2026 Disney After Hours Dates and Planning Tips for the Perfect Night Out

There’s just something magical about the parks after dark. Whether it’s the neon glow of Tomorrowland, the sight of fireworks bursting above Cinderella Castle, or the thrill of hopping on your favorite ride with a near-zero wait time, Disney After Hours has become the ultimate late-night perk for Walt Disney World fans.

Disney has now released the full lineup of dates for 2026, along with fresh details on what guests can expect across Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. With exclusive snacks, surprise character encounters, and access to the most popular attractions, these limited-capacity events are shaping up to be a highlight of the new year.

Related: Disney Hollywood Studios Removes Animation Courtyard from Park Maps

Ticket Sales and Early Access

Guests staying at select Disney Resort hotels, the Swan and Dolphin, or Shades of Green can purchase After Hours tickets beginning October 9, 2025. All other guests can join the fun starting October 14, 2025.

Each After Hours ticket includes complimentary ice cream novelties, popcorn, and bottled drinks, plus early entry into the parks at 7 p.m. — giving you extra time to soak in the atmosphere before the official event kicks off.

Magic Kingdom After Hours 2026

Running from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., Magic Kingdom After Hours brings the classics to life under the stars.

Highlights include:

• TRON Lightcycle / Run
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Space Mountain
• Haunted Mansion
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Jungle Cruise

Don’t miss Disney Enchantment, presented by Pandora Jewelry, a fireworks and projection spectacular that caps off your evening with a dose of Disney magic.

Magic Kingdom Dates: Jan 12, Jan 19, Feb 2, Feb 9, Feb 23, Mar 2, Mar 9, Apr 13, Apr 20, May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25, Jun 1, Jun 22, Jun 29, Jul 13, Jul 27

Hollywood Studios After Hours 2026

From Batuu to Toy Story Land, this is your chance to experience blockbuster thrills with shorter waits. Events typically run from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., though May 30 (10:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m.) and Sept 12 (10 p.m.–1 a.m.) have adjusted hours.

Highlights include:

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Tower of Terror

Surprise character encounters, Oga’s Cantina open for walk-ups, and plenty of snacks make it a star-studded night.

Hollywood Studios Dates: Jan 14, Jan 28, Feb 4, Feb 11, Feb 21, Feb 25, Apr 29, May 6, May 14, May 30, Jun 3, Jun 10, Jun 17, Jun 24, Jul 1, Jul 8, Jul 15, Jul 22, Jul 29, Aug 5, Aug 12, Aug 19, Aug 26, Sep 2, Sep 12

EPCOT After Hours 2026

Running 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., EPCOT’s After Hours now goes an extra half-hour later into the night. With Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and a newly reimagined Test Track on the lineup, there’s no shortage of thrills.

Plus, characters like Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy will be out and about for low-key meet and greets.

EPCOT Dates: Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb 19, Mar 5, Mar 12, Apr 2, Apr 9, Apr 15, Apr 23, Apr 30, May 21, Jun 11, Jun 18, Jul 9, Aug 6, Aug 13, Sep 16, Sep 24

Related: The Magic Has Landed: Disney Parks Merchandise Launches at Selfridges!

A Dream Arrival Day Plan

If you’re arriving in summer 2026, Resort guests can sweeten the deal with complimentary admission to a Disney water park on check-in day. Picture this: a lazy river glide at Typhoon Lagoon by day, then TRON Lightcycle / Run at night. That’s what we call the perfect first day of vacation.

Final Tips

• Buy your tickets early, as many dates will sell out.
• Enter at 7 p.m. to maximize your time in the parks.
• Don’t skip the free snacks — they’re a fan-favorite perk.
• For Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members, don’t forget the $30 per ticket discount at Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.

With smaller crowds, special surprises, and Disney icons glowing after dark, 2026 After Hours events are a must-do for anyone planning a trip.