Imagine strolling down Main Street, U.S.A. at midnight with barely anyone around you, the castle glowing ahead, your favorite rides having almost no wait, and you just meeting a character you’ve never seen at the parks before! Sounds amazing, right?

That’s exactly what Disneyland After Dark events are all about, and 2026 is bringing some seriously cool experiences your way. Whether you’re crushing on someone special, living your best Star Wars life, celebrating Pride, or just want to party like it’s the 90s (well, actually like it’s Disneyland’s 70th birthday), there’s an after-hours event calling your name!

Let me walk you through everything you need to know about these special nighttime parties so you can plan the perfect visit! Trust me, by the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which event to grab tickets for and how to make the most of every single minute!

What Are Disneyland After Dark Events?

Okay, so here’s the deal. Disneyland After Dark events are basically exclusive nighttime parties that happen at Disneyland Park after regular guests head home. Think of them as VIP experiences where you get to enjoy the park with way fewer people around.

These aren’t your typical park days. Each event has its own special theme, exclusive characters you won’t see during regular hours, unique food and drinks, special entertainment, and shorter lines for rides. You’re basically getting a completely different experience than what daytime guests see.

The best part? Every ticket includes unlimited PhotoPass downloads, so you can snap as many photos as you want without worrying about the cost. You also get a commemorative event guide and keepsake to remember your night.

How After Dark Events Work

Here’s how it breaks down. The official party runs from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM, giving you four full hours of after-hours fun. But wait, there’s more! Your ticket also gets you into the park starting at 6:00 PM, which is three hours before the party officially kicks off.

During that 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM window (called the “mix-in” time), you’re in the park alongside regular daytime guests. At 8:00 PM, the park closes to anyone without an After Dark ticket, and everyone else has to leave. Then from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, you get the park practically to yourself before all the special entertainment starts.

So really, you’re getting up to seven hours of park time with just one ticket. Not too shabby!

All Five 2026 Disneyland After Dark Events

Disneyland is going all out in 2026 with five different themed events running from January through June. Let me break down each one for you.

Sweethearts’ Nite: Love Is in the Air

When: January 22, 25, 27 and February 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 17, 2026

Ticket Prices: Starting at $159, ranging up to $185 depending on the date

Ticket Sales: Magic Key holders can buy tickets starting December 9-10, 2025. General public sales begin December 11, 2025

This Valentine’s Day celebration is perfect whether you’re coming with your significant other, best friend, or family. The whole park transforms into a love-fest with romantic vibes everywhere you turn.

What’s New for 2026:

“Celebrate Love Cavalcade” – A new parade celebrating all kinds of love: romantic love, friendship, and family bonds. Mickey, Minnie, and friends will be spreading the love down Main Street.
“Once Upon a Dream – A Musical Journey Through the Disney Songbook” – A brand-new show featuring live singers and Disney royalty, ending with a magical nighttime ball.
Disney Duets – New karaoke experience at The Golden Horseshoe where you can sing your favorite Disney love songs with a partner.

Returning Favorites:

Valentine’s Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace with Donald Duck and Daisy Duck.
Lou-Ray Jazz Club on the Mark Twain Riverboat floating nightclub.
Character couples meet-and-greets throughout the park.
Romantic photo backdrops inspired by films like “The Aristocats,” “Tangled,” “Aladdin,” and “Lady and the Tramp”.
Mariachi band serenades.
New characters including the Madrigal Sisters from “Encanto”.

70 Years of Favorites: Celebrating Seven Decades

When: March 3 and 5, 2026

Ticket Prices: $159 per guest

Ticket Sales: Magic Key presale starts December 9-10, 2025. General public December 11, 2025

This is the brand-new event for 2026, and it’s all about celebrating Disneyland’s incredible 70-year history. If you’re a Disney history buff or just love nostalgia, this one’s for you.

Entertainment and Activities:

Swing dancing at Royal Theatre in Fantasyland – Just like the old days.
Videopolis Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace with a live DJ spinning ’80s tunes in a throwback setting.
Line dancing at The Golden Horseshoe inspired by the beloved “Woody’s Round Up” show.

