2026 Disney After Hours Guide: Dates & Insider Tips for a Magical Night

Three friends wearing Disney-themed outfits and sunglasses smile under colorful nighttime lights at a Disney After Hours event.

A Night to Remember at Walt Disney World Resort

As the Florida sun dips below the horizon, the energy at Disney World shifts into something extra magical. Whether it’s savoring buttery popcorn under twilight skies or seeing iconic attractions bathed in sparkle, there’s a special allure to roaming the parks after dark.

Disney After Hours events are separately ticketed evenings that transform parks into low‑crowd, high-magic playgrounds. With fewer waits, surprise character appearances, plus complimentary treats and drinks, these nights create unforgettable memories. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect in 2026—and how best to plan your evening of enchantment.


Disney After Hours Tickets: When to Buy

  • Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin, or Shades of Green can begin purchasing After Hours tickets on October 9, 2025.

  • All other guests gain access beginning October 14, 2025.


Magic Kingdom After Hours (2026)

Magic Kingdom is back in the After Hours lineup in 2026. Picture strolling past Cinderella Castle after dark, making a popcorn run, or gliding through Tomorrowland’s neon glow.

  • Event Hours: 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

  • Early Entry: Ticket holders can enter as early as 7:00 p.m.—no separate park reservation needed.

  • Character Surprises: Expect surprise meet‑and‑greet moments throughout the night.

  • Included Snacks: Ice cream novelties, popcorn, and bottled drinks are available across multiple carts throughout the park.

  • Featured Attractions:
     • TRON Lightcycle / Run
     • Space Mountain
     • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
     • Haunted Mansion
     • “it’s a small world”
     • Jungle Cruise
     • Peter Pan’s Flight
     • Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid
     • Mad Tea Party
    (Subject to change.)

2026 Dates for Magic Kingdom After Hours
Jan 12 · Jan 19 · Feb 2 · Feb 9 · Feb 23 · Mar 2 · Mar 9 · Apr 13 · Apr 20 · May 4 · May 11 · May 18 · May 25 · Jun 1 · Jun 22 · Jun 29 · Jul 13 · Jul 27

Secure your night in advance—these events tend to sell out.


Hollywood Studios After Hours (2026)

If the silver screen is your vibe, Hollywood Studios After Hours is ready to shine on select nights through September 12, 2026.

  • Typical Event Hours: 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

  • Early Entry: As early as 7:00 p.m.

  • Notable Exceptions:
     • May 30 event: 10:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m.
     • Sept 12 event: 10:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m.

Rides You Can Hit

  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

  • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

  • Slinky Dog Dash

  • Alien Swirling Saucers

  • Toy Story Mania!

  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Extras to Anticipate

  • Character roaming throughout the park

  • Bars serving cocktails and brews

  • Light fare in venues like Oga’s Cantina, KRNR The Rock Station, Milk Stand, Woody’s Lunch Box

  • Complimentary popcorn, ice cream, and bottled beverages at multiple spots

2026 Dates for Hollywood Studios After Hours
Jan 14 · Jan 28 · Feb 4 · Feb 11 · Feb 21 · Feb 25 · Apr 29 · May 6 · May 14 · May 30 · Jun 3 · Jun 10 · Jun 17 · Jun 24 · Jul 1 · Jul 8 · Jul 15 · Jul 22 · Jul 29 · Aug 5 · Aug 12 · Aug 19 · Aug 26 · Sep 2 · Sep 12

Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members may receive a $30 discount per ticket.


EPCOT After Hours (2026)

EPCOT steps into the nighttime spotlight with After Hours events running through September 24, 2026.

  • Event Hours: 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

  • Entry Window: Ticket holders can enter starting at 7:00 p.m.

Attractions Available Late Night

  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

  • New in 2026 – Test Track

  • Frozen Ever After

  • Soarin’

  • Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

  • Living with the Land

  • Mission: SPACE

  • The Seas with Nemo & Friends

  • Spaceship Earth
    (Subject to change.)

Character Appearances

  • Mickey at the Dreamer statue

  • Goofy at the DJ dance party in CommuniCore Plaza

  • Minnie at the France gazebo

Entertainment & Eats

  • Goofy hosts a DJ dance party—an interactive, festive experience

  • Canada Mill Stage becomes a gathering hub to dance or relax

  • Food & beverages available at World Showcase kiosks, Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, Rose & Crown Pub, and more

  • Complimentary snacks (ice cream, popcorn, bottled drinks) included across multiple locations

2026 Dates for EPCOT After Hours
Jan 22 · Jan 29 · Feb 19 · Mar 5 · Mar 12 · Apr 2 · Apr 9 · Apr 15 · Apr 23 · Apr 30 · May 21 · Jun 11 · Jun 18 · Jul 9 · Jul 23 · Aug 6 · Aug 13 · Sep 16 · Sep 24

Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members may receive a $30 discount per ticket.


A Dream Start: Water Park + After Hours

Visiting a Disney Resort hotel comes with a perk: on check‑in day, guests can enjoy free access to a Disney water park. Why not arrive early, drop off your bags, splash in the wave pool or zoom down slides, and then carry that energy forward into an After Hours evening?

That way, the magic stretches from morning to night. With lower lines, surprise moments, included snacks, and relaxed vibes, After Hours is a standout experience for newcomers and seasoned Disney fans alike.

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