What happens at After Hours events at Disney parks
COMMENTARY Plus, you can opt to ride over and over, sometimes without actually getting out of the ride vehicle.
• You can get in a little extra. After Hours events officially run from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., but ticket holders are allowed admission at 7 p.m. There will be a lot of day guests around, but you can catch a show or ride not offered in After Hours mode.
• The parks are not entirely operational. There are wide-open spaces, for sure, but not everything is open for business. Some rides and entire areas – such as DAK’s Africa – are shut down, and just a handful of restaurants are open. The same goes for shops.
• The price of admission includes a few snacks – popcorn and Mickeyshaped ice cream, mostly. Although, I saw a woman walk about with a dozen Mickey bars. There are free soft drinks and a few other menu items for sale. I saw beer and hot dogs.
• Upon arrival, you are issued an After Hours wristband. That identifies folks who paid to stay late. Folks without the bands are gently shooed out by cast members, who also regularly check for them during the event. You might be able to linger in the theme park without a wristband, but you wouldn’t get to do anything.
• There are a smattering of characters. There were more at Hollywood Studios than at Animal Kingdom, where we didn’t even see (real-life) animals.
• It’s a little bit spooky. Areas of the parks are surprisingly dark and you might feel oddly alone at times. Hollywood Studios was brighter overall, and not just because it has the sparkle of its holiday lighting.
• Is it worth it? Well, that’s between you and your bank balance. I’m inclined to think I’d rather have $125, but that could be my inner annual passholder talking. I can see how someone with limited time or a photographer wanting nice nighttime shots would be drawn. And if you’re with a big group or part of the double-wide stroller set, the idea of moving with ease through a Disney park would be tempting.
Remaining dates for Animal Kingdom’s After Hours one are Dec. 18, Jan. 8, Jan. 16, Jan. 22, Jan. 31, Feb. 5, Feb. 6, Feb. 12, Feb. 13, Feb 10, Feb. 26, March 5, March 20, March 27 and April 3.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios After Hours are Dec. 15, Dec. 22, Jan. 5, Jan. 12, Jan. 19, Feb. 2, Feb. 9, Feb. 16, March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23, March 30, April 6 and April 13.
After Hours events come back to Magic Kingdom in 2019, including Feb. 21, March 21, March 28, April 4 and April 11.
For more information – including what exact attractions operate during After Hours -- check out Disneyworld.com/afterhours. For reservations, call 407-939-7795.