Rare Character Meet-and-Greets:
This event is bringing back some seriously rare characters you almost never see:

Long Lost Friends from Disney Afternoon
Mother and Father from Carousel of Progress
Merlin from “The Sword in the Stone”
Flik and Atta from “A Bug’s Life”
The Fantasmic! Monkeys

Photo Opportunities:
Special photo spots celebrating past attractions and events including:

Main Street Electrical Parade
Club Buzz
Mad T Party

Special Food:
Themed menu items with a nod to Disneyland kitchens of yesteryear:

Mushroom Philly sandwich (plant-based) and maple bacon cinnamon roll at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe
Birria mac and cheese in a bread bowl at Refreshment Corner
Gaston Brew at Red Rose Taverne
Blackened New York steak and prawns at River Belle Terrace (reservations required)

Disney Channel Nite: Throwback to the Best Era

When: April 12, 14, and 16, 2026

Ticket Details: Sale dates and pricing will be announced in early 2026

Disney Channel Nite is making a comeback, celebrating all those shows and characters that defined our childhoods. Think High School Musical vibes, Hannah Montana nostalgia, and all your favorite Disney Channel original programming!

While specific details for 2026 haven’t been released yet, past events have featured special entertainment, themed music, character appearances from Disney Channel shows, and exclusive photo ops. Keep your eyes peeled for more details coming in early 2026!

Star Wars Nite: May the Fourth Be With You

When: April 28, 30 and May 4, 6, 2026

Ticket Details: Pricing and sales information coming in early 2026

Calling all Star Wars fans! This is your chance to dress up in costume, meet your favorite characters from a galaxy far, far away, and experience Star Wars immersion like never before.

What to Expect:

Character encounters with Luke, Leia, Han, Darth Vader, Jawas, Ewoks, and friends from “Star Wars Rebels”.
Lightsaber instructional sessions where you can learn Jedi moves.
Live band performing on Tom Sawyer Island for the first time.
Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes playing that famous cantina music.
“Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga” projection show transforming Galaxy’s Edge.
Galactic Dance Party.
March of the First Order featuring Stormtroopers and Captain Phasma.
Fans of the Force Costume Cavalcade for guests dressed in Star Wars costumes.

Exclusive Star Wars Food:
Over 37 unique food and beverage items available only during the event:

Loaded Tatooine Toast at Stage Door Café
Pineapple and Ube Crescent Sundae at The Tropical Hideaway
Honey-Chipotle-glazed Kalbi Ribs at Bengal Barbecue
Nevarro Lava Canyon Bread with Creamy Slaw
Loomas Wrap at Ronto Roasters
Green Milk with lychee jelly at Milk Stand

Special Merchandise:
Event-exclusive items only available during Star Wars Nite:

Star Wars Minnie ear headband with light-up features ($34.99)
Limited edition hoodie with Darth Vader design ($79.99)
Yoda long sleeve shirt with neon graphics ($54.99)

Pride Nite: Celebrating Love and Community

When: June 16 and 18, 2026

Ticket Details: Information will be released in spring 2026

Pride Nite celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and brings allies together for an inclusive, rainbow-filled evening. This event debuted in 2023 and has quickly become one of the most beloved After Dark experiences!

What Makes Pride Nite Special:

Rainbow projections and colorful décor throughout the park.
Welcome Pride Cavalcade featuring Mickey, Minnie, and friends in pride-inspired multicolor outfits.
Pride Nite Fireworks spectacular with colors, pyrotechnics, and music.
Dance parties everywhere.
Inclusive photo opportunities.
Specialty themed food and beverages (past events featured over 30 unique menu items).

Ticket Prices and How to Buy

Pricing Breakdown

Ticket prices for Disneyland After Dark events vary by date and theme. Here’s what we know for 2026:

Sweethearts’ Nite Pricing:

January 22: $169
January 25: $169
January 27: $159
February 3: $159
February 5: $169
February 8: $185
February 10: $185
February 12: $185
February 17: $159

70 Years of Favorites Pricing:

March 3: $159
March 5: $159

Weekend dates and holidays typically cost more than weekday events. Pricing for Disney Channel Nite, Star Wars Nite, and Pride Nite will be announced in early 2026!

When and How to Buy Tickets

Magic Key Holder Presales:

For Sweethearts’ Nite and 70 Years of Favorites:

Inspire Key holders: December 9, 2025 (no earlier than 9:00 AM PT)
All Magic Key holders: December 10, 2025 (no earlier than 9:00 AM PT)

General Public Sales:

December 11, 2025 (no earlier than 9:00 AM PT) for Sweethearts’ Nite and 70 Years of Favorites

Important Ticket Info:

Tickets are limited and sell out fast – Sweethearts’ Nite sold out completely for 2025
You can purchase up to 8 tickets per person, per event date
No discounts apply
Tickets are nonrefundable and can’t be resold for commercial purposes
Children ages 2 and under don’t need tickets

