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Disney World After Hours Event: Is It Worth It?

Disney is offering it’s after hours special park ticket again for this summer. For about $120 you get an extra three hours in Magic Kingdom after official closing time. Most major attractions are open, and it also includes some snacks and drinks.

I know some Disney folks have done this event and loved it. Here’s my take on it- the only way I’d recommend going is if you are only at WDW for a very short trip and need to squeeze as much as possible in during that time. Because crowds are so low during the event you’ll get thru a lot of attractions very quickly. But, overall, I don’t really think it’s worth the money.

The reason is that almost any day you can stay late at Magic Kingdom and have almost the same experience for no extra money. If you plan to stay very late (at least 90 min after officially closing time) the park will really empty out and lines will drop. Most people leave after the fireworks. Once the park officially closes you can move to the Main Street/castle area and enjoy the shops for an additional hour.

disney after dark walt disney worls empty park shots

Then you can hang around and get those empty park shot like the one I got above. (Just an iPhone pic, but still fun to be there when it’s so empty.) This photo was taken about 11:15 on a night the park closed at 10pm. If I’d have waited around another 30 minutes I could have got the shot with no one else in it.  Again, you can do this any night. No extra ticket needed.

But, if you do decide you want to try the extra ticket event, here’s the details:

Admission to Disney After Hours can be purchased in advance for $119 per adult or child, plus tax—or purchased on the day of the event for $124 per adult or child, plus tax. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can take advantage of specially priced tickets for just $89 per adult or child, plus tax.

The event takes place 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM:

  • Thursday, June 28, 2018
  • Saturday, June 30, 2018
  • Saturday, July 7, 2018
  • Monday, July 9, 2018
  • Saturday, July 14, 2018
  • Saturday, July 21, 2018
  • Saturday, July 28, 2018
  • Saturday, August 4, 2018
  • Saturday, August 11, 2018

And 9:00 PM to midnight:

  • Thursday, August 30, 2018
  • Thursday, September 20, 2018

For booking, please call the Disney Reservation Center at (407) 827-7185 or click here for more information.

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