Imagine walking down Main Street, U.S.A. with hearts glowing overhead, romantic Disney melodies playing softly in the background, and the love of your life (or your best friend) right next to you! That’s exactly what you’ll get at Disneyland After Dark: Sweetheart’s Nite—the most magical Valentine’s celebration you could ever imagine!

You could be planning a romantic date night, a fun galentine’s adventure with friends, or a special family outing, Sweetheart’s Nite is unlike anything you’ve experienced at Disneyland! This isn’t just a regular park day with some hearts thrown around! It’s a completely transformed after-hours event where Disney couples take over the park, exclusive entertainment lights up the night, and you get to experience Disneyland in a totally different way!

But here’s the thing—tickets sell out crazy fast, sometimes within just a couple weeks of going on sale. And once you’ve scored those golden tickets, you’ll want to know exactly how to make the most of your four magical hours in the park! That’s where this guide comes in! We’re going to walk through everything you need to know about Sweetheart’s Nite at Disneyland—from what it is and when it happens, to insider tips that’ll help you experience way more than the average guest!

So grab your favorite person, put on your cutest outfit, and let’s jump into everything Sweetheart’s Nite has to offer! Check out the other After Dark Events at Disneyland!

What is Disneyland After Dark: Sweetheart’s Nite?

Sweetheart’s Nite is one of Disneyland’s most popular after-hours events, and it’s basically a giant Valentine’s Day party that takes over the entire park! It’s part of the Disneyland After Dark series—these are special ticketed events that happen after the park closes to regular guests.

Think of it as Disneyland getting all dressed up for a romantic evening! The whole vibe changes. Main Street gets decorated with hearts and romantic lighting. Love songs from your favorite Disney movies play throughout the park. And everywhere you turn, there’s something special designed to celebrate love and friendship!

What Makes It Different from a Regular Disneyland Visit?

Here’s what sets Sweetheart’s Nite apart from just buying a regular park ticket:

Rare Character Meet & Greets – You’ll see Disney couples that almost never appear during regular park hours. We’re talking Belle and Beast, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, Mulan and Shang, and even super rare characters like Milo and Kida from Atlantis or Constance Hatchaway (the bride from Haunted Mansion).

Exclusive Entertainment – Special shows, dance parties, and a romantic cavalcade you won’t find any other time of year.

Shorter Wait Times – With limited capacity tickets, ride lines are way shorter than normal, though some popular attractions can still have 20-40 minute waits.

Special Photo Opportunities – Gorgeous photo backdrops recreating iconic romantic scenes from movies like Lady and the Tramp, Tangled, The Little Mermaid, and Aladdin.

Themed Food & Drinks – Heart-shaped treats, Valentine’s-themed snacks, and specialty beverages you can only get during the event.

Free PhotoPass Downloads – All your event photos from PhotoPass photographers are included with your ticket.

After-Hours Magic – The park stays open until 1:00 AM, giving you four full hours to play after it closes to day guests.

Sweetheart’s Nite 2026 Dates & Ticket Information

When Does Sweetheart’s Nite Happen?

For 2026, Disneyland After Dark: Sweetheart’s Nite takes place on nine select nights in January and February:

• Thursday, January 22, 2026

• Sunday, January 25, 2026

• Tuesday, January 27, 2026

• Tuesday, February 3, 2026

• Thursday, February 5, 2026

• Sunday, February 8, 2026

• Tuesday, February 10, 2026

• Thursday, February 12, 2026

• Tuesday, February 17, 2026

The event runs from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM at Disneyland Park. But here’s the sweet part—your ticket also gets you into the park starting at 6:00 PM, giving you three bonus hours before the official party begins.

How Much Do Tickets Cost?

Ticket prices for Sweetheart’s Nite vary by date, typically ranging from $159 to $185 per person (ages 3 and up). Weekend nights and dates closer to Valentine’s Day usually cost more. For reference, here’s what 2026 pricing looks like:

• Lower-demand nights (Tuesdays): $159

• Mid-demand nights (Thursdays/Sundays): $169-$185

• Peak nights (around Valentine’s Day): $185

Keep in mind these prices don’t include parking fees, and Lightning Lane Multi Pass isn’t available during the event.

When Do Tickets Go On Sale?

