Imagine it’s 9 PM, the sun’s gone down, and Disneyland is all yours! Well, mostly. Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites is that brand new throwback party rolling into 2026 that’s got Disney fans losing their minds! This isn’t your typical after-hours event—it’s genuinely a love letter to everything that’s made the Magic Kingdom special since Walt opened those gates back in 1955!
You’re craving shorter lines and those rare character moments? You want to relive the Disney magic of decades past? This is your night. Imagine swinging to live bands in Fantasyland, grooving to 80s hits in Tomorrowland, and meeting characters most people never even get a chance to see! Throw in some one-of-a-kind food, exclusive photo backdrops inspired by attractions that don’t exist anymore, and having the park basically to yourself—and you’re looking at something genuinely special!
Everything you need to know about celebrating seven decades of Disneyland magic is right here!
Check out our guide on all the After Dark Events coming in 2026!
What Is Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites?
A separately ticketed nighttime experience is coming to Disneyland Park on March 3 and March 5, 2026. This brand new party fits into the after-dark lineup and zeroes in on celebrating Disneyland’s incredible seven-decade journey!
Think of wandering through memory lane where you’re actually experiencing the entertainment, meeting the characters, and soaking in the moments that defined the past 70 years! Disney’s dusting off stuff that’s been retired for ages—we’re talking about Videopolis bringing those 80s vibes back, swing dancing like it used to happen, and getting face-time with characters most fans have only dreamed about meeting, like the parents from Carousel of Progress!
Here’s the sweet part: you’ve got from 9 PM until 1 AM for the main event. But before that kicks off at 6 PM, you get early access! That gives you a solid seven hours total, with three bonus hours to explore before the regular park empties out and things really start getting special!
Event Dates and Ticket Information
When Can You Go?
Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites only happens on two nights:
-
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
-
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Both nights run from 9 PM to 1 AM (with early entry starting at 6 PM).
How Much Do Tickets Cost?
Tickets for both nights are priced at $159 per guest (ages 3 and up). This is actually pretty standard pricing for Disneyland After Dark events, and considering you get seven hours of park time plus all the exclusive perks, it’s a solid deal if you love rare characters and unique experiences! Keep in mind that parking isn’t included in your ticket price, so you’ll need to budget for that separately.
When Do Tickets Go On Sale?
Here’s the ticket sale schedule you need to know:
Magic Key Presale for Inspire Key Holders:
-
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 (starting at 9 AM Pacific Time)
Magic Key Presale for All Key Holders:
-
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 (starting at 9 AM Pacific Time)
-
This includes Inspire, Believe, Enchant, and Imagine Key holders
General Public Sale:
-
Thursday, December 11, 2025 (starting at 9 AM Pacific Time)
Tickets are limited and sell out, so don’t sleep on this if you really want to go. Set a reminder on your phone for the exact time tickets go live.
What’s Included With Your Ticket?
Your Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites ticket gets you a ton of awesome stuff:
-
Early park entry from 6 PM to 9 PM (that’s three extra hours before the event officially starts)
-
Event access from 9 PM to 1 AM (four hours of the main party)
-
Access to most Disneyland attractions with way shorter wait times
-
Unlimited PhotoPass downloads from the event (usually this costs extra!)
-
Exclusive entertainment you won’t see during regular park hours
-
Special character meet-and-greets with rare characters
-
Commemorative wristband and event guide when you check in
-
Themed photo opportunities throughout the park
What’s NOT included: parking fees, food and drinks (available for purchase), Lightning Lane access (you won’t need it anyway because lines are short!), and guaranteed access to every single attraction.
Important: You don’t need a separate theme park reservation for this event—your After Dark ticket is your admission!
Throwback Entertainment That’ll Hit You Right in the Nostalgia
This is where things get really fun. Disney is pulling out all the stops with entertainment that celebrates seven decades of Disneyland history!
Videopolis Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace
Remember Videopolis? That awesome 80s dance club that used to be in Disneyland? It’s back—sort of. Tomorrowland Terrace is transforming into the ultimate throwback dance party with:
-
A live DJ spinning nonstop 80s hits
-
Neon nostalgia everywhere
-
Iconic retro décor that’ll make you feel like you time-traveled
If you were a teen in the 80s or you just love that era, this is going to be your jam. The original Videopolis eventually became Fantasyland Theatre, but for this night, it’s all about those radical vibes.
Swing Dancing at Royal Theatre in Fantasyland
Here’s something super cool—Disneyland used to have swing dancing events where all the “hepcats” would gather to jitterbug and jive. They’re bringing that back at the Royal Theatre in Fantasyland!
You’ll get to swing dance to live bands just like guests did back in the day. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro—it’s all about having fun and experiencing a piece of Disneyland history!
