2026 Disney After Hours: Your Complete Guide

Kyle Werly
Oct 14, 2025
4 min read

There’s something truly magical about Disney at night. As the Florida sun sets and the parks begin to glow with twinkling lights, the atmosphere feels entirely different. Maybe it’s the cooler air, the smell of fresh popcorn, or the chance to ride your favorite attractions with little to no wait time - but Disney After Hours events take that nighttime magic to the next level.

Disney After Hours are specially ticketed events that allow a limited number of guests to enjoy the parks after they close to the general public. With shorter lines, surprise character encounters, and unlimited Mickey bars and popcorn included with admission, these nights are designed for Disney fans who want a more exclusive and relaxed experience.

If you’re a night owl, this guide covers everything you need to know about Disney After Hours in 2026, including event dates, highlights, and planning tips.

How to Get Tickets

Guests staying at select Disney Resort hotels, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, and Shades of Green will get first access to After Hours tickets starting October 9, 2025. General ticket sales open October 14, 2025.

No park reservation is required, and your After Hours ticket allows you to enter the park as early as 7:00 PM - giving you extra time to grab dinner or catch a ride before the event officially begins.

Magic Kingdom After Hours 2026

Magic Kingdom is always a dream at night, and the After Hours events bring even more sparkle. Picture yourself riding TRON Lightcycle / Run in the dark, hopping on the Haunted Mansion for some late-night spooks, or enjoying a walk through Fantasyland with hardly any crowds.

The event officially runs from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM, but remember, you can enter the park starting at 7:00 PM. That gives you plenty of time to grab a spot for fireworks or enjoy dinner before the event kicks off.

What to Expect at Magic Kingdom After Hours

Attractions with shorter waits: TRON Lightcycle / Run, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and more fan favorites.
Surprise character meet-and-greets: Keep your eyes open - you never know who you might see around the park.
Snacks included: Help yourself to Mickey bars, popcorn, and bottled beverages at snack carts throughout the park.

2026 Magic Kingdom After Hours Dates:

Jan 12, 19 | Feb 2, 9, 23 | Mar 2, 9 | Apr 13, 20 | May 4, 11, 18, 25 | Jun 1, 22, 29 | Jul 13, 27

Hollywood Studios After Hours 2026

Hollywood Studios is already packed with thrills, but After Hours makes it even better. Imagine walking onto Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance without the usual long wait or riding Slinky Dog Dash under the stars.

Most events run from 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM, though a few select nights have slightly different hours. As with all After Hours events, you can enter the park as early as 7:00 PM to extend your evening fun.

What to Expect at Hollywood Studios After Hours

Lower waits for big attractions: Rise of the Resistance, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Tower of Terror, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and more.
Special character encounters: From Star Wars icons to Pixar pals, characters often pop up throughout the night.
Food and drink: Complimentary snacks are included, plus you can purchase extras from quick-service favorites like Woody’s Lunch Box and Oga’s Cantina.

2026 Hollywood Studios After Hours Dates:

Jan 14, 28 | Feb 4, 11, 21, 25 | Apr 29 | May 6, 14, 30 | Jun 3, 10, 17, 24 | Jul 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Aug 5, 12, 19, 26 | Sep 2, 12

EPCOT After Hours 2026

EPCOT brings a different kind of energy at night, blending rides, festivals, and a touch of world travel. During After Hours, you’ll have the chance to experience some of the park’s biggest attractions with little to no wait - including Test Track, which is joining the lineup in 2026.

Events run from 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM, and just like the other parks, you can enter as early as 7:00 PM to start exploring.

What to Expect at EPCOT After Hours

Lower waits for major rides: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Test Track, Frozen Ever After, Soarin’, and more.
Characters and entertainment: Meet classic Disney characters in unique spots around the park, or dance with Goofy at his DJ party in CommuniCore Plaza.
Food and drink: Complimentary popcorn, ice cream, and bottled drinks are included, and you can also purchase additional snacks at World Showcase favorites like Rose & Crown Pub and Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe.

2026 EPCOT After Hours Dates:

Jan 22, 29 | Feb 19 | Mar 5, 12 | Apr 2, 9, 15, 23, 30 | May 21 | Jun 11, 18 | Jul 9, 23 | Aug 6, 13 | Sep 16, 24

Bonus Perk: Free Water Park Day for Resort Guests

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, your check-in day comes with an extra splash of magic - free admission to a Disney water park!

Spend the afternoon floating down a lazy river or racing down slides at Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, then head into the night for your After Hours adventure.

Final Thoughts

Disney After Hours is one of the best ways to experience the parks with fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace. Whether you’re exploring the glowing streets of Magic Kingdom, racing through the galaxy at Hollywood Studios, or dancing your way around EPCOT, these events add an unforgettable twist to your Disney vacation.

✨ Ready to add Disney After Hours to your next trip?

Click here to request your free quote with Kyle Vacations. I’ll help you find the perfect dates, tickets, and resort stay so your Disney nights are nothing short of magical.