This is super important! For 2026, here’s the ticket sale schedule:

Inspire Magic Key Holders: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 (no earlier than 9:00 AM PT)
All Magic Key Holders: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 (no earlier than 9:00 AM PT)
General Public: Thursday, December 11, 2025 (no earlier than 9:00 AM PT)

When tickets go on sale, you’ll likely be placed in a virtual queue. Some people have waited up to 4 hours just to get through and purchase tickets. And remember—these events sell out fast, usually within a couple weeks. So mark your calendar and be ready to buy right when sales open!

Do You Need a Regular Park Ticket Too?

Nope! Your Sweetheart’s Nite ticket is all you need. You don’t need to buy a separate park admission ticket, and you don’t need to make a theme park reservation. Your event ticket covers everything from 6:00 PM onwards.

What’s New for Sweetheart’s Nite 2026

Disney is bringing some exciting new experiences to the 2026 event:

Celebrate Love Cavalcade (NEW!)

This brand-new cavalcade will travel down Main Street, U.S.A., celebrating all kinds of love—romantic partners, best friends, soulmates, and family. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their pals will parade through the park spreading love and joy.

Once Upon a Dream – A Musical Journey Through the Disney Songbook (NEW!)

This is a completely new show described as “a musical look at love and romance, featuring live singers and a variety of Disney royalty that culminates in a nighttime ball beneath the stars”. It sounds absolutely magical and will likely take place at the Fantasyland Theatre!

Disney Duets Festive Karaoke (NEW!)

Grab your sweetie and head to the Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland for this fun new karaoke experience with a Disney twist! Belt out your favorite Disney love songs with your partner or friends.

New Characters for 2026

The Madrigal Sisters from Encanto (Mirabel, Luisa, and Isabela) will be making their Sweetheart’s Nite debut! Plus, you can still expect to see tons of classic Disney couples.

New Food Items

Look out for a triple berry slushy with a Mickey-shaped glow cube at Galactic Grill, along with returning favorites like surf n’ turf loaded fries and Mickey-shaped strawberry cream puffs!

Entertainment & Shows You Can’t Miss

The entertainment at Sweetheart’s Nite is seriously top-notch. Here’s your complete list to what’s happening and when:

Celebrate Love Cavalcade

What It Is: A romantic procession featuring Mickey, Minnie, and Disney couples
Route: Town Square → Main Street, U.S.A. → Sleeping Beauty Castle → “it’s a small world”
Showtimes: Typically runs twice per night (around 9:30 PM and 11:30 PM)

This is one of the highlights! The cavalcade brings your favorite Disney couples right past you in a charming parade.

Once Upon a Dream Show & Royal Ball

Location: Fantasyland Theatre (near “it’s a small world”)
Showtimes: Every hour starting at 9:00 PM (9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 AM)

This is an absolute must-do! The show features live music, singers, and Disney royalty. After the performance, you can actually dance alongside Disney princes and princesses like Cinderella and Prince Charming, Aurora and Prince Phillip, and Snow White and her Prince. People rave about getting to waltz with actual Disney characters—it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Valentine’s Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace

Join Donald Duck and Daisy Duck for a high-energy dance party. This is perfect if you want something more upbeat and fun.

Lou-Ray Jazz Club on Mark Twain Riverboat

Showtimes: 9:00 PM, 10:00 PM, 11:00 PM, 12:00 AM

Take a romantic moonlit cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat while listening to live jazz music. It’s super romantic and a nice break from walking around the park.

Miss Lily’s Revue at The Golden Horseshoe

Showtimes: 9:15 PM, 10:15 PM, 11:15 PM, 12:15 PM

Live entertainment and music at this Frontierland venue.

Jazz Piano at Tiana’s Palace

Showtimes: Every hour starting at 9:15 PM

Enjoy smooth jazz piano music in New Orleans Square.

Disney Duets Karaoke at The Golden Horseshoe

Sing your heart out with Disney love songs at this fun interactive experience.

Character Meet & Greets: Who You’ll See

One of the biggest draws of Sweetheart’s Nite is meeting rare Disney couples you almost never see during regular park hours! Here’s where to find them:

Main Street, U.S.A.

• Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse

• Donald Duck & Daisy Duck

• Mary Poppins & Bert (past years)

Fantasyland

• Cinderella & Prince Charming (at Royal Ball)

• Aurora & Prince Phillip (at Royal Ball)

• Snow White & The Prince

• Ariel & Prince Eric

• Belle & Beast

• Rapunzel & Flynn Rider

• Jasmine & Aladdin (at Royal Ball)

New Orleans Square

• Princess Tiana & Prince Naveen

• Clarabelle Cow & Horace Horsecollar

• Louis (the alligator from Princess and the Frog)

Tomorrowland

• Space Couple

• Lilo, Stitch & Angel (past years)

Mickey’s Toontown

• Chip, Dale & Clarice

Adventureland

• Indiana Jones & Marion Ravenwood

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

• Princess Leia & Han Solo

• Chewbacca & Rey (past years)

Other Special Characters

• Constance Hatchaway (Haunted Mansion bride)

• Winnie the Pooh

• Madrigal Sisters from Encanto (NEW for 2026)

• Mulan & Shang

• Megara & Hercules

• Anna & Hans (past years)

Pro Tip: Character lineups can change from year to year and even night to night. The park will give you a map when you check in showing exactly where characters will be that specific evening!

Magical Photo Opportunities & Locations

The photo ops at Sweetheart’s Nite are absolutely stunning. Disney creates elaborate setups that recreate famous romantic scenes from beloved movies:

Popular Photo Backdrop Locations

Lady and the Tramp – Sit at the checkered table with spaghetti, just like the iconic bella notte scene

Tangled – The famous lantern scene that everyone raves about

The Little Mermaid – Sit in Ariel’s boat for your “Kiss the Girl” moment

Aladdin – Hop on a magic carpet ride

The Aristocats – Romantic Paris-themed backdrop

Sleeping Beauty – Beautiful castle and forest settings

The Princess and the Frog – New Orleans-inspired scenes

Luca – Seaside Italian backdrop

The Empire Strikes Back – For Star Wars fans

These aren’t just simple backdrops either. Disney PhotoPass photographers are stationed at each location, and all your event photos are included free with your ticket. The lines for popular photo ops (especially Tangled) can get long—sometimes 30-45 minutes—but most people say they’re totally worth it.

Strategy Tip: Hit the photo ops early in the night or later after midnight when lines die down!

Special Food & Treats at Sweetheart’s Nite

The food at Sweetheart’s Nite is all about hearts, romance, and Valentine’s Day vibes. Here are some of the most popular items to try:

Must-Try Treats

Heart-Shaped Fried Ravioli (Cafe Daisy) – Deep-fried ravioli served with marinara sauce

Raspberry Cream Heart-Shaped Funnel Cake (Stage Door Café) – Topped with raspberry sauce, shortbread cookie crumble, whipped topping, fresh raspberries, and powdered sugar

Red Velvet Grey Stuff (Red Rose Taverne) – Red shortbread cookie with red velvet cake, raspberry, cookies and cream mousse, and heart sprinkles

Strawberry Shortcake Pretzel (Refreshment Corner) – A sweet pretzel treat with strawberry flavor

Strawberry Milk in Chocolate Cracking Cup (Bengal Barbecue) – Served with cold foam in a fun chocolate cup

Me & U-Bae Beignets (Mint Julep Bar and Tiana’s Palace) – Ube-flavored beignets that are super popular

Mickey-Shaped Strawberry Cream Puff (Rancho del Zocalo) – A sweet strawberry dessert

Triple Berry Slushy with Mickey Glow Cube (Galactic Grill) – NEW for 2026

Surf N’ Turf Loaded Fries (Red Rose Taverne) – A heartier savory option

Dining Packages

If you want a sit-down experience, several restaurants offer special Sweetheart’s Nite dining packages:

• Blue Bayou – Features items like crab cakes, prime rib, and delicate chocolate cheesecake brownie

• Cafe Orleans – Special Valentine’s menu items

• Carnation Cafe – Fried provolone, braised short rib, and salted chocolate tart

• River Belle Terrace – Prix fixe options available

• Oga’s Cantina – Specialty drinks and small plates

Food Strategy: Most people recommend eating a real dinner during the 6-9 PM mix-in time, then grabbing special event treats throughout the night. Some food lines can get really long, so consider mobile ordering ahead of time if possible!

