Disneyland After Dark
Disneyland After Dark is a series of separately ticketed, themed nighttime events held on select dates at Disneyland Park in Anaheim. Each event transforms the park with theme-specific entertainment, characters, photo opportunities, food, merchandise and access to select attractions. Themes and offerings change from year to year.
Latest update: The 2026 Disneyland After Dark season has concluded. Disneyland has not yet announced its next lineup of After Dark events. We'll update this guide when new themes, dates and ticket details are announced. Check Disneyland's official After Dark page for the latest information.
Disneyland After Dark Events
Disneyland After Dark themes vary from year to year. Recent events have included Sweethearts' Nite, Star Wars Nite, Pride Nite, Disney Channel Nite and special limited-run themes. The most recent season used a four-hour event format from 9 PM to 1 AM, with event ticket holders able to enter Disneyland Park beginning at 6 PM; future event hours and entry policies may change.
Sweethearts' Nite
Sweethearts' Nite is Disneyland After Dark's Valentine's-themed celebration, with romantic park décor, themed entertainment, Disney character experiences, photo opportunities, dance parties and specialty food and merchandise. The event is designed for couples, friends and Disney fans looking for a Valentine's-season night in the park.
Most recently held: Select nights January 22 through February 17, 2026.
Star Wars Nite
Star Wars Nite brings characters, entertainment, themed photo opportunities, music, food and merchandise inspired by the Star Wars galaxy to Disneyland Park. Select attractions typically remain available during the event, with offerings changing from one year's event to the next.
Most recently held: April 28 and 30 and May 4 and 6, 2026.
Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite
Pride Nite celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community with themed entertainment, Disney characters, music, dance parties, photo opportunities and specialty food and merchandise throughout Disneyland Park. Entertainment and experiences vary by year.
Most recently held: June 16 and 18, 2026.
Disney Channel Nite
Disney Channel Nite celebrates Disney Channel shows and movies from different eras with nostalgic entertainment, music, characters and themed experiences. It is not necessarily an annual event, so future appearances depend on Disneyland's announced After Dark lineup.
Most recently held: April 12, 14 and 16, 2026.
70 Years of Favorites
70 Years of Favorites was a special 2026 Disneyland After Dark theme celebrating seven decades of Disneyland history. The limited-run event featured nostalgic entertainment, characters, food and experiences inspired by Disneyland's past.
Held: March 3 and 5, 2026.
Past Disneyland After Dark Events
Disneyland has introduced a variety of After Dark themes over the years, and not every event returns annually. Throwback Nite, for example, celebrated Disneyland's early decades with vintage-inspired music, dancing, characters, attractions and food. Past themes can provide an idea of what Disneyland After Dark may offer, but they should not be considered part of a future lineup unless Disney announces their return.
What to Expect at Disneyland After Dark
Although every theme is different, Disneyland After Dark events generally combine exclusive or limited-time entertainment with character experiences, themed photo opportunities, specialty food and merchandise, music and access to select attractions. Specific entertainment, characters, attractions and other offerings can change by event and by year.
Characters & Entertainment
Theme-specific entertainment and character appearances are a major part of Disneyland After Dark. Depending on the event, guests may encounter special performances, dance parties, projections, cavalcades, fireworks or characters that are not commonly available during a regular park day. No particular character or entertainment offering is guaranteed for future events.
Attractions
Select Disneyland attractions generally operate during After Dark events, but attraction availability varies and can change during the night. Check the event information and Disneyland app for current attraction availability rather than planning around a specific ride list.
Food & Merchandise
Disneyland typically creates specialty food, beverages and merchandise around each After Dark theme. Menus and merchandise change for each event, and some items may be available only during the party or while supplies last.
Disney PhotoPass
Disney PhotoPass digital downloads have been included with recent Disneyland After Dark event tickets. Because ticket benefits can change, confirm the inclusions for the specific event you plan to attend.
How Disneyland After Dark Tickets Work
Disneyland After Dark requires a separate, date-specific event ticket. Tickets are limited and are sold in advance, with some events or dates selling out. Disneyland has also offered presale opportunities to eligible Magic Key holders before general ticket sales. Prices, sale dates and presale rules vary by event and year.
Disneyland After Dark Hours & Early Entry
During the 2026 season, Disneyland After Dark events generally ran from 9 PM to 1 AM and event ticket holders could enter Disneyland Park beginning at 6 PM. A separate theme park reservation was not required for entry using the After Dark ticket during that early-entry period. Future schedules and admission policies may change.
Disneyland After Dark Tickets vs. Regular Disneyland Tickets
An After Dark ticket is separate from regular Disneyland admission. During the most recent season, the event ticket provided admission to the event and access to Disneyland Park during the designated early-entry period, so a separate regular park ticket was not required for that entry. Guests who want to visit earlier in the day need the appropriate regular theme park admission and reservation, when required.
Know Before You Go
Disneyland After Dark is a limited-capacity, separately ticketed event. Parking is not included with the event ticket, attractions and entertainment are subject to availability, and event-specific rules and benefits can change. Guests planning to wear themed attire should review Disneyland's current costume and dress guidelines. Always check Disneyland's official event information before purchasing tickets or attending.
