Hey there, fellow Star Wars fan! If you’re dreaming about lightsabers, Wookiees, and that galaxy far, far away, you’re in the right place! Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite isn’t just another ticketed event—it’s basically the cantina scene come to life, but with shorter lines and way better snacks! Doesn’t matter if you’re a Jedi Master or just someone who knows “these aren’t the droids you’re looking for,” our guide has everything you need to plan the perfect night!

What Actually Is Star Wars Nite? (And Why It’s Different)

So here’s the deal: Star Wars Nite is part of Disneyland’s After Dark series, which means it’s a separately ticketed party that happens after the park closes to regular guests. While the event officially runs from 9pm to 1am, your ticket gets you in starting at 6pm—that’s right, you get three extra hours to play before the real fun even starts. Unlike a regular day at Disneyland where you’re fighting crowds for everything, this event caps attendance way down!

We’re talking maybe 30-40% of normal capacity, which means you can actually ride Rise of the Resistance multiple times without wanting to throw your lightsaber at someone! The whole park transforms with Star Wars music pumping everywhere, special projections on the castle and Matterhorn, and characters roaming around that you’d never see during normal hours!

2025-2026 Dates & When to Buy Tickets

Mark your calendars, because these dates sell out faster than the Millennium Falcon made the Kessel Run.

2025 Dates (Already Happened But Good for Planning Reference):

April 8, 10, 22, 24, 29
May 1, 4, 6

2026 Dates (Just Announced!):

April 28, 30
May 4, 6

Ticket prices for 2025 started at $169 and went up to $189 for May the 4th (because of course they do). For 2026, expect similar pricing, though Disney hasn’t released official numbers yet.

When Tickets Go On Sale:

Magic Key holders get first dibs (Inspire Key holders get earliest access)
General public sales happen a day or two later
Tickets typically drop in late January/early February

Pro tip: Set up the “notify me” option on Disney’s website so you don’t have to camp out refreshing like you’re waiting for concert tickets.

Who Should Go? (And Who Should Skip)

Let’s be real—this event isn’t cheap. At nearly $200 per person, you need to know if it’s worth your galactic credits.

You’ll Love It If:

You’re a hardcore Star Wars fan who gets hyped about meeting obscure characters
You want to ride the big attractions multiple times with minimal waits
You love dressing up in costume (more on that later!)
You’re a photographer who wants those epic lightsaber shots

Maybe Skip If:

You’re not really into Star Wars (seriously, the music and theming will be lost on you)
You have very young kids who can’t stay up past 9pm
You’re on a tight budget—the event is cool but not worth going into debt over

The sweet spot is families with kids aged 8+ who can handle the late hours and appreciate the characters. Teenagers who are into The Mandalorian or Ahsoka will absolutely lose their minds!

Character Meet & Greets: Where to Find Your Favorites

This is where Star Wars Nite really shines! They pull out characters you’d never see during a regular park day, and they’re scattered all over the park so you can basically do a Star Wars scavenger hunt.

Tomorrowland (Near Star Wars Launch Bay):

Luke Skywalker
Princess Leia with R2-D2
Emperor Palpatine with Royal Guards
Captain Phasma during March of the First Order

Tomorrowland Terrace Stage:

Darth Vader
Darth Maul
Imperial Stormtroopers

Galaxy’s Edge (The Main Event):

Rey at the Millennium Falcon (lightsaber meet-up)
The Mandalorian with Grogu at Black Spire Marketplace
Ahsoka Tano
Hera Syndulla and Chopper
C-3PO
Fennec Shand

Random Spots Around the Park:

Jawas in Adventureland
Ewoks in Critter Country
BB-8 in Frontierland
Queen Amidala at Fantasyland Royal Theatre

The lines for characters can get long—especially for Darth Vader and The Mandalorian with Grogu. Some fans report waiting 45+ minutes for the most popular ones. My advice? Prioritize your absolute must-meets early in the night, or be prepared to sacrifice other activities!

Food & Drinks: The Actual Stars of the Show

Forget the rides—the food at Star Wars Nite is legitimately incredible. We’re talking over 20 exclusive items that you can’t get any other time. The culinary team goes full creative mode here!

Must-Try Savory Items:

Loaded Tatooine Toast at Stage Door Café (basically buffalo ranch chicken on garlic toast)
Honey-Chipotle-Glazed Kalbi Ribs at Bengal Barbecue (blue rice? Yes please)
Nevarro Lava Canyon Bread at Edelweiss Snacks (BBQ burnt ends in cheesy pretzel bread)
Loomis Wrap at Ronto Roasters (plant-based Impossible burger wrap)

Sweet Treats & Drinks:

Pineapple and Ube Crescent Sundae at Tropical Hideaway (Dole Whip with tapioca pearls)
Sorgan Cooler at Hungry Bear (raspberry Powerade with gummy frogs—Grogu would approve)
Hibiscus Limeade with a lightsaber swizzle stick
Green Milk with lychee jelly and popping spheres

Everything is themed down to the smallest detail. The popcorn buckets and sippers are collectible items that sell out fast, so grab them early if you’re into merch.

