Disney After Hours at the Magic Kingdom. Is it worth it?

Disney After Hours is a hard-ticket event that is hosted at the Magic Kingdom on select dates in February and March. It allows you to ride most rides with little or no waiting, and enjoy complimentary Ice Cream Bars, Popcorn, Bottled Sodas and Water for up to 5 hours. Is it worth it?

Before we begin, don’t confuse Extra Magic Hours with Disney After Hours. Extra Magic Hours are a benefit to every guest staying in an official Disney World Resort at no additional cost. Disney After Hours is a special hard-ticket party that is available only to those who pay the additional cost. Any guest may purchase a Disney After Hours ticket.
When you attend the Disney After Hours party, you’ll be allowed to enter the park at 7pm and stay for 3 hours after park closing.  You’ll enjoy an empty park with special treats and great empty park photos.

WHAT ATTRACTIONS ARE OPEN?
Adventureland:
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Jungle Cruise
Pirates of the Caribbean
Swiss Family Treehouse
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Fantasyland:
The Barnstormer
Dumbo
it’s a small world
Mad Tea Party
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mickey’s Philharmagic
Peter Pan’s Flight
Price Charming Carousel
Princess Fairytale Hall
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid

Frontierland:
Big Thunder Mountain
Country Bear Jamboree
Splash Mountain

Liberty Square:
Haunted Mansion

Main Street U.S.A:
Meet Mickey Mouse

Tomorrowland:
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Space Mountain
Tomorrowland Speedway

PHOTOPASS:
Photopass photographers are stationed in various locations within the park for special Magic Shot and Castle photos. I’ll confirm the locations in January. If you want empty park castle photos, just wait until later in the party and you’ll likely get photos with NO ONE in them.

COMPLIMENTARY SNACKS:
Bottled Soda and Water
Ice Cream Novelties
Popcorn

FOOD FOR PURCHASE:
Main Street Bakery
The Friar’s Nook
The Lunching Pad

SOUVENIRS FOR PURCHASE:
Main Street Emporium

WHAT DISNEY AFTER HOURS DOES NOT OFFER:
This special event is mostly about rides with no waiting, especially during the last couple hours of the party. It does not offer any type of special parade or fireworks. I think it would sell much better if they offered a special parade or fireworks.

 

DISNEY AFTER HOURS DATES AND TIMES:

Disney After Hours Event Hours

• January 19, 26, 30; February 8, 2018 tickets: 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM
• February 15; March 1, 8, 2018 tickets: 9:00 PM to midnight

Event Check-In

• Official check-in for the event will take place at the Main Entrance to Magic Kingdom park beginning at 7:00 PM.
• Event begins at park closing time and continues for 3 hours.

DISNEY AFTER HOURS COST:

Tickets cost $119 for adults and children.  There is a discounted price of $89 available for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members.

Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 407-827-7185.

 

PLANNING YOUR NIGHT AT DISNEY AFTER HOURS:

• Arrive at Magic Kingdom by 6:30pm, if you aren’t also using a day ticket.  I’ll check on in-park locations in January.
• Use a Fastpass or two.
• Watch Happily Ever After Fireworks
• Enjoy the rides by following my Disney After Hours plan on Character Locator.  It will help you enjoy your full-time in the park with no waits.

IS IT WORTH IT?

Well, that’s a bit of a judgment call.   If you’d like to feel like you have the park to yourself and do a bunch of rides in the Magic Kingdom with little or no waiting while gorging on high carb snacks, then the party can be worth it for you.  If you are planning on spending a couple of days in the Magic Kingdom during your trip, there may not be much value in visiting this hard ticket party.

What do you say?  Is it worth it to you?