Disney, so you should be able to take advantage of that perk.