Mobile order is your best friend here! Order during the mix-in period (6-9pm) and schedule pickup for right when the event starts so you’re not wasting precious party time in food lines.

Entertainment: Shows, Parades, and That Epic Lightsaber Moment

The entertainment lineup is packed, and you physically cannot see it all in one night. That’s by design—they want you coming back!

Main Shows to Catch:

Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga (Galaxy’s Edge)

Projection show on the spires of Batuu
Tells Anakin and Luke’s story
Happens before fireworks, multiple showtimes
Best viewing spot is near the Millennium Falcon, but don’t get too close or you’ll miss the full effect

Fire of the Rising Moons/Fireworks (Multiple Locations)

Star Wars-themed fireworks show
You can watch from Galaxy’s Edge or Main Street
Syncs with John Williams’ music

Lightsaber Meet-Up with Rey (Millennium Falcon)

Literally hundreds of lightsabers lighting up together
Happens at specific times (9pm, 10pm, 11pm)
Bring your own lightsaber or just watch the spectacle

Fans of the Force Costume Cavalcade (Main Street)

Dress up and march down Main Street with Mickey and Minnie
Ends with a group photo in front of the castle
Happens at 10:25pm and 11:25pm

Lightsaber Instructional (Fantasyland)

Learn actual lightsaber moves from an “elite instructor”
Surprisingly fun for all ages

Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes (Rivers of America)

The cantina band floats by playing their iconic tunes
Pure nostalgia

The biggest mistake people make is trying to do everything. Pick 2-3 absolute must-dos and build your night around those. Everything else is gravy!

What Rides Are Actually Open?

During Star Wars Nite, most of Disneyland’s major attractions stay open, and the lines are ridiculously short! We’re talking 5-15 minute waits for most things.

Star Wars Attractions:

Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (closes at 10pm or 11pm, so ride early)
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Hyperspace Mountain overlay

Other Popular Rides:

Pirates of the Caribbean
Haunted Mansion
Indiana Jones Adventure
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Matterhorn Bobsleds (closes early some nights)
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Rise of the Resistance is the big draw, but it often closes early during the event! Check the app for exact times and prioritize it during the mix-in period if possible. Some rides like Matterhorn and Toontown may close before the event officially starts, so don’t bank on those!

Costume Guidelines: How to Dress Without Getting Turned Away

Dressing up is half the fun, but Disney has rules. For guests 14 and older, you can’t wear full costumes that look like you work there. Here’s what actually works:

Allowed:

Bounding (outfits inspired by characters using normal clothes)
Jedi robes (but not floor-length)
Lightsabers (plastic/toy only)
Themed t-shirts, hoodies, accessories

Not Allowed:

Masks (unless for medical reasons)
Full character suits
Realistic weapons or anything that looks like an actual weapon
Robes that drag on the ground
Military-style attire

The sweet spot is what fans call “bounding”—wearing normal clothes that evoke a character. Think: beige and brown layers for Han Solo, or a green jacket for Luke. Tons of people do this and it looks amazing in photos!

Kids under 14 can wear pretty much whatever they want, including full costumes!

Merchandise: Exclusive Stuff You Can’t Get Elsewhere

The event-exclusive merch is a huge draw, but you need a strategy. The main merch location is typically in Tomorrowland (former Starcade area) or in an alley of Galaxy’s Edge.

2025 Exclusives Included:

Black Minnie ears with neon Rebel/Empire logos ($35)
Hoodies with neon Darth Vader designs ($80)
Spinning logo pins with Rebel/Empire crests ($23)
Light-up character sippers
Limited-edition t-shirts with neon graphics

The lines for merch can be insane—some people report waiting over an hour just to shop. If you want something specific, go straight there when you check in at 6pm. Don’t wait until later when stock runs low!

Magic Key holders get discounts on merch (10-20% depending on key tier), so bring your pass!

PhotoPass: Unlimited Downloads Included

Your ticket includes unlimited digital downloads of all PhotoPass photos taken during the event. This is actually a huge value if you use it right!

Scan the QR code on your wristband into the Disneyland app
PhotoPass photographers are stationed at all character meet & greets
Special Magic Shots with Star Wars effects are available
Includes ride photos too

The photographers know all the best poses and can add lightsaber effects or other Star Wars magic. Take advantage of this—it’s included in your ticket price, so you might as well get your money’s worth!

Parking, Transportation & Logistics

Getting to and from the event is pretty straightforward, but there are some things to know.

Parking:

Standard parking is $40 per car (as of 2025)
Preferred parking is $60 if you want to be closer
Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals parking structures use trams
Toy Story parking area uses buses

Transportation Runs Late:

Trams and buses operate until 2am for After Dark events
If you’re staying at a nearby hotel, you can walk or use rideshare

Pro Tips:

Arrive by 5:30pm to get through security and parking before the 6pm mix-in
Keep your parking receipt—you’ll need it if you leave and come back
Download the Disneyland app before you arrive

Season of the Force vs. Star Wars Nite: What’s the Difference?