Line Dancing at The Golden Horseshoe
Yeehaw! Head over to Frontierland for some good old-fashioned line dancing at The Golden Horseshoe! This is a tribute to “Woody’s Round-Up,” the cowboy show that was a big hit in the late 90s and early 2000s!
Expect music, characters, and that rootin’ tootin’ western fun that makes Frontierland so special. Even if you’ve never line danced before, it’s easy to pick up and a blast to do with a crowd!
Rare Character Meet-and-Greets You Can’t Miss
This might be the biggest draw for character fans—Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites is bringing out some seriously rare and “Long Lost Friends.”
Disney Afternoon Characters
Get ready to meet your childhood favorites! Disney is bringing back characters from the Disney Afternoon lineup. While the exact roster hasn’t been fully confirmed, past Long Lost Friends events have featured characters from shows like:
-
Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers
-
DuckTales
-
Darkwing Duck
-
TaleSpin
-
Gummi Bears
These characters hardly ever come out for meet-and-greets, so this is a huge deal if you grew up watching these shows.
Mother and Father from Carousel of Progress
This is wild—you’ll actually get to meet the parents from the Carousel of Progress attraction! This is one of those “only at a special event” kind of things that character collectors go crazy for!
Other Rare Characters
The event will also feature:
-
Merlin from The Sword in the Stone
-
Flik and Atta from A Bug’s Life
-
The Fantasmic! Monkeys (those neon monkeys from the nighttime show!)
Plus, you’ll see Mickey Mouse and pals, Disney Princesses, and other favorites throughout the night.
Pro tip: Lines for rare characters can get long, especially for super popular ones. Decide which characters are your must-meets and hit those lines first thing when the event starts at 9 PM.
Photo Opportunities Inspired by Retired Entertainment
One of the coolest parts of this event is the special photo backdrops set up throughout the park. These aren’t your typical character photo spots—they’re themed after past Disneyland entertainment that’s no longer around!
Expect photo ops inspired by:
-
Mad T Party (that awesome Alice in Wonderland-themed dance party that used to be at Disney California Adventure)
-
Main Street Electrical Parade (the legendary nighttime parade that lit up Disneyland for decades)
-
Club Buzz (a dance club experience from the past)
-
Favorite attractions from throughout Disneyland’s history
These photo ops are perfect for capturing that nostalgic feeling and getting some unique shots you can’t get any other time! And remember—your ticket includes unlimited PhotoPass downloads, so take advantage of the professional photographers stationed throughout the park!
Exclusive Food and Drinks
Disney always goes hard on themed food for After Dark events, and 70 Years of Favorites is no exception. The menu pays tribute to “Disneyland kitchens of yesteryear” with nostalgic items inspired by past restaurants and offerings!
Here’s what’s been announced:
At Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe:
-
Mushroom Philly sandwich (plant-based)
-
Maple bacon cinnamon roll
At Refreshment Corner:
-
Birria mac and cheese in a bread bowl (this sounds amazing!)
At Red Rose Taverne:
-
Gaston Brew (a special drink exclusive to the event)
At River Belle Terrace:
-
Blackened New York steak and prawns (reservations recommended for table-service restaurants)
Pro strategy: Use mobile ordering in the Disneyland app to skip the lines. You can actually place orders the morning of the event, even before you arrive at the park. That way, you’re not wasting precious character-meeting time standing in food lines!
Which Attractions Will Be Open?
Most of Disneyland’s attractions will be running, and this is where After Dark events genuinely shine—the wait times are nothing like regular days!
From past After Dark experiences, here’s what attendees typically find:
-
Plenty of rides with zero wait
-
Big-hitters like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Big Thunder Mountain usually see waits hitting maybe 20-40 minutes max
-
Kid-friendly attractions (Dumbo, Buzz Lightyear) often run almost empty
These might be closed or iffy:
-
Rise of the Resistance (it’s a toss-up)
-
Haunted Mansion (could be down for maintenance)
-
“it’s a small world” (depends on event setup)
-
Matterhorn Bobsleds (sometimes shuts down early)
-
Critter Country (may close)
-
Mickey’s Toontown (possible closure)
Check the Disneyland app that day for what’s actually running!
Tips and Strategies for Making the Most of Your Night
After reviewing experiences from dozens of past Disneyland After Dark events, here are the insider tips that’ll help you maximize your time:
Arrive During the Mix-In Period (6 PM to 9 PM)
Don’t show up at 9 PM when the event starts—get there at 6 PM. Here’s why:
-
You can eat dinner before the event officially begins (save time for characters and entertainment later)
-
You’ll have time to check in, grab your wristband and event guide, and plan your strategy
-
The park is less crowded during this time, so you can knock out a few attractions
-
You can place mobile food orders for later in the evening
Plan Your Priorities
Before you go, decide what matters most to you:
-
Character collectors: Which rare characters are your must-meets? Go straight to those lines at 9 PM
-
Ride warriors: Hit the big attractions first before character lines build up
-
Entertainment fans: Note the times for dance parties and shows in your event guide
-
Foodies: Pre-order specialty items so you’re not waiting in food lines
You have four hours from 9 PM to 1 AM, but it goes by fast. Prioritize!