Rides & Attractions During the Event

Most Disneyland attractions stay open during Sweetheart’s Nite, giving you the chance to ride with shorter wait times!

What’s Open

Nearly all Disneyland Park attractions are available, including:

• Haunted Mansion

• Pirates of the Caribbean

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

• Matterhorn Bobsleds

• Space Mountain

• Splash Mountain (now Tiana’s Bayou Adventure)

• Indiana Jones Adventure

• Star Tours

• “it’s a small world”

• Peter Pan’s Flight

• And many more!

What’s NOT Available

• Rise of the Resistance is typically closed during the event (though it may be open during the 6-9 PM early entry time)

• Lightning Lane Multi Pass is not available during the event

What Wait Times Are Really Like

Here’s the truth—wait times are definitely shorter than a regular park day, but they’re not all walk-ons. Popular classic attractions like Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Big Thunder Mountain can still have 20-40 minute waits because most attendees are adults who love these rides!

Rides that are more popular with younger kids (like Dumbo, Casey Jr., and Storybook boats) are often walk-on or very short waits.

Ride Strategy: Use the 6-9 PM early entry time to knock out major attractions, then focus on entertainment, characters, and food during the actual event hours.

Planning Your Perfect Sweetheart’s Nite Strategy

Four hours sounds like a lot of time, but it goes by super fast when you’re trying to see characters, catch shows, grab food, take photos, and ride attractions. Here’s how to make the most of your night:

The 6:00-9:00 PM Mix-In Period

6:00-7:00 PM: Arrive at the park, check in, and get your event credential (wristband and lanyard). If you have a Magic Key pass, you can actually check in even earlier at the Galaxy’s Edge entrance near Fantasyland. Use this first hour to ride major attractions before the event officially starts.

7:00-8:00 PM: Continue riding attractions or grab dinner at a quick-service restaurant or dining package location.

8:00-9:00 PM: Plan your evening! Look at your event map and decide which characters are must-dos, what shows you want to see, and which photo ops are priorities. Mobile order any special event food for later pickup.

The 9:00 PM-1:00 AM Event Hours

9:00-9:30 PM: This is when the magic really starts! Most people recommend heading straight to the back of the park for character meet and greets, since everyone else tends to start at the front. Lines get shorter the farther back you go.

9:30 PM: Watch the first Celebrate Love Cavalcade from a good spot on Main Street.

10:00-11:00 PM: Hit your priority photo ops and attend the Royal Ball (seriously, don’t skip this—it’s the highlight for most people).

11:00 PM-12:00 AM: Grab those special event snacks you’ve been eyeing, meet more characters, or ride some attractions with shorter lines.

12:00-1:00 AM: Lines for both food and photo ops tend to die down in the final hour, making this a great time to grab anything you missed. Some people also enjoy riding their favorite attractions one last time before the night ends.

Top Planning Tips from Event Veterans

Prioritize Entertainment Over Rides – You can ride Haunted Mansion any time. You can’t see the Royal Ball or meet rare characters any other day of the year.

Make a Must-Do List – Write down your top 2-3 characters, 1-2 photo ops, and which shows you absolutely want to see. Focus on those first.

Arrive Early – People start lining up an hour before the 6 PM entry time. Getting there early means shorter lines for everything.

Use Mobile Ordering – Order your event treats ahead of time and set a pickup window for later to skip long food lines.

Check Your Map – When you check in, you’ll get an event guide showing exact character locations, show times, and food offerings for that specific night.

Dress Comfortably – While many people dress up (more on that next!), wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be on your feet for hours.

Bring Layers – January and February nights at Disneyland get chilly, especially after the sun goes down.

What to Wear to Sweetheart’s Nite

One of the most fun parts of Sweetheart’s Nite is getting dressed up! Disney encourages you to “dress in your magical best” and take inspiration from your favorite Disney couples!

Costume Guidelines

Unlike Halloween parties, full costumes are allowed at Sweetheart’s Nite—but they must follow Disney’s special event costume guidelines:

• Costumes can’t be obstructive or offensive

• Masks aren’t allowed for guests 14 and older

• Costumes can’t drag on the ground

• No toy weapons that look realistic

Popular Outfit Ideas

Disney Couple Costumes: Lots of guests dress as their favorite Disney pairs like Mickey & Minnie, Snow White & Prince Florian, Cinderella & Prince Charming, Anna & Kristoff, Carl & Ellie, or Rapunzel & Flynn.

Disneybounding: This means wearing regular clothes in colors/styles that evoke a character without being a full costume. Think pink polka dots for Minnie or a blue dress with yellow accents for Belle.

Valentine’s Color Scheme: Many people simply wear pink, red, and white without any specific character reference. Hearts, sparkles, and romantic touches are perfect.

Matching Outfits: Coordinating shirts, ears, or accessories with your sweetheart or group is super popular.

Comfort is Key: Remember you’ll be walking and standing for hours. Cute sneakers or comfortable flats are smarter than heels!

What Most People Actually Wear

Based on real guest experiences, the crowd is pretty mixed:

• About 30% dress up in some kind of costume or Disneybound

• About 40% wear Valentine’s colors (pink, red, hearts)

• About 30% wear regular clothes

So wear whatever makes you feel good! You’ll fit in whether you go all out with a costume or keep it casual.

Parking, Arrival & Check-In Tips

Parking Information

Parking is NOT included with your Sweetheart’s Nite ticket. Here’s what you’ll pay:

Standard Parking: $40 per vehicle (Mickey & Friends or Pixar Pals structures, or Toy Story lot)

Preferred Parking: $60 per vehicle (closer to elevators and escalators, but limited availability)

You can purchase parking online in advance or pay when you arrive. Standard parking structures open 60 minutes before the earliest park opening time!

Where to Park

You have three options:

1. Mickey & Friends Parking Structure – Takes a tram to the park entrance

2. Pixar Pals Parking Structure – Takes a tram to the park entrance

3. Toy Story Parking Area – Takes a bus to the park entrance

When to Arrive

Most experienced event-goers recommend arriving between 5:00-5:30 PM. Yes, the event doesn’t officially start until 9 PM and early entry isn’t until 6 PM, but people line up early! Some folks report seeing long lines forming as early as 5:00 PM for the 6:00 PM entry!

Why arrive early?

• Get through parking and security faster

• Shorter lines at check-in

• More time to ride attractions during the 6-9 PM period

• First pick of spots for entertainment

Check-In Process

When you arrive, you’ll check in and receive:

• A credential (ID lanyard showing you’re an event guest)

• A wristband

• An event map/guide with character locations, show times, and food listings

Magic Key Holders: If you have a Magic Key pass with a reservation for that day, you can check in early (as early as 4 PM) at a special location near the Galaxy’s Edge entrance by Fantasyland.

Insider Tips & Hacks

Here are some pro tips from people who’ve been to Sweetheart’s Nite multiple times:

Character Strategy

• Start at the back of the park for characters, not the front. Everyone rushes to Main Street first, so characters in Fantasyland, New Orleans Square, and Adventureland have shorter waits early on.

• Character lines are usually shortest during showtimes when everyone’s watching entertainment.

Photo Op Strategy

• Lines for photo ops are longest between 9:30-11:00 PM.

• Hit them early (right at 9 PM) or late (after midnight) for shorter waits.

• The Tangled lantern photo op always has the longest line—budget 45+ minutes if you really want it.

Food Strategy

• Eat a real meal during the 6-9 PM period.

• Use mobile ordering to skip lines.

• Food lines are shortest after 11:30 PM.

• Some past guests felt the specialty food was overpriced for the portion sizes, so choose wisely.

Show & Entertainment Strategy

• Don’t skip the Royal Ball! It’s the most unique part of the event and happens every hour.

• The Lou-Ray Jazz Club cruise on the Mark Twain is super romantic and often has availability.

• Fireworks (if they have them for your year) happen around 9:30 PM—Main Street has good viewing spots.

Ride Strategy

• Hit major attractions during the 6-9 PM mix-in period.

• Wait times for rides actually increase between 9-10 PM as the event starts, then drop again after 11 PM.

• Focus on unique event experiences over rides you can do any other day.

Other Helpful Hacks

• Download all your PhotoPass photos for free after the event.

