Strolling down the incredible Main Street, U.S.A. at midnight with barely anyone around you! Sound too good to be true? That’s the magic of Disneyland After Dark – exclusive nighttime parties where you enjoy the park with significantly fewer crowds, special characters, unique food, and experiences you simply can’t get during regular hours!

In 2026, Disneyland is hosting five themed After Dark events from January through June. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, diving into Star Wars fandom, honoring 70 years of Disney magic, reliving Disney Channel nostalgia, or celebrating Pride, there’s an event perfect for you!

The Five 2026 Events at a Glance

What’s Actually Included?

Your After Dark ticket gives you way more than just park entry:

• Park access from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM (up to 7 hours total)

• 3-hour “mix-in” period before the official 9:00 PM start with regular guests

• Unlimited PhotoPass downloads (all photos free, no extra cost)

• Shorter wait times – many rides have 5-10 minute waits instead of hours

• Exclusive characters you won’t see during regular park hours

• Theme-specific entertainment unique to each event

• Commemorative wristband and event guide

What’s NOT included: parking, food, Lightning Lane, or guaranteed access to all attractions.

Event Breakdown

Sweethearts’ Nite (January 22 – February 17)

Perfect for couples, friends, or families celebrating love in any form.

What’s New:

• Celebrate Love Cavalcade featuring Mickey and Minnie spreading love down Main Street

• Once Upon a Dream musical with live singers and Disney characters

• Disney Duets karaoke at The Golden Horseshoe

Returning Favorites:

• Valentine’s Dance Party with Donald and Daisy

• Lou-Ray Jazz Club on the riverboat

• Couple meet-and-greets

• Romantic photo backdrops

• Mariachi band serenades

Pricing: $159-$185 depending on date

70 Years of Favorites (March 3 & 5)

Brand new event celebrating Disneyland’s incredible history.

Entertainment:

• Swing dancing at Royal Theatre

• Videopolis ’80s Dance Party with live DJ

• Line dancing at The Golden Horseshoe

Rare Characters (You Rarely See These):

• Carousel of Progress Mom and Dad

• Long Lost Friends from Disney Afternoon

• Merlin from “The Sword in the Stone”

• Flik and Atta from “A Bug’s Life”

• Fantasmic! Monkeys

Special Food:

• Mushroom Philly and maple bacon cinnamon roll

• Birria mac and cheese in bread bowl

• Gaston Brew

• Blackened steak and prawns (reservations needed)

Pricing: $159

Disney Channel Nite (April 12, 14, 16)

Throwback celebration of iconic Disney Channel shows and characters.

Details coming in early 2026, but expect character appearances, themed entertainment, and nostalgic photo ops based on past events!

Star Wars Nite (April 28, 30 – May 4, 6)

For serious Star Wars fans who want full immersion.

What to Expect:

• Adult costume wear allowed (with guidelines)

• Meet Luke, Leia, Han, Darth Vader, and more

• Lightsaber training sessions

• Live band on Tom Sawyer Island

• Cantina band performing

• Stormtrooper March of the First Order

• Special Skywalker Saga projection show

37+ Exclusive Food Items:

• Loaded Tatooine Toast

• Pineapple and Ube Crescent Sundae

• Honey-Chipotle Kalbi Ribs

• Loomas Wrap

• Green Milk with lychee jelly

Limited Merchandise:

• Star Wars Minnie ears with lights ($34.99)

• Darth Vader hoodie ($79.99)

• Yoda neon shirt ($54.99)

Pride Nite (June 16 & 18)

Inclusive celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.

Highlights:

• Welcome Pride Cavalcade with Mickey and friends in rainbow outfits

• Pride Nite Fireworks spectacular

• Rainbow projections throughout the park

• Dance parties everywhere

• 30+ themed food and beverage items

• Inclusive photo opportunities

How to Get Tickets

Timeline

Magic Key Holders:

• Inspire Key holders: December 9, 2025 at 9:00 AM PT

• All Magic Key holders: December 10, 2025 at 9:00 AM PT

General Public:

• December 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM PT

Important Info

• Tickets sell out fast – especially Sweethearts’ Nite and Star Wars Nite

• You can buy up to 8 tickets per date

• No discounts available

• Tickets are nonrefundable and can’t be resold

• Children 2 and under don’t need tickets

• Pricing for Disney Channel Nite, Star Wars Nite, and Pride Nite coming in early 2026

Pro Tips for Your Visit

Timing Strategy

• Arrive at 6:00 PM sharp – don’t be late for mix-in

• Use 6:00-8:00 PM to eat dinner, grab drinks, and scope out the park

• At 8:00 PM, non-event guests must leave

• From 8:00-9:00 PM, you have the park nearly to yourself

• 9:00 PM-1:00 AM is the official party

What to Do

First (at 9:00 PM):