This confuses a lot of people, so let’s clear it up:

Season of the Force is a daytime celebration that runs from late March to mid-May. It’s included with regular park admission and features:

Hyperspace Mountain overlay
Themed food and merchandise
Shadows of Memory projection show

Star Wars Nite is a separate ticketed event that happens during Season of the Force. It includes everything from Season of the Force plus:

Rare characters
Exclusive food and merch
Lightsaber meet-ups
Much lower crowds
Unlimited PhotoPass downloads

You don’t need to attend Season of the Force to go to Star Wars Nite, but they overlap. If you’re a super fan, doing both is the ultimate experience!

Is It Actually Worth $169?

Look, $169-$189 per person is a lot of money. That’s more than a regular one-day ticket. So is it worth it?

Yes, If You:

Are a serious Star Wars fan who will appreciate the theming
Want to ride Rise of the Resistance and Smuggler’s Run multiple times
Love character meet & greets with rare figures
Enjoy exclusive food and merch
Can stay up late and use the full 7 hours (6pm-1am)

Maybe Not, If You:

Are only mildly into Star Wars
Have young kids who won’t make it past 10pm
Are on a tight budget—regular Disneyland is still amazing
Just want to ride rides (consider a regular After Hours event instead)

The value is really in the combination of everything: short lines + exclusive content + rare characters + special entertainment. If you only care about one of those things, it might not be worth it. But if you want the full immersive experience, it’s honestly a pretty good deal!

Essential Tips for First-Timers

After reading dozens of trip reports and watching countless videos, here are the pro moves that actually matter:

Before You Go:

Download the Disneyland app and link your ticket
Charge your phone and bring a portable battery (you’ll be taking tons of photos)
Buy your lightsaber ahead of time if you want one for the meet-up (Savi’s Workshop reservations fill up)
Mobile order food during the day for pickup at 8-9pm

When You Arrive (6pm):

Check in immediately at Tomorrowland or Galaxy’s Edge to get your wristband and guide map
Ride Rise of the Resistance first if it’s on your list—it closes early
Scope out character lines to see what’s building up
Grab dinner before the event starts at 9pm

During the Event (9pm-1am):

Pick 2-3 must-do activities and prioritize those
Hit merch early if you want it—lines get insane
Use PhotoPass at every opportunity—it’s free downloads
Stay flexible—lines ebb and flow, and you can usually find short waits after 11pm

What to Bring:

Portable phone charger (non-negotiable)
Comfortable shoes (you’ll walk 15,000+ steps)
Light jacket (it gets cold at 1am)
Your lightsaber if you have one
A small bag for merch and snacks

FAQ: The Questions Everyone Actually Asks

Q: Do I need a separate park reservation for Star Wars Nite?
A: Nope! Your event ticket lets you into Disneyland starting at 6pm. No reservation needed.

Q: Can I leave and come back during the event?
A: Yes, you can exit and re-enter. Just show your event ticket and wristband. Keep your parking receipt if you drove.

Q: What happens to regular park guests when the event starts?
A: The park closes to day guests at 8pm. Cast Members start clearing out non-event ticket holders around 9pm. Only people with wristbands can stay.

Q: Are all the rides open?
A: Most major rides are open, but some close early (Rise of the Resistance, Matterhorn, Toontown). Check the app for exact times.

Q: Can I wear my costume before 9pm?
A: Yes! Once you’re checked in and have your wristband (starting at 6pm), you can wear your costume.

Q: Is it worth it for families with kids?
A: Depends on the kids’ ages and bedtime. Kids 8+ who love Star Wars will have a blast. Younger kids might not make it to the fun stuff.

Q: What’s the difference between Star Wars Nite and Season of the Force?
A: Season of the Force is free with admission (daytime theming). Star Wars Nite is a separate ticket with exclusive content, characters, and much lower crowds.

Q: Do Magic Key holders get discounts on tickets?
A: Unfortunately, no. There are no discounts on Star Wars Nite tickets, even for Magic Key holders. But you do get merch and food discounts during the event.

Q: What if Rise of the Resistance is closed during the event?
A: It happens, and it sucks. Disney doesn’t offer refunds for ride closures. Have a backup plan.

Q: How early should I arrive?
A: Aim for 5:30-5:45pm to park, go through security, and be at the gates by 6pm. This gives you maximum mix-in time.

Final Thoughts

Star Wars Nite is one of those rare events that actually lives up to the hype—if you’re the right audience! It’s not perfect (the cost is high, you can’t do everything, and some rides close early), but the combination of rare characters, exclusive food, short lines, and pure Star Wars atmosphere creates something special that you can’t get anywhere else!

The key is going in with a plan but staying flexible! Prioritize what matters most to you, whether that’s meeting The Mandalorian, riding Rise three times, or trying every themed snack. And honestly? Just being surrounded by thousands of other fans, all waving lightsabers and singing along to John Williams, is worth the price of admission alone!

May the Force be with you—and your wallet! Check out our guide on all the Disneyland After Dark Events!

Your Ultimate Guide to Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite