The popular Disney After Hours events are returning to Walt Disney World in 2024, bringing back extra late night magic to three theme parks. These separately ticketed events allow guests to enjoy the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios for three additional hours after regular park close with lower crowds and wait times. Disney has announced the After Hours event dates for 2024 which kick off on January 10th at Hollywood Studios, January 11th at Magic Kingdom, and February 2nd at Epcot. The events run select nights through early April. Here’s an overview of the 2024 Disney After Hours events:
Hollywood Studios After Hours
- Dates: January 10 – April 10, 2024
- Time: 9:30pm – 12:30am
- Ticket prices: $155 – $175 for general admission, discounts for Annual Passholders and DVC members
During Hollywood Studios After Hours, guests can experience popular attractions like Slinky Dog Dash, Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance with minimal wait times. Character greetings, stage shows, and complimentary ice cream novelties and popcorn are also available.
Magic Kingdom After Hours
- Dates: January 11 – April 8, 2024
- Time: 10pm – 1am
- Ticket prices: $155 – $175 for general admission, discounts for Annual Passholders and DVC members
The Magic Kingdom After Hours event allows guests to experience over 20 attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight, and the new TRON Lightcycle Run. For 2024, Disney is bringing back the nighttime fireworks show Enchantment exclusively during the After Hours events. Magic Kingdom will also offer a standby queue for TRON Lightcycle Run, allowing guests to experience the high-demand ride without needing a Lightning Lane reservation.
Epcot After Hours
- Dates: February 2 – April 4, 2024
- Time: 10pm – 1am
- Ticket prices: $149 – $159 for general admission, discounts for Annual Passholders and DVC members
Epcot After Hours provides short wait access to fan favorites like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After, and the high-thrill Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. The park’s Soarin’, Test Track, and Spaceship Earth attractions will also be open.
Benefits of Disney After Hours
The Disney After Hours events provide a unique late night park experience with several advantages:
- Lower crowds and wait times – With limited ticket availability, crowds are capped at a lower level than regular park days. This allows guests to experience more attractions in less time.
- Complimentary snacks – Unlimited ice cream novelties, popcorn, and select beverages are included throughout the event.
- Exclusive entertainment – Magic Kingdom After Hours brings back the Enchantment fireworks show only during these events.
- Bonus park time – After Hours tickets allow entry as early as 7pm, giving guests 2-3 extra hours in the park before the event starts.
- Standby access options – Magic Kingdom provides standby access for TRON Lightcycle Run, while Epcot is expected to offer standby for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind based on past events.
After Hours Event Tickets
Tickets for the 2024 After Hours events at all three parks go on sale November 14, 2023 for the general public. Guests staying at select Walt Disney World hotels can purchase them earlier starting November 7 by calling 407-W-Disney.Pricing ranges from $155-$175 for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios events. Epcot After Hours tickets are $149-$159 for advance purchase. Further discounts are offered to Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members. It’s recommended to purchase tickets early, as popular event nights may sell out. The limited tickets help maintain lower crowds and wait times.
Tips for Disney After Hours Events
To maximize your time during Disney After Hours, here are some tips:
- Arrive early – Enter the park at 7pm to get a head start on attractions before the event begins.
- Prioritize the most popular rides – Focus first on attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Rise of the Resistance which will have the longest waits during regular hours.
- Plan an efficient route – Criss-crossing the park can waste valuable time. Develop an optimal route hitting must-do rides.
- Grab snacks along the way – Take advantage of the free treats to refuel while continuing to ride.
- Meet characters with no wait – Lines for characters are much shorter during After Hours events.
- See both fireworks shows at Magic Kingdom – Catch Happily Ever After before the event starts, then see Enchantment during After Hours.
- Stay until the end – Ride waits often get even shorter in the last hour as guests leave early.
Experience the Magic After Hours
Disney After Hours events provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the parks like never before. Take advantage of nearly empty queues on some of Disney’s most popular attractions, all while enjoying free snacks and exclusive entertainment. After Hours allows you to pack more magic into your Walt Disney World vacation by extending your theme park days into the late night hours. With the ability to enter at 7pm and stay until 1am, After Hours events are a splurge that avid Disney park fans will find worthwhile. Be sure to purchase your tickets early as nights can sell out. Then arrive prepared to maximize every minute and create special memories under the moonlight!
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