My Honest Review of Disney After Hours Events: Are They Worth the Price?

by Jenna Caron

I have such a love–curiosity–side-eye relationship with Disney After Hours events, so let’s talk about it. Because I know you’re probably thinking the same thing I was: “Is this actually worth it, or am I paying a premium to feel fancy for three hours?”

So here’s the truth.

Let’s start with the biggest perk: the crowds (or lack thereof). Look, if you’ve ever been in Magic Kingdom at 2 PM in July, you know the kind of spiritual journey that heat and crowd combo can send you on. After Hours is the exact opposite. Most of the time, it feels like someone hit the “quiet mode” button on the crowd levels. Rides have lower wait times, characters are out and adorable, and you can actually… breathe??? Revolutionary.

Second perk: unlimited snacks. Is a Mickey bar at 11 PM a personality trait? Because it might be. You get popcorn, ice cream, drinks — basically the things you crave when you’re slightly delirious from being in a theme park past your normal bedtime.

Third perk: beat the heat. I love that after hours events are in the evenings - so in the heat of the Florida summer - you can get a reprieve from the Florida sun! Idk about you but I am a different person in the Florida heat lol.

But here’s the thing nobody tells you:
You need to be a night person for this to be worth it. These events go from 10 PM to 1 AM (ish), and that is simply not everyone’s era. If you’re someone who wants to be cozy in your hotel bed by 9:30 PM… this is not your journey.

Another truth:
Some parks are better for After Hours than others.

• Magic Kingdom? Amazing. You can get SO much done in three hours you’ll feel like you cheated the system. This park has a lot of attractions which spreads the guests out - so you will be able to take advantage of that.
• Hollywood Studios? Also fun, but it depends on which rides you love. I waited in line for 45 minutes for Slinky Dog at midnight. It wasn't the vibe for me. Is it shorter than the daytime wait? Maybe. But not sure it was worth it.
• EPCOT? Honestly… it depends on the weather, your energy, and how many steps you have left in your emotional Fitbit. Shops in the World Showcase are closed, along with any festival booths.

So are Disney After Hours events worth it?
For some people, absolutely yes. If you love low crowds, nighttime park energy, and squeezing as much park time into your trip as possible, this is your Super Bowl.

For others, the cost vs. energy exchange might not be giving what it needs to give. And that’s totally okay. Some Disney experiences are meant to be “oh my gosh, that was iconic,” and others are meant to be “maybe next time.”

My recommendation? Know your travel style. Know your budget. And if you do go — eat as many Mickey bars as your heart desires. You paid for them. 🍦✨ and don't forget to take some for later, too!