Have you ever dreamed of having Magic Kingdom almost all to yourself?
For a few select nights, Disney is making that dream a reality with Magic Kingdom After Hours. This separately ticketed event promises low wait times, rare character meet and greets, and unlimited complimentary snacks. But with tickets costing up to $185, is it really worth the price? Let’s break it all down.
What Is Magic Kingdom After Hours?
Magic Kingdom After Hours is a limited-capacity event that gives guests three exclusive hours in the park after it closes to regular visitors. The event officially runs from 10 PM to 1 AM, but ticket holders can enter as early as 7PM — giving you up to six hours in the park.
Tickets cost $175 to $185 per person (before tax), with discounts available for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members. These events at Magic Kingdom happen on select nights between January and May, so if you’re planning a trip, check Disney’s calendar for availability.
What’s Included in the Ticket Price?
While the price is steep, Magic Kingdom After Hours does offer some big perks:
- Super Low Crowds – With limited ticket sales, crowd levels are significantly lower than during the day. Think near-empty walkways and minimal wait times.
- Short Wait Times for Popular Rides – Attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Space Mountain often have waits of 10 minutes or less.
- Rare Character Meet & Greets – Some characters appear exclusively during After Hours events, and classic characters may be dressed in special outfits.
- Complimentary Snacks – Unlimited Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars, popcorn, and select bottled drinks are included with your ticket.
- A Completely Different Park Atmosphere – With lower crowds and nighttime lighting, the park feels extra magical.
Why It Might Be Worth It
If you’re all about low crowds and riding as many attractions as possible, After Hours is a game-changer. During a typical day at Magic Kingdom, some of the most popular rides can have wait times exceeding 90 to 120 minutes. At After Hours, you’re looking at a fraction of that time, or in some cases, walk-on rides.
It’s also a great option for character fans. Some rare and hard-to-find characters show up during After Hours, and the lines to meet them are significantly shorter than during regular park hours.
And let’s not forget the complimentary snacks. While they won’t replace a full meal, unlimited Mickey Bars, popcorn, and bottled drinks can help offset some of the cost, especially if you take advantage and grab a few throughout the night.
Why It Might Not Be Worth It
For $185 per person, the price is undeniably high — especially for a 3-hour event. If you’re traveling with a family or group, that price adds up quickly.
If you don’t mind daytime crowds and are good at planning, you might be able to accomplish almost as much as you do in a full park day (especially if you arrive early and stay late). While the wait times are dramatically shorter at After Hours, some guests may feel the cost isn’t justified for just a few hours of exclusive access.
Also, if you’re someone who prefers taking it slow and enjoying shows, parades, and dining experiences, After Hours might not be the best use of your budget.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Magic Kingdom After Hours is absolutely worth it IF your goal is to ride as much as possible with little to no wait, meet rare characters, and enjoy an empty-feeling park. The experience of walking onto rides like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is something you won’t get during the day.
BUT if you’re on a tighter budget, don’t mind the crowds, or prefer a more relaxed park experience, you might want to skip this one. For the same price, you could buy a full-day park ticket and a sit-down meal.
Ultimately, it comes down to what kind of Disney experience you’re looking for. If short lines and a private-feeling Magic Kingdom sound like a dream, After Hours just might be worth every penny.
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NEWS: A Popular Disney World After Hours Event Is Returning in 2025
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Will you be attending an After Hours event in 2025? Let us know in the comments!
Years ago parks were open till 1am or even later and not a separate ticket. Way to go WDW, selling the parks twice a day.
I loved the After Hours last year. It was well worth the price. This year, however, was a completely different experience. I just did After Hours on Monday. With Big Thunder closed, Tiana not offered for After Hours, and Tron broken down, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had a wait of 45 minutes and Space Mountain was over 30 minutes. While those waits are shorter than during the day, it still felt like a lot for the After Hours party. Also, I know that non party guests are not made to leave the park, but there were a lot of non party guests still in the park at midnight. I’m not sure it’s worth the price until more “big” rides are open.