What’s Included With Your Ticket

Your After Dark ticket gets you way more than just park entry. Here’s everything included:

Park Access

Entry starting at 6:00 PM (three-hour mix-in period)
Exclusive after-hours access from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM (four hours)
No theme park reservation required
Total of up to seven hours in the park

Photos and Keepsakes

Unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the party
Commemorative credential (wristband or lanyard)
Event guide map as a collectible souvenir
Simply scan the QR code on your wristband through the Disneyland app to access all your photos

Attractions and Entertainment

Access to most park attractions with shorter wait times
Theme-specific entertainment and shows
Rare character meet-and-greets
Dance parties and special performances

What’s NOT Included

Parking (you’ll need to pay standard parking rates)
Food and beverages (available for purchase)
Lightning Lane Multi Pass (not available during events)
Some attractions may be closed or have limited availability

Planning Your Perfect After Dark Experience

Arrive Early, Really Early

This is probably my biggest tip. Even though the event doesn’t officially start until 9:00 PM, you should plan to arrive as close to 6:00 PM as possible. Some people even recommend getting there an hour before 6:00 PM to be ready to go the second mix-in starts.

Why arrive so early? During that 6:00-8:00 PM window, you can grab dinner, scope out the park, check your event guide, and get in a few rides before the crowds thin out. Use this time strategically!

Create a Game Plan

Once you’re in the park during mix-in, find a spot to sit and review your event guide. Prioritize what you want to do:

Which characters are must-meets?
What exclusive entertainment do you want to catch?
Which food items sound amazing?
What rides are your top priorities?

Having a rough plan helps you maximize your time once the party officially starts at 9:00 PM.

Mobile Order Your Food Ahead

Here’s a game-changer: You can place mobile orders through the Disneyland app starting the morning of your event, even before you arrive at the park. This means you can skip long food lines and spend more time on rides and meeting characters!

Character Meet Strategy

Character lines can get surprisingly long, especially for rare characters. Here are some pro tips:

Hit character lines first when the event officially starts at 9:00 PM
Ask Cast Members about character appearance times and locations
Don’t be afraid to ask multiple Cast Members – sometimes you’ll get different information
Some characters do walk-through meet-and-greets (quick photo, no stopping) while others have longer interactions

Best Rides to Hit During After Dark

While you can ride most attractions during these events, certain rides are extra special at night:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – The outdoor coaster with cool lighting effects is way more thrilling in the dark
Space Mountain – Always better at night when your eyes adjust to the darkness
Matterhorn – Combines great ambiance with nighttime views of the park
Incredicoaster – The outdoor sections are amazing after dark
Radiator Springs Racers – The outdoor desert sections look incredible at night
Haunted Mansion – The spooky vibe is even better when it’s dark outside
Jungle Cruise – Totally different experience at night

What Rides Might Be Closed

Not all attractions operate during After Dark events. Based on past experiences, these attractions often close early or aren’t available:

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (often closes before the event ends for maintenance)
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (may have limited availability)
Mickey’s Toontown (may have early closure)
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

Always check with Cast Members when you arrive to confirm which attractions are operating!

Costume Guidelines for After Dark Events

One of the coolest things about these events? Adults can dress up in costumes, which normally isn’t allowed at Disneyland.

General Costume Rules

For Guests Ages 14 and Older (Adults):

Full costumes ARE allowed during After Dark events
Costumes must be family-friendly, not offensive, objectionable, or violent
Costumes can’t contain weapons that resemble real weapons
No sharp objects, pointed objects, or materials that might accidentally strike another guest
Costumes can’t reach or drag on the ground
Capes are okay if they don’t go below the waist
Masks can’t cover the entire face – eyes must be visible
Transparent wings, plastic lightsabers, and toy swords are acceptable

For Guests Ages 13 and Under:

Costumes and some masks are allowed, as long as the mask doesn’t cover the entire face and eyes are visible

When Can You Wear Your Costume?

This is a common question. You can typically wear your costume starting around an hour before the earliest entry time on your ticket, so probably around 5:00 PM on the day of your event. However, you can’t wear full costumes during regular park hours earlier in the day.

Some people report wearing costumes during the entire day of the event without issues, but officially, you should change into costume closer to event time.

Getting There: Parking and Transportation

Parking Information

Standard Disneyland parking applies to After Dark events:

Mickey & Friends Parking Structure
Pixar Pals Parking Structure
Toy Story Parking Area

Parking Rates:

Standard parking: $40 per car or motorcycle
Preferred parking: $60 per vehicle (limited availability)
Oversized vehicle: $45 (Toy Story Parking Area only)

Parking lots open 60 minutes before the earliest park opening time, so they’ll definitely be open by the time you need to arrive for your 6:00 PM entry.