Character Line Strategy
Character lines can get really long, especially for the rare Disney Afternoon characters and other Long Lost Friends. Here’s the deal:
-
Get in line for your top-priority characters right at 9 PM or shortly after
-
Have one person in your group hold a spot in the character line while someone else mobile orders food or shops for merchandise
-
Check character appearance times in your event guide—some characters rotate in and out
-
Lines are typically longest in the first hour or two of the event, then die down later
Use Mobile Ordering for Food
Seriously, don’t skip this. Mobile ordering lets you:
-
Order specialty food items in advance
-
Skip long counter-service lines
-
Pick up your food when it’s ready instead of waiting
-
Get back to the fun faster
You can start placing mobile orders the morning of the event, even if you’re not at the park yet.
Save Attractions for Later
Here’s a secret: attraction wait times get even shorter as the night goes on. Most guests prioritize characters and entertainment early in the event, so if you want to marathon rides, the last hour or two (midnight to 1 AM) is golden.
Check in Early and Get Your Credentials
When you arrive, head to the check-in area (usually near the entrance or at a designated location like Starcade). You’ll get:
-
Your event wristband (wear this at all times!)
-
A lanyard
-
An event guide with map, showtimes, character locations, and food offerings
Sit down somewhere and review the guide to plan your attack.
What to Wear: Dress Code and Costume Guidelines
One of the fun parts of Disneyland After Dark events is that adults can dress up, which isn’t allowed during regular park hours.
Costume Rules for Guests 14 and Older
You CAN wear costumes to After Dark events! Here are the guidelines:
Allowed:
-
Disney-inspired outfits and costumes
-
DisneyBounding (everyday clothes inspired by characters)
-
Capes (as long as they don’t go below the waist)
-
Themed t-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, and hats
-
Transparent wings
-
Plastic lightsabers and toy swords
-
Tutus
NOT allowed:
-
Masks that cover your entire face (eyes must be visible)
-
Costumes that drag on the ground
-
Sharp objects or realistic weapon props
-
Costumes that are offensive or inappropriate
-
Layered costumes that surround your entire body
Important: Even though you can wear costumes starting when you arrive for the mix-in period around 6 PM, some guests report that security might question costumes earlier in the day. To be safe, plan to change into your costume closer to event time or wear it when you arrive at 6 PM.
For Kids Under 14
Children under 14 can wear full costumes (including masks that don’t cover the whole face) at any time.
Practical Advice
Remember you’ll be walking around for up to seven hours, so wear comfortable shoes. That princess dress might look amazing, but make sure you can actually move in it!
How Does This Compare to Other After Dark Events?
If you’re wondering whether 70 Years of Favorites is worth it compared to other Disneyland After Dark events, here’s the breakdown:
vs. Oogie Boogie Bash
Oogie Boogie Bash (the Halloween event) is considered the best After Dark-style event by many fans. It has:
-
More elaborate theming
-
Exclusive fireworks
-
A parade
-
Tons of candy
70 Years of Favorites won’t have those elements, but it offers something Oogie Boogie doesn’t—those rare throwback characters and nostalgic entertainment.
vs. Star Wars Nite
Star Wars Nite is great if you’re a huge Star Wars fan, but reviews are mixed. Some people love the costumes and themed food, while others feel it’s too crowded and lines are still long.
70 Years of Favorites might appeal to a broader audience since it celebrates all of Disneyland’s history, not just one franchise.
vs. Sweethearts’ Nite
Sweethearts’ Nite focuses on love and romance with character couples and special entertainment. It’s more theme-specific, while 70 Years of Favorites has a wider nostalgic appeal!
The Verdict
After Dark events are worth it if you:
-
Love rare character meet-and-greets
-
Want shorter wait times for attractions
-
Enjoy themed entertainment and exclusive experiences
-
Don’t mind staying up late (events end at 1 AM!)
They’re NOT worth it if you’re just looking for a cheap way to do rides—a regular park ticket gives you more hours.
Is It Worth the Money?
Let’s break down the value:
Ticket cost: $159
Total park time: 7 hours (6 PM to 1 AM)
Cost per hour: About $22.71
Compare that to a standard one-park ticket starting at $104 for a full day. After Dark events are more expensive per hour, BUT you get:
-
Way shorter lines
-
Exclusive entertainment and characters
-
Unlimited PhotoPass downloads
-
Special food and unique experiences
-
A less crowded park environment
If rare characters and exclusive experiences matter to you, it’s absolutely worth it. If you’re just trying to ride attractions, you’re better off with a regular ticket.
