Disney After Hours 2026: Dates, Highlights, and Tips

Disney After Hours is Disney World’s popular ticketed nighttime event that lets guests experience a park with far fewer crowds. In 2026, special After Hours nights are offered at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Each event runs roughly 3 hours late at night (usually 9:30 or 10:00 PM to around midnight/1:00 AM), with very limited capacity. Guests who attend get to enjoy many attractions with dramatically lower wait times, plus complimentary ice cream, popcorn, and drinks throughout the evening.

Magic Kingdom After Hours

• Dates & Times: Select nights between January 12 and July 27, 2026. Events run from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM (guests can enter starting at 7:00 PM).

• Tickets: Priced about $175–199 per person (tax extra), depending on date. These special tickets are sold separately from regular park admission.

• Perks: With far fewer guests, you can ride Magic Kingdom’s biggest attractions with short waits. Disney notes, “Enjoy some beloved attractions — with lower wait times” since ticket sales are capped. Plus, enjoy unlimited snacks: ice cream, popcorn, and soft drinks are included.

• Entertainment: This event features the fireworks spectacular Disney Enchantment, presented only during After Hours nights at Magic Kingdom. (This nighttime show is not running on regular days anymore, so After Hours is your chance to see it.)

• Early Entry: Your special ticket lets you enter the park at 7:00 PM without needing an extra ticket or reservation. A note from Disney: “you do not need a park reservation or additional ticket to enter at or after 7:00 PM”, though if you arrive before 7:00 PM you would need a regular park admission and reservation.

• What’s Included: Basically everything during the event hours – rides, attractions, and plenty of free snacks! The fireworks are exclusive to After Hours, so it’s a great way to see that nighttime show with minimal crowds.

EPCOT After Hours

• Dates & Times: Select nights from January 22 through September 24, 2026. Events run 9:30 PM–12:30 AM (early entry at 7:00 PM).

• Tickets: Around $155–179 per person (varies by date). Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members save $30 on the price.

• Perks: Lower waits on top EPCOT attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After, Soarin’, and more. The event includes the same free snacks (ice cream novelties, popcorn, bottled drinks) served at carts around the park. Disney mentions: “Enjoy beloved attractions with lower wait times” and “Encounter some beloved Disney Characters”.

• Nighttime Show: During the After Hours, you can watch Luminous: The Symphony of Us – EPCOT’s new fireworks/drones show – if it’s scheduled. (Check the evening showtimes on event nights.)

• Early Entry: Like Magic Kingdom, your ticket lets you enter EPCOT at 7:00 PM with no need for an extra reservation. This gives you extra time to ride attractions or see World Showcase before the crowds clear out.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios After Hours

• Dates & Times: Select evenings from January 14 to September 12, 2026. Most nights run 9:30 PM–12:30 AM, with a few late-night exceptions (May 30: 10:30 PM–1:30 AM; Sep 12: 10:00 PM–1:00 AM).

• Tickets: Cost about $155–189 per person (date-based pricing). Annual Passholders and DVC members get a $30 discount on event tickets.

• Perks: Enjoy extremely low waits on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, Slinky Dog Dash, Tower of Terror, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Toy Story Mania!, and more. Event ticket holders also get free ice cream, popcorn, and bottled drinks from special carts. Disney advertises “favorite attractions — with lower wait times” and “Meet some beloved Disney Characters” during this event.

• Nighttime Show: Guests can enjoy Fantasmic! on After Hours nights (Fantasmic! was revived recently and runs on select nights). Arrive early to watch the show before it officially starts, then enjoy rides afterward.

• Early Entry: Entry at 7:00 PM is included with your After Hours ticket, without needing a separate reservation. This gives you extra daylight hours to ride or relax before the event officially starts.

Planning Tips

• Get Tickets Early: These limited-capacity events can sell out. For 2026, expect ticket sales to open in late 2025. If you’re staying at a Disney resort, check the dates and book as soon as possible (general public sales usually follow a few days later).

• Make Park Reservations (Day Tickets): Although your After Hours ticket covers you after 7:00 PM, if you arrive earlier you’ll still need a regular park pass or reservation for that date. Plan carefully to avoid gaps in admission.

• Arrive Early: Take advantage of the 7:00 PM entry. This extra time can let you ride a couple of attractions or grab dinner before the event starts. You can even watch the park’s nighttime show (like Enchantment at Magic Kingdom or Luminous at EPCOT) from inside the park before the special After Hours fireworks begin.

• Check Event Inclusions: Disney notes that attractions or entertainment can change without notice. While most big rides are open, some (especially outdoor shows or certain character meets) can be canceled for weather or technical reasons. Always check the latest on the day of your event.

• Enjoy the Snacks: One of the best perks is the free ice cream bars, popcorn, and select drinks. Use this chance to try snacks you might skip on a normal day. It can save time (and a few dollars) late at night when lines for food can be long.

• With Kids: The After Hours events run very late (past midnight), so they’re often better for older kids or adults. Consider the age and energy of your party; staying until the end might not be practical for little ones.

Disney After Hours is a fun way to get “more magic in less time.” You’ll leave the park late at night with extra rides under your belt – a great way to cap off a Disney vacation day. With dates and details confirmed for 2026, guests can start planning now. Just remember: separate event tickets are required, capacity is limited, and check the official schedule on Disney’s site for the latest updates. Enjoy the empty skies and starry nights until the next magical adventure!

Until next time, keep believing in magic. — Behind the Wish