For years, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World have been the unofficial hosts to Gay Days, when thousands of LGBTQ+ folk take to each coast’s respective Main Street, USA in vibrant red shirts to say, “We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it.” Unofficial being the operative word. Although the Disney theme parks have long been a favorite vacation destination for gay families and queer Disney adults, Disney Parks have never thrown an official party to celebrate Pride Month (with the notable exception of Disneyland Paris, which hosted its first Magical Pride Party in 2019).
For 2023, however, that’s all about to change, as Disneyland Park in California will finally join the fabulous fray and put on its first-ever celebratory soiree to commemorate Pride Month. Taking place after hours on two nights this June, the Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite will let queer folk of all kinds and LGBTQ+ allies show their true colors, all while soaking up some pixie dust.
So, bust out your rainbow flag and get your glitter ready as we take a look at everything that will be available at the inaugural event.
Going to Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite 2023
June is Pride Month, and Disneyland Resort will finally be joining its French compatriots this year in hosting its first official event to celebrate the queer community. Just like any Pride parade held this time of year, this post-park-closing party is sure to be a vibrant affair filled with colorful outfits, joyful music and dancing, and a whole helluva lot of fun.
Plus, with appearances by Disney characters, access to the best attractions that the park has to offer, and a kid-friendly dance party, this is an event the whole family will love. But before we go over everything you will be able to enjoy at Disneyland Pride Nite, let’s first go over the details.
Dates & Times
Unlike Gay Days Anaheim, which is held in the fall, Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite takes place during a select few evenings in June during Pride Month. For 2023, the inaugural outing of this ultra-exclusive event will be offered after the park closes on June 13 and 15. Like other Disneyland After Dark events, Pride Nite runs from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM. However, if desired, guests are able to enter the park as early as 6:00 PM.
We highly recommend you take advantage of this early entry as it will allow you to get a head start on experiencing some of the attractions on your list. That way, once the party officially starts, you can focus on enjoying event exclusives like dance parties, character experiences, entertainment offerings and special dining options.
Tickets & Rates
Do you have your tickets already for Disneyland Pride Nite? If not, then we’re sad to say that you won’t be attending this year as admission for this separately-ticketed event is completely sold out. (Sorry, regular Disneyland tickets won’t get you in, and one also isn’t required for entry.) When they were still available, however, Pride Nite tickets cost $139 per person, regardless of the guest’s age.
9 Things to Do During Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite
Ok, with all of that out of the way, let’s get to the fun stuff. From exclusive entertainment and dining offers to character experiences and after-hours access to some (though not all, more on that later) of the park’s best rides, here’s everything you can enjoy at the inaugural Pride Nite at Disneyland.
Let Your Rainbow Flag Fly in a Fabulous Pride-Worthy Outfit
As anyone who has ever been to a Pride parade can attest, one of the best parts of these kaleidoscopic events is the colorful array of outfits worn proudly by everyone in attendance. After all, how can you not get in on the fun when the dress code is basically any and all things rainbow? Disneyland Pride Nite is no exception. Costumes are highly encouraged for Disneyland After Dark events, especially since you’ll probably be taking your fair share of photos.
Just keep in mind that while creativity is always welcome when dressing up, there are some restrictions that you will have to abide by, particularly in regard to offensive or unsafe elements, or risk being required to change or denied entry altogether. Here are the official rules and regulations to keep in mind when planning your fabulously festive attire:
- All Guests may dress as their favorite character but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
- Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable, or violent.
- Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
- Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
- Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
- Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground (e.g., full-length Princess dresses).
- For Guests Ages 13 and Under
- Costumes and some masks may be worn as long as the mask does not cover the entire face and the eyes are visible.
- For Guests Ages 14 and Over
- Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
- Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are acceptable.
- Acceptable accessories include transparent wings, plastic Lightsabers, toy swords and tutus.
- Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
- Masks of any kind may not be worn except for medical purposes.
Check Out the Disney Characters in the Pride Cavalcade
Pride Month is one of the most colorful times of year in many cities around the world, and that is largely in part due to the vibrant parades that take to the streets in an explosion of rainbow and glitter. So, it’s only right and proper that Disneyland’s Pride Nite has its very own Pride parade. Starring Mickey Mouse as the master of ceremonies and plenty of his friends, the Pride Cavalcade will see your favorite Disney characters strut their stuff down Main Street, USA in their very own Pride-ready costumes. This pint-sized procession will take place along the parade route, so be sure to check the event guide map for the path and showtimes.
Vogue It Up During Fun Photo Ops
What better way to take advantage of your gay apparel and commemorate this magical event than with a slew of photographs? Throughout the night, you’ll find plenty of photo ops located around the park, including rainbow-filled Pride-themed backdrops, inspiring messages and, of course, during Disney character encounters. Disney PhotoPass photographers will also be on-hand to capture every memorable moment.
Best of all, unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads are included with your special event admission. (Just be sure to snag them off of the Disneyland app or your Disney account on the Disneyland website within 45 days after the event before they disappear for good.) So, get ready to strike a pose and say “Pride!” with pride.
Get Your Groove on During a Dance Party
Music and dancing are other hallmarks of Pride Month festivities, and the same goes for Pride Nite at Disneyland Park. Different dance parties will be available throughout the party, giving you plenty of opportunities to bust a move in between rides. For gay families heading to Pride Nite with kids in tow, the Ohana Dance Party starring Stitch at Tomorrowland Terrace shouldn’t be missed.
