BEWARE: You Might Run Into 7 Problems at Disney World’s After Hours Events

Three Disney World parks are holding their After Hours events again in 2024.

Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios have held the event (of their many) already in January, and of course, we were there! There are still plenty of dates to visit these after-dark events in Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and, later on, EPCOT. While being in the parks after closing time is TONS of fun, there are a few things we want to give you a heads up for before you get there.

We had a blast at the After Hours events that we visited. But we ran into these 7 problems and we don’t want you to go through the same issues and surprises we did. We go through it, so you don’t have to.

They’re Shorter Than You Think

Each event is only three hours long for the actual event. While you can get in early (7 PM), you’re only really getting three hours of fewer crowds and therefore lower wait times.

Three hours is probably not nearly enough to do everything like all the shows, rides, and night-time entertainment. If you think that each ride will take you 20 to 30 minutes (at least) to get through each ride from entering the line to walking away from the exit, you really only have time 6 rides in your three-hour time span.

That number is circumstantial and depends on wait times, crowds, and you. So you could get more than 6 rides in or you could get less, and that’s not considering doing anything else.

The Lines Can Take Up All of Your Time

We have one word — TRON. TRON Lightcycle / Run could be the downfall for maximizing the number of rides you get through. During the After Hours events, TRON uses a fully stand-by line (no virtual queues), and on the night we went, its wait time was anywhere between 30 to 45 minutes.

This isn’t a bad wait for a super popular and new ride, by any means! However, when you want to get on all the rides in 3 hours, it’s a bit of a bummer. You could find yourself standing in line longer than you may like for a couple of rides like this at each of the parks.

Food and Drinks Become Mildly Iffy

We LOVE Disney snacks, and free Disney snacks are even better! At the After Hours events, you get complimentary popcorn, ice cream, and drinks — a huge perk.

But here’s what we noticed about these treats. The popcorn was unfortunately the worst serving of Disney popcorn we’ve ever had. They must make the complimentary boxes at the beginning of the night and pre-package them. By the time we got our hands on a box, it was quite stale (and SO salty).

The ice cream, sadly, was already pretty melted when we picked that up, too. The bars sit in carts and by 10 PM, they were already a bit soft and melty — we can’t imagine what they were like later on in the night.

And perhaps the most unfortunate event of the night was that when our reporter opened our bottle of Sprite, it exploded all over her. We’re not sure how they transported the sodas, but we can’t say it was gently.

Limited Characters

Both events at Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom did have some characters that you could meet.

This was GREAT at Hollywood Studios, but Magic Kingdom was certainly lacking. There weren’t a lot of characters in Magic Kingdom and they were all at Princess Fairytale Hall and Town Square.

It was a bit of a letdown in Magic Kingdom, especially when you could meet rare characters like the White Rabbit and Duffy the Bear at Hollywood Studios.

Shows Can Take Up All of Your Time

A big benefit to the Magic Kingdom After Hours event is getting to watch “Enchantment”! But a downside to the event could also be “Enchantment”.

“Enchantment” is a really great night-time spectacular! But if you choose to watch it, another 30 minutes of your 3 hours is taken up.

Feeling Like You’re in Trouble

While at the event, you will need to wear your fancy wristband so the Cast Members know you paid for a ticket and can ride the rides.

One of our reporters joked that she felt like she was in trouble every time they asked to see her band. Of course, you’re not in trouble (as long as you have one!), but they may ask for it quite often, so it’s good to be prepared for that!

Many people might associate rain with summer in Florida. But it can rain (and often does) all year round in the Sunshine State. It can also be very chilly!

While it might not be negative temperatures like some states see in the winter, Florida can certainly get cold! The humidity and rain add to the cold temperatures, making it necessary to bring proper clothing like a raincoat. These rain ponchos can also come in handy!

When it’s down pouring in the middle of a cold winter’s night, these will fit right over your coats and sweaters!

VIEW ON AMAZON

Don’t let these “problems” scare you away from the After Hours events! Overall, we really enjoyed our time. One thing that might help you have an even better night is to set your priorities.

If your priority is to take advantage of low wait times, get to the park by 7 PM and start riding! If you want to see the shows and whichever rides you get to, you get to, then you’ll have no problems!

And even though we had a couple of issues with the snacks, getting free popcorn, Mickey bars, and soda is pretty awesome. Each of these things is just an important reminder to keep in mind on your night in the park.

For more Disney tips, keep following AllEars!

The ONE Reason You Should Go to After Hours Events at Disney World

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Are you planning on attending an After Hours event? Let us know in the comments!