Trams and Buses

Tram service runs from parking structures to the Main Entrance Esplanade. Good news: trams and buses run for one hour after the last theme park closes, so you’ll have transportation back to your car when the event ends at 1:00 AM.

Alternative Options

If you’re staying at a nearby hotel, consider:

Walking if you’re close enough
Using rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) with pickup locations on Harbor Boulevard or Downtown Disney
Hotel shuttles if your accommodation offers them

Tips From People Who’ve Been There

Worth It or Not Worth It?

Opinions on After Dark events are mixed. Here’s what people say:

People Who Loved It:

“The park was nearly empty during Pride Nite, we walked on everything”
“If you’re a huge fan of the theme (especially Star Wars), it’s totally worth it”
“Lower crowds and shorter wait times make it amazing”
“The exclusive entertainment and rare characters are worth the price”

People Who Were Disappointed:

“Character lines were surprisingly long – we only met two characters all night”
“Mobile ordering systems crashed, so we couldn’t eat much”
“At $159+ for only 4 hours, you’re better off buying a full day ticket”
“Too crowded for the price – didn’t feel special enough”

Managing Your Expectations

The people who enjoy these events most seem to be those who:

Prioritize what matters most to them
Don’t expect to do everything
Really love the specific theme
Go with a group of friends or family who share the same interests
Focus on the exclusive entertainment rather than just rides

Smart Tips From Veterans

Do This:

Arrive at 6:00 PM sharp
Make a priority list before you go
Use mobile ordering for food
Bring portable phone chargers
Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be there for up to 7 hours
Check costume guidelines before putting together your outfit
Download the Disneyland app and link your ticket ahead of time

Don’t Do This:

Don’t expect to meet every character or do every activity
Don’t wait until after 9:00 PM to eat if you’re hungry
Don’t assume all rides will be open
Don’t skip the exclusive entertainment – that’s what makes it special

How After Dark Compares to Regular Park Days

Price Comparison

An After Dark ticket costs between $159-$185. A regular one-day Disneyland ticket can range from $104-$194 depending on the day.

So you’re paying roughly the same amount (sometimes more, sometimes less) for 7 hours of park time versus a full day ticket.

What You Get vs. What You Give Up

After Dark Advantages:

Significantly lower crowds
Shorter wait times – often walk-ons for popular rides
Exclusive entertainment and characters
Unlimited PhotoPass included
No need for Lightning Lane (not available anyway)
Unique themed atmosphere

After Dark Trade-offs:

Fewer total hours (7 vs. 12+ hours)
Some attractions closed
Less dining options
No daytime experiences or shows
No fireworks during most events

Who Should Consider After Dark Events

These events are perfect for:

Night owls who prefer late-night activities
People who hate crowds
Disney fans who want unique experiences
Character meet-and-greet enthusiasts
People celebrating special occasions
Fans of the specific theme
Annual Passholders looking for something different

These might not be ideal for:

Families with young kids who can’t stay up late
Budget-conscious visitors wanting maximum park hours
First-time Disneyland visitors who want the full daytime experience
People who don’t care about the specific theme

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate park ticket?

Yes, Disneyland After Dark events require a separate ticket. Your regular park admission doesn’t include these events.

Can I visit the park during the day and attend the After Dark event?

Yes! You can buy a regular park ticket for the day and also purchase an After Dark ticket for the evening. Just know that the park closes at 8:00 PM on After Dark nights, so your day will be cut a bit short.

What happens at 8:00 PM if I don’t have an After Dark ticket?

Security Cast Members will ask you to leave the park. They start clearing out guests without event credentials around 8:00 PM, and by 9:00 PM, only event ticket holders remain.

Are the rides really empty?

Wait times are significantly shorter than regular park hours. Many people report walking onto attractions or waiting only 5-10 minutes for popular rides. However, character meet-and-greet lines can still be long.

Can I park hop to California Adventure during an After Dark event?

Yes, if you have a regular park ticket with Park Hopper. On After Dark nights, Disneyland closes at 8:00 PM for regular guests, but you can hop to California Adventure which stays open later.

Do After Dark events include fireworks?

Not usually. Most After Dark events don’t include the regular nighttime fireworks show, though some events have special nighttime entertainment or projection shows specific to their theme.

What food is available during the events?

Each event features exclusive themed food and beverage items available for purchase. These are specially created menu items you can’t get during regular park hours. Quick service locations and some table service restaurants operate during events.