• Bring a portable charger—you’ll be taking tons of photos and using the Disneyland app all night.

• Layer your clothing—it starts mild but gets cold by midnight.

• If you have regular park tickets for that day, you CAN park hop to California Adventure after 7 PM when Disneyland closes to non-event guests.

Is Sweetheart’s Nite Worth It? Real Guest Reviews

Let’s be honest—at $159-$185 per person, Sweetheart’s Nite is a significant investment. So is it actually worth the money?

What People Love

The Rare Characters – This is the #1 thing people rave about. Meeting characters you literally never see any other time makes the event special.

The Romantic Atmosphere – The park truly transforms into a romantic wonderland with special music, lighting, and decorations.

The Royal Ball – Almost everyone who attended says this was their favorite part of the night.

Lower Crowds – While not empty, the park is definitely less crowded than a normal day.

The Photo Ops – People love the elaborate setups and free PhotoPass downloads.

The Vibe – Seeing so many couples, friends, and families celebrating love creates a really special energy.

What People Didn’t Love

The Food – This is the most common complaint. Some guests felt the specialty food items didn’t live up to the hype or weren’t worth the price.

Character Lines – Wait times for popular characters can still be 45+ minutes, which eats into your event time.

Limited Character Lineup (Some Years) – In 2025, some guests were disappointed that the character roster was smaller than previous years.

Wait Times Aren’t Walk-On – Classic attractions like Haunted Mansion and Pirates can still have 30-40 minute waits.

It Goes By Fast – Four hours sounds long, but you really can’t do everything.

The Verdict

Most people who attended say YES, it’s worth it—especially if you:

• Love meeting characters (especially rare ones)

• Appreciate the romantic atmosphere and theming

• Want a unique Disney experience you can’t get any other day

• Are celebrating a special occasion like an anniversary or engagement

• Enjoy after-hours events and special entertainment

It might NOT be worth it if you:

• Only care about riding attractions (wait times aren’t that much lower)

• Don’t care about characters or photo ops

• Are looking for the cheapest way to experience Disneyland

• Prefer daytime park experiences

One guest summed it up perfectly: “You can ride Haunted Mansion anytime. You can’t dance with Prince Phillip or meet Milo and Kida from Atlantis any other day of the year”!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweetheart’s Nite

Do I need a separate park ticket to attend Sweetheart’s Nite?

No! Your Sweetheart’s Nite ticket is all you need. It includes admission to Disneyland Park from 6:00 PM onwards on your event date. You don’t need a regular park ticket or a park reservation.

Can I go to both parks if I have a Park Hopper?

If you have a regular Park Hopper ticket for that day, you can visit both parks during regular hours. When Disneyland closes to regular guests around 7-8 PM, you can hop over to Disney California Adventure (which won’t be affected by the event). However, you won’t be able to return to Disneyland unless you have a Sweetheart’s Nite ticket.

What if I have regular Disneyland tickets for the day of Sweetheart’s Nite?

Regular park guests will be asked to leave Disneyland Park around 7-8 PM when the park closes for the event. Only guests with Sweetheart’s Nite tickets can stay. You can park hop to California Adventure with a Park Hopper ticket.

How fast do tickets sell out?

Pretty fast! Past years have shown tickets selling out within 1-3 weeks of going on sale to the general public. Some dates (especially Valentine’s Day weekend) sell out even faster. Don’t wait to buy your tickets if you want to go.

Is parking included with my ticket?

No, parking costs $40-$60 extra and is not included with your event ticket.

Can kids attend Sweetheart’s Nite?

Absolutely! While the event is very popular with couples, families with kids are welcome and many attend. Tickets are required for ages 3 and up; children under 3 are free.

Can I wear a costume?

Yes! Unlike regular park days, costumes are allowed at Sweetheart’s Nite as long as they follow Disney’s costume guidelines (no masks for ages 14+, nothing offensive or obstructive, etc.).

Are there fireworks at Sweetheart’s Nite?

This varies by year. Some years have featured special romantic fireworks shows, while other years have not. Check Disney’s official announcement for your specific year to see if fireworks are included.

Can I buy tickets at the gate on the night of the event?

No, tickets must be purchased online in advance and are not available day-of. Plus, they typically sell out well before the event dates.