Country line dancing will be available at the Golden Horseshoe, giving queer cowboys and cowgirls a chance to kick up their heels. Dancing queens can also feel the beat of the rhythm of the night at the Pride Nite Dance Club. Held along the water’s edge of Rivers of America, this DJ-led dance party keeps the celebratory vibes going all evening long.
Hang Out with Mickey Mouse and the Gang During Special Character Experiences
We don’t know about you, but we love Disney character encounters. There’s just something magical about seeing beloved characters strolling around the theme parks and giving them a big hug. Happily, just like other special Disneyland events, Pride Nite will offer no shortage of character experiences.
So, keep an eye out for the likes of Mickey, Minnie and their friends as you make your way around the park or feel the rhythm on the dance floor. And be sure to have your camera or phone ready so you can snap a selfie with your favorites while wearing your true colors with pride.
Treat Yourself to Party-Exclusive Rainbow-Hued Snacks and Sips
As with other Disneyland After Dark events or holiday parties, Pride Nite will feature its very own lineup of exclusive snacks and sips. The easiest way to check out all the delicious drinks and dishes in store is through the Disneyland app, where you can also place a mobile order and save yourself some precious party time.
Items to look forward to include the especially vibrant Rainbow Grey Stuff at Red Rose Taverne, which features a tower of multi-hued white chocolate mousse with raspberry atop lemon cake and a shortbread base, as well as the equally colorful Rainbow Trifle at Jolly Holiday Bakery, which comes with lively layers of mousse and cake crowned with a chocolate Mickey decoration. While they may have missed the rainbow memo, snacks like a Chocolate Almond Churro in New Orleans Square and a Berry Cheesecake Funnel Cake at the Stage Door Café are sure to be just as tasty.
Craving something savory instead? The Spiced Beef Potato Loaded Bites at Red Rose Taverne or Chicken Gravy Fries at Stage Door Café, which features mozzarella and brie sauce alongside chunks of fried chicken and brown gravy, will certainly hit the spot. And while it may be called Hungry Bear Restaurant, you don’t need to be a member of the bear community to sink your teeth into the Pork Belly Sandwich, which comes with slices of spiced pork belly and tomato with an arugula salad and creamy chili-garlic aїoli between a brioche bun.
But wait, there’s more. For those visiting Disneyland Resort during regular park hours, you will also find a smorgasbord of bites and bevvies created especially for Pride Month. Needless to say, be sure to bring your appetite. Check out our foodie guide to the Pride Month park offerings for all the delicious details.
Savor the Flavors of The Big Easy with the Café Orleans Dining Package
Craving something a little more special? As much as we enjoy the convenience of eating at the various Disneyland quick-service restaurants, every once in a while, we like to slow things down with a meal at one of the park’s yummy table-service restaurants, like Café Orleans in New Orleans Square. For Pride Nite, this Big Easy-inspired eatery will be offering a decadent dining package featuring the iconic Monte Cristo sandwich.
Guests will be able to choose from a delightful assortment of creative takes on this tasty handheld, including some plant-based and gluten-free options. And whichever variation you choose, make sure to save some space for dessert, as a tempting lineup of creamy, carbonated floats will be on offer. Click here to make an advance dining reservation. Entrée choices include:
- Battered & Fried Monte Cristo with Frites
- Peanut Butter & Jelly Monte Cristo
- Buffalo Chicken Panko-Crusted “Monte Cristo”
- Cheese Monte Cristo & Tomato Soup
- Croque Monsieur & Berry Salad
- Gluten Allergy-Friendly Monte Cristo Fritters
Take Advantage of Shorter Wait Times for Popular Attractions
Aside from the special entertainment, one of the biggest highlights of splurging on a Disneyland After Hours event, including Pride Nite, is exclusive access to the park’s headlining attractions after the regular guests have left for the evening. This typically means shorter wait times than what you would normally experience during standard park hours.
Unfortunately, not all rides or parts of the park will be open for Pride Nite Disneyland guests to enjoy, including Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the Mark Twain Riverboat in Frontierland, Peter Pan’s Flight in Fantasyland and all of Mickey’s Toontown (that means Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, too). So, be sure to plan your night out accordingly.
Bring a Piece of Disneyland’s First Pride Party Back with You with a Special Souvenir
The first official Pride event at Disneyland is a momentous occasion. So, keep an eye out for the perfect keepsake to commemorate being a part of it. Not only will you receive a credential and guide map as freebies, as well as all the digital photos taken by a Disney PhotoPass photographer during the evening, but there will also be a veritable rainbow of collectibles available as well, like multicolored tumblers and popcorn buckets.
Pride Nite is also when the Pride Mirrored Mickey Mouse Sipper will make its glorious debut. (Check out our Pride Month foodie guide for their specific locations.) However, be aware that quantities are limited and are only available while supplies last. So, if something catches your eye, buy it while you can before it’s gone for good.
Well, folks, that brings our guide to the first-ever Disneyland Pride Nite to a close. Will you be partying at this fabulous Disneyland After Dark event this June? Let us know in the comments! Then, learn how you can save on regular park admission with our discount Disneyland tickets.
