The prospect of spending extra time at the Magic Kingdom is something that definitely catches my attention. Disney After Hours gives guests the opportunity to do just that at a private, ticketed event. That ticket, however, is not cheap. Is Disney After Hours Worth the Price? And if the price tag is worth a buy for your family!
Is Disney after hours worth it?
The Disney After Hours ticket is separate from your Magic Kingdom entrance ticket. With your After Hours ticket, you can only enter the park starting from 7 PM. If you wish to spend some time during the need, you’ll need to purchase a regular park admission. After Hours are only offered on select dates from 7 PM up until 1 AM depending on the night.
1. Scanning Your Magic Band
This, of course, means that those without the After Hours ticket end up with a shorter park day. If you are not already in the park before closing time, you will be able to enter the park by following the “After Hours” signs at the park entrance. Guests will scan MagicBands or cards to get an “After Hours” lanyard.
2. Lanyard
If you are already in the park, you can pick up your lanyard at various stations throughout the park. Cast members will set up large signs that say “After Hours Check In”, so you will know exactly where to go.
By this time, the crowds are beginning to thin and guests without lanyards are being directed to the exits. You will be given a flyer that lists all the event exclusives including character meet and greets, the attractions, and restaurants that will be open. Usually Main Street Bakery and Casey’s Corner are the two selections.
3. Disney After Hours Times
The official After Hours start time can be from 8 PM to 10 PM depending on the night. Therefore, if you arrive at 7 PM when entrance opens, you may have a few hours to take advantage of the empty lines for attractions that will close during the event.
4. Short Ride Times
Once the event begins, the lines for rides are so short that most of them are walk on or no more than a 5 minute wait. After Hours tickets are limited to only a few thousand guests, and while that may seem like a big number, imagine them all scattered throughout a huge park! Average daily Magic Kingdom attendance is about 65,000 guests!
There are some reports that capacity is 100,000 guests and that is hit around Christmas and New Years and results in some ticket holding guests having to be turned away. Allowing two or three thousand guests to roam the park sounds like a ghost town in comparison!
Being able to ride the attractions as much as you want is a huge plus for After Hours. Guests also like the ability to meet Mickey without standing in an endless line and using up valuable park time.
5. These are the attractions and character meet and greets that are usually available during Disney After Hours.
Main Street U.S.A
- Meet Mickey Mouse and Tinker Bell at Town Square Theater
Adventureland
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Jungle Cruise
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- Enchanted Tiki Room
Frontierland
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Splash Mountain
- Liberty Square
- Haunted Mansion
Fantasyland
- The Barnstormer
- Dumbo
- “It’s a Small World”
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Meet Ariel in her grotto
- Mad Tea Party
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Meet Disney Princesses in Princess Fairytale Hall
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
Tomorrowland
- Space Mountain
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Astro Orbiter
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Each land has something to do and although there aren’t as many character meet and greets available, most guests will be busy at the rides.
After all those unlimited rides, you’re bound to get hungry! Luckily, your ticket to Disney After Hours entitles you to unlimited snacks and beverages at kiosks and carts sprinkled throughout the park. Choose from popcorn, ice cream treats, and bottled beverages.
6. Is Disney after hours Price Tag Worth It?
Now, onto the price tag! Each After Hours ticket is $125 plus tax per or adult or child if purchased in advance. Day tickets are $129 plus tax per adult or child. If you are an Annual Passholder or Disney Vacation Club Member, you can purchase tickets at the special price of $95 plus tax per ticket. You can purchase through a travel agent, online at Disney’s website, or call 407-939-7795. (ticket price subject to change)
Is Disney After Hours Worth it? When you think about all that is included for the ticket price, it can be worth it. It’s basically a full park day jammed in a few hours. On top of the unlimited snacks and rides, guests also get the opportunity of taking awesome pictures with very few people in the background. Cinderella’s Castle will remain aglow and gives the perfect backdrop to a memorable After Hours night!
I had no idea that one could go to the after-hours, sounds like a real treat to me and I love the “your ticket entitles you to unlimited snacks and beverages at kiosks and carts sprinkled throughout the park” part too. 🙂 Undoubtedly not something you’d want to do with young children but for older kids and adults a great opportunity.
To me I don’t think it is worth it, but I’m a bit confused. On the days with After Hours if you’re there during the day do you have to leave at the opening of After Hours.
Yes, you have to leave the park right before After hours starts.
Good to know, sounds like you can have tons of fun even late nights. Any time of day is a time for Disney!
Sounds like I might be good for people who do not like crowds or some social anxiety. Everyone should be able to enjoy Disney World.
Sounds like a good time but not for that much money
It’s the same price as a regular day pass, so most go to the day or after hours only.
I think it would be a really fun experience to try at least once!
those are some good tips