• Head straight to character lines for rare characters

• Character waits get longer as the night goes on

During the Night:

• Ride popular attractions with short waits

• Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain are amazing at night

• Catch exclusive entertainment and dance parties

• Don’t skip the themed shows – that’s what makes it special

Food Strategy:

• Mobile order through the Disneyland app in the morning

• Skip long food lines and save time

• Try exclusive themed items you can’t get any other time

Best Rides at Night

• Space Mountain (pitch black, even more thrilling)

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (outdoor lighting effects)

• Matterhorn (great nighttime views)

• Incredicoaster (outdoor sections are stunning)

• Haunted Mansion (extra spooky vibe)

• Jungle Cruise (totally different experience)

Rides Often Closed

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (maintenance)

• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (limited availability)

• Mickey’s Toontown (early closure)

• Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

Costume Guidelines

For Adults (Ages 14+):

• Full costumes ARE allowed during After Dark events

• Must be family-friendly and not offensive

• No real-looking weapons

• No sharp or pointed objects

• Can’t drag on the ground

• Capes must not go below the waist

• Masks can’t cover your entire face (eyes must be visible)

For Kids (Ages 13 and Under):

• Costumes allowed with same guidelines

• Masks okay if eyes are visible

When to Wear Costume:

• Start around 5:00 PM on event day

• Not during regular daytime hours earlier in the day

Parking & Getting There

Parking:

• Mickey & Friends Parking Structure

• Pixar Pals Parking Structure

• Toy Story Parking Area

Rates:

• Standard: $40 per car

• Preferred: $60 (limited availability)

• Oversized vehicles: $45

Transportation:

• Trams run from parking to Main Entrance

• Trams and buses continue running 1 hour after event ends at 1:00 AM

• Alternative: rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or hotel shuttles

Is It Worth the Cost?

The Math

• After Dark ticket: $159-$185 for 4-7 hours

• Regular one-day ticket: $104-$194 for 12+ hours

You’re paying similar prices but getting fewer hours. However, you’re getting:

• Drastically lower crowds

• Shorter wait times (often walk-ons)

• Exclusive characters and entertainment

• Unlimited free photos (PhotoPass included)

• Unique experiences unavailable any other time

Who Should Go

Perfect for:

• Night owls

• Crowd haters

• Character enthusiasts

• Fans of the specific theme

• People celebrating special occasions

• Annual Passholders wanting something different

Maybe skip if:

• You have young kids who can’t stay up until 1:00 AM

• You want maximum park hours

• You’re on a tight budget

• You don’t care about the specific theme

What People Actually Say

Loved It:

• “Nearly empty park, walked onto everything”

• “Rare characters made it worth every penny”

• “Lower crowds = amazing experience”

Disappointed:

• “Character lines were still long”

• “Only 4 hours of actual party time”

• “Should’ve just bought a regular day ticket”

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate ticket if I already have park admission?
Yes. After Dark events require a separate, additional ticket.

Can I visit during the day and come back for the event?
Yes, but the park closes at 8:00 PM on After Dark nights, so your daytime will be cut short.

What if I don’t have a ticket at 8:00 PM?
Security will ask you to leave. Only event ticket holders can stay after regular guests leave.

Are the rides really empty?
Much shorter waits than usual – typically 5-10 minutes instead of 30+ minutes. Character lines can still get long.

Can I park hop to California Adventure?
Yes, if you have a regular Park Hopper ticket. Disneyland closes at 8:00 PM but California Adventure stays open.

Do these events include fireworks?
Most don’t, but some events (like Pride Nite) have special fireworks and projection shows.

Can I cancel or get a refund?
No. Tickets are nonrefundable and non-transferable.

What if the event sells out?
After Dark events frequently sell out. Buy tickets as soon as they go on sale. Last-minute availability at ticket booths is rare.

Can I leave and come back?
No re-entry allowed once you leave the park.

Is bad weather refunded?
No. Events proceed rain or shine.

How do I access my PhotoPass photos?
Scan the QR code on your wristband using the Disneyland app. All photos download free.

How to Choose Your Event

Final Thoughts

Disneyland After Dark events in 2026 offer exclusive experiences you can’t get any other way! Lower crowds, rare characters, unique entertainment, and immersive themes make these special – if you pick the right event for you!

The key? Choose an event matching your interests, arrive at 6:00 PM sharp, prioritize what matters most, and embrace the magic of experiencing Disneyland after dark. These events sell out fast, so mark your calendar for December 2025 ticket sales and be ready to buy the moment they go on sale!

Whether you’re falling in love, time-traveling through history, reliving childhood memories, channeling your inner Jedi, or celebrating community – Disneyland After Dark has something special waiting for you! The magic is better after dark!