Will Rise of the Resistance be open?

Rise of the Resistance is usually closed during the event hours (9 PM-1 AM), but it may be open during the early entry period (6-9 PM) when it’s still regular park hours. Check the app on your event day to confirm.

Can I meet characters during the 6-9 PM early entry?

No, character meet and greets and photo ops don’t officially start until 9 PM when the event begins. Use the 6-9 PM time for rides, food, and scoping out the park.

What happens if it rains?

The event will go on rain or shine. Some outdoor entertainment might be modified or cancelled in heavy rain, but the event itself won’t be cancelled. Disney rarely offers refunds for weather.

Can I leave and come back?

Once you leave Disneyland Park, you typically cannot re-enter. However, you can move between areas within Disneyland Park freely during your ticketed time.

How limited is capacity?

Disney doesn’t release exact numbers, but Sweetheart’s Nite is a “limited capacity” event, meaning significantly fewer guests than a normal park day. This is what creates the shorter wait times and more intimate atmosphere.

Can I use my Disney Genie+ or Lightning Lane?

No, Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Individual Lightning Lane selections are not available during Sweetheart’s Nite event hours. You’ll need to use the standby lines.

What time should I arrive?

Most people recommend arriving between 5:00-5:30 PM, even though early entry doesn’t start until 6 PM. Lines form early, and arriving early means you’ll have more time during the 6-9 PM period.

Can single people attend or is it only for couples?

Everyone is welcome! While it’s called “Sweetheart’s” Nite, you’ll see couples, friend groups, families, and solo guests. Love and friendship come in all forms, and Disney celebrates them all!

Final Tips for Making Magical Memories

Sweetheart’s Nite is truly one of the most special events Disneyland offers all year! Whether you’re celebrating with your significant other, your best friend, your mom, or your whole family, this event creates memories you’ll never forget!

Here’s how to make sure your night is absolutely perfect:

Set Realistic Expectations – You won’t be able to do everything in four hours. Pick your top priorities and focus on those.

Be Flexible – If a character line is too long or a show is full, don’t stress. There’s so much to see and do.

Embrace the Magic – This isn’t just another park day. Slow down, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy the romantic touches Disney has added everywhere.

Take Lots of Photos – Remember, PhotoPass downloads are free! Take advantage of the photographers at every photo op.

Don’t Skip the Entertainment – The Royal Ball, cavalcade, and special shows are what make this event unique. Prioritize them over rides.

Wear Comfortable Shoes – You’ll be on your feet for 7+ hours when you factor in the early entry time.

Make It Your Own – Whether you want to dress up in full costumes or keep it casual, whether you want to ride every ride or just meet characters—there’s no wrong way to enjoy Sweetheart’s Nite.

Most importantly, just be present. Put down your phone (except for photos!), hold hands with your sweetheart, laugh with your friends, and let Disney magic surround you. These are the moments you’ll remember long after the night is over!

Your Sweetheart’s Nite Adventure Awaits

Disneyland After Dark: Sweetheart’s Nite transforms the Happiest Place on Earth into the most romantic place on earth for one magical evening! With exclusive entertainment you can’t see any other time, rare character encounters, enchanting photo opportunities, and that special Disney magic cranked up to eleven, it’s an experience unlike any other!

Yes, tickets are pricey. Yes, they sell out fast. And yes, you’ll have to plan strategically to make the most of your four hours! But ask anyone who’s been, and they’ll tell you the same thing—it’s absolutely worth it!

So start planning now! Mark your calendar for when tickets go on sale (December 9-11, 2025 for the 2026 events). Decide who you’re taking (your sweetheart, your best friend, your family). Start dreaming about which characters you want to meet and which photo ops will make your Instagram feed glow!

Because soon, you’ll be walking down Main Street, U.S.A. with hearts floating overhead, love songs filling the air, and the person you care about most right by your side! You’ll dance at the Royal Ball with Disney royalty! You’ll recreate the Lady and the Tramp spaghetti scene. You’ll stay up until 1 AM riding your favorite attractions and eating heart-shaped treats!

That’s the magic of Sweetheart’s Nite! And it’s waiting for you!

Now go get those tickets before they sell out—your fairytale night at Disneyland is calling! ✨💕