2025 Magic Kingdom After Hours Review: Is It Worth It?
Ever dreamed of experiencing Walt Disney World after dark, without the heat, the crowds, and the stress of Lightning Lanes? Well, dreams do come true, because Disney After Hours is returning to Walt Disney World for 2025! This special ticketed event gives guests exclusive access to the park after closing, offering lower wait times for popular attractions, unlimited Mickey Bars, and a chance to experience Disney magic in a more relaxed setting.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about this event, from pricing and dates to the must-ride attractions and whether it’s worth your time (spoiler alert: it totally is!).
What is Disney After Hours?
Disney After Hours is a special event that takes place on select nights at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. It gives you three extra hours in the park with significantly lower crowds, meaning you can ride your favorite attractions with minimal wait times.
But wait, there’s more! Your ticket also includes unlimited complimentary snacks like ice cream novelties, popcorn, and bottled beverages, making it one of the best bang-for-your-buck events Disney offers. No Lightning Lane stress, just pure, easygoing Disney fun.
Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom – Pricing & Dates
The 2025 Disney After Hours events at Magic Kingdom run on select Monday nights from January 6 through May 19, 2025.
Ticket Prices:
Regular Pricing: $175-$185 per person, plus tax
There are no discounts for Annual Passholders or DVC Members
Ticket pricing varies based on the date, so book early!
Event Hours & Entry Details
The official event runs from 10pm to 1am, but Disney is so generous and lets After Hours guests enter as early as 7pm! That gives you an extra three hours in the park before the event even starts. Granted you will have day guests and lines will be longer, however Cast Members do a great job “sweeping” non-party guests out of the park right at 10pm.
If you only have an After Hours ticket, you do not need a separate Disney Park Pass reservation to enter after 7pm, but if you want to visit Magic Kingdom earlier in the day, you’ll need a regular park ticket and reservation. If you're already inside the park, you can receive your wristband at select locations. If you’re arriving at 7pm, you will receive your party wristband after scanning your party ticket.
What Can You Ride During Disney After Hours?
Short answer? Almost everything! Magic Kingdom’s biggest attractions are open, including some that typically have crazy wait times. Here’s the full list:
Adventureland:
Jungle Cruise
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Pirates of the Caribbean
Swiss Family Treehouse
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Liberty Square:
Haunted Mansion
Frontierland:
Country Bear Musical Jamboree
Fantasyland:
Barnstormer
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
“It’s a Small World”
Mad Tea Party
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Peter Pan’s Flight
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
Tomorrowland:
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Space Mountain
Tomorrowland Speedway
PeopleMover
TRON Lightcycle/Run
*Attractions and experiences are subject to change without notice. Admission to this event does not guarantee access to any attraction or experience.
Magic Kingdom lets day guests stay up until the official After Hours time. But as soon as 10pm hits, it’s all yours!
Complimentary Food & Snacks
Your ticket includes unlimited Mickey Bars, Mickey Ice Cream Sandwiches, popcorn, and soda available at carts throughout the park. If you want something more substantial, Main Street Bakery and select locations will be open for additional purchases.
Exclusive Entertainment – Disney Enchantment Returns!
In 2025, After Hours guests at Magic Kingdom will get a special event-exclusive fireworks show, Disney Enchantment at 11pm! If you missed this nighttime spectacular when it originally debuted, now’s your chance to see it again without staking out a spot hours in advance. This means if you enter Magic Kingdom early at 7pm, you will get to enjoy both Happily Ever After at 8pm AND Enchantment at 11pm!
Meet & Greets – Limited, but Magical
Unlike Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, character interactions during After Hours are pretty limited. But you can meet:
Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater
Princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall (Cinderella & Elena, Rapunzel & Tiana)
If character meet-and-greets are high on your priority list, this might not be the event for you. But if you’re here to hit as many rides as possible? You’re golden.
What’s NOT Available During Disney After Hours?
A few attractions and entertainment offerings are closed for the night, including:
Attractions: Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents, Tom Sawyer Island, Walt Disney World Railroad
Shows: Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, Enchanted Tales With Belle
Roaming Characters: Outside of Town Square Theater & Princess Fairytale Hall, character meet-and-greets are not part of the event.
Is Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Worth It in 2025?
YES! If you’re debating between a full-day ticket or an After Hours ticket, I’d take the After Hours event every time.
Why?
Lower Crowds: Magic Kingdom feels empty, and you can walk onto almost everything.
No Lightning Lanes Needed: No stressing over Lightning Lanes or virtual queues!
Shorter Wait Times: Attractions like Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and Peter Pan’s Flight all have significantly shorter waits.
Unlimited TRON Rides: This line was about 45 minutes long consistantly throughout my party night, so use your own discretion
Cooler Weather & Chill Vibes: No scorching sun. No midday meltdowns. Just Disney magic under the stars.
Who Should Skip It?
Families with little kids who won’t last past midnight.
Guests who prioritize stage shows and character interactions over rides.
Final Thoughts
I’ve done a lot of ticketed Disney events, and Disney After Hours is hands-down one of the best. Whether you’re looking to hit every thrill ride back-to-back or just enjoy a relaxed evening in Magic Kingdom, this event is well worth the price.
After Hours events are also being held at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2025!
So, are you adding Disney After Hours to your 2025 plans?