Special Merchandise and Souvenirs
Disney always releases exclusive merchandise for After Dark events. While specific 70 Years of Favorites merchandise hasn’t been fully revealed yet, expect items like:
-
Event-specific t-shirts and spirit jerseys
-
Pins and collectibles
-
Special drinkware
-
Light-up accessories
-
Commemorative items featuring the event logo
Pro tip: Exclusive merchandise can sell out early in the night, so if you see something you love, grab it when you spot it!
You can also collect Disneyland 70th Anniversary general merchandise throughout the resort, including:
-
Spirit jerseys and apparel from multiple collections
-
Loungefly bags and accessories
-
Bubble wands with interchangeable character hats
-
Collectible medallions (70 different designs!)
-
Nostalgic items from the Vault Collection
Parking and Transportation
Parking is NOT included with your After Dark ticket. Here are your options:
Standard Parking: Available at Mickey & Friends, Pixar Pals, or Toy Story parking structures (prices vary by lot)
Magic Key Discounts: If you’re a Magic Key holder, you get parking discounts based on your pass type
Rideshare/Taxi: Many guests choose to Uber or Lyft to avoid parking fees entirely
Staying at a Disneyland Hotel? You can walk to the parks (this is super convenient for late-night events!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a park reservation for this event?
Nope! Your Disneyland After Dark ticket serves as your admission and reservation. You don’t need a separate theme park reservation to attend.
Can I use my Magic Key instead of buying a ticket?
No, After Dark events require a separate ticket purchase. Magic Key passes don’t include admission to these special events, but Magic Key holders get early access to ticket sales.
Is Lightning Lane available during the event?
No, Lightning Lane Multi Pass is not available during After Dark events. You won’t need it anyway—wait times are naturally much shorter during these events.
What time should I arrive?
Arrive at 6 PM when early entry begins. This gives you time to check in, get your credentials, eat dinner, and plan your strategy before the event officially starts at 9 PM.
Can I visit both Disneyland and California Adventure with my After Dark ticket?
No, After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites is only valid for Disneyland Park. You can’t park-hop to California Adventure with this ticket.
Are all attractions open during the event?
Most attractions will be open, but some may be closed or subject to availability. Check the Disneyland app on the day of your event for the most current information.
Can I bring kids to this event?
Absolutely! The event is open to all ages (tickets required for ages 3+). However, keep in mind the event ends at 1 AM, which is very late for young children.
Will there be fireworks?
Fireworks are not typically part of After Dark events (except for specific themes like Star Wars Nite). The event focuses more on characters, entertainment, and attractions.
How crowded will it be?
After Dark events have significantly fewer guests than regular park days. While popular character meet-and-greets can still have long lines, overall crowds are much more manageable.
Can I get a refund if I can’t attend?
Disney’s ticket policies typically don’t allow refunds, but you may be able to resell your ticket through authorized channels. Check the terms and conditions when you purchase.
What if Rise of the Resistance is closed?
Rise of the Resistance is often subject to availability during After Dark events. Disney is upfront about this, so don’t count on it being open. If it is operating, get in line early because it can close at any time.
Is food included with my ticket?
No, food and beverages are available for purchase but not included in your ticket price. The exclusive specialty items are only available during the event, so budget extra if you want to try them.
Making Your Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites Experience Unforgettable
This is genuinely your chance to experience Disneyland in a totally different way—with throwback entertainment, characters you’ve dreamed about meeting, and way fewer crowds! It’s like Disney packed seven decades of history into one incredible night!
The secret to crushing this night? Go in with a plan! Know which characters you absolutely can’t miss, what entertainment you want to catch, and which food items you’re dying to try. Make smart use of that three-hour early entry window, lean hard into mobile ordering, and grab comfortable shoes because you’re on your feet for hours!
But honestly? Just breathe it in. Whether you remember the original Videopolis, grew up watching Disney Afternoon cartoons, or just love everything vintage Disney—this event speaks directly to your heart! Snap those throwback photos. Dance your heart out at the 80s party! Actually meet those characters you’ve only dreamed about! That’s the magic of Disneyland—those moments connecting our past to these brand new memories we’re making right now!
Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites is more than just a party. It’s a genuine celebration of everything that’s made Disneyland the Happiest Place on Earth across seven incredible decades! Don’t miss your shot to be part of it in 2026!
Ready? Mark your calendar for ticket sales kicking off December 9 (Magic Key holders) or December 11 (general public)! Set that alarm, grab your tickets, and get ready for a night you’ll be talking about for years!