Is Lightning Lane available during After Dark?

No, Lightning Lane Multi Pass is not available during After Dark events. All attractions operate on standby only, but wait times are typically very short.

Can I bring my young children?

Absolutely! After Dark events are family-friendly. Just consider whether your kids can handle staying up until 1:00 AM. Some families say their kids get a second wind at night, while others say it’s too much.

How crowded do these events get?

These are limited-capacity events, so they’re less crowded than regular park days. However, some events are more popular than others. Star Wars Nite and Pride Nite tend to be busier than other themes.

What if the event sells out?

After Dark events frequently sell out, especially Sweethearts’ Nite and Star Wars Nite. If your desired date sells out, you can check at ticket booths on the day of the event for last-minute cancellations, though this is rare. Your best bet is to buy tickets as soon as they go on sale.

Can I cancel or refund my ticket?

No, After Dark event tickets are nonrefundable and can’t be transferred for commercial purposes.

Does bad weather cancel the events?

No refunds are given for changes or cancellations due to weather. Events typically proceed rain or shine, though outdoor entertainment may be modified.

How do I get my PhotoPass photos?

Scan the QR code on your event wristband or lanyard using the Disneyland app. This links your photos to your account, and you can download them all for free.

Are there height requirements for rides?

Yes, the same height requirements apply during After Dark events as during regular park hours. Check the Disneyland website for specific attraction requirements.

Can I leave and re-enter during the event?

Typically, no. After Dark events don’t allow re-entry once you leave the park. Check with Guest Relations if you have special circumstances.

Making Your Decision: Which Event Should You Attend?

With five different After Dark events in 2026, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Choose Sweethearts’ Nite if:

You’re visiting with your significant other, best friend, or family during Valentine’s season
You love romantic Disney movies and couples characters
You want to sing karaoke Disney-style
You enjoy dance parties and live entertainment

Choose 70 Years of Favorites if:

You’re a Disney history buff
You want to meet extremely rare characters
You love nostalgic experiences
You enjoy swing dancing and line dancing
You’re visiting in early March

Choose Disney Channel Nite if:

You grew up watching Disney Channel shows
You want that nostalgic throwback vibe
You’re visiting in mid-April

Choose Star Wars Nite if:

You’re a huge Star Wars fan
You want to dress up in Star Wars costumes
You’re visiting around May 4 (Star Wars Day)
You want to experience Galaxy’s Edge with special entertainment

Choose Pride Nite if:

You want to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community
You love inclusive, colorful celebrations
You’re visiting in mid-June
You want rainbow everything

The Bottom Line

Disneyland After Dark events in 2026 offer something truly special for every type of Disney fan! Whether you’re falling in love at Sweethearts’ Nite, time-traveling through 70 years of Disney magic, channeling your inner Jedi at Star Wars Nite, reliving your Disney Channel days, or celebrating Pride, these exclusive nighttime experiences give you a completely different way to enjoy the Happiest Place on Earth!

Yes, the tickets aren’t cheap. You’re paying between $159-$185 for what amounts to 4-7 hours in the park, compared to a full-day ticket that might cost around the same. But what you’re really paying for is exclusivity – lower crowds, rare characters, unique entertainment, unlimited photos, and experiences you simply can’t get during regular park hours!

The key to getting the most out of your After Dark experience? Choose an event that matches your interests, arrive early at 6:00 PM, have a game plan, prioritize what matters most to you, and embrace the magic of experiencing Disneyland in a whole new light (or should I say, under the stars?).

Remember, these events sell out fast, especially Sweethearts’ Nite and Star Wars Nite! If you’re planning to attend, mark your calendar for those ticket sale dates in December 2025 and be ready to purchase right when they go on sale!

No matter which event you choose, you’re in for an unforgettable night of Disney magic! There’s something incredibly special about having the park nearly to yourself, meeting characters you’d never see otherwise, and creating memories that’ll last way longer than the photos on your phone (which, by the way, are all included for free!).

So grab your tickets, plan your outfit, charge your phone, wear comfortable shoes, and get ready for one of the most unique Disneyland experiences available! See you at Disneyland After Dark 2026 – I’ll be the one singing Disney love songs at karaoke, dancing at Tomorrowland Terrace, or probably waiting in line to meet those rare Carousel of Progress characters because, honestly, when else am I going to see them?

The magic is waiting, and trust me, it’s even more magical after dark!

Disneyland After Dark Events 2026: Your Complete Guide to After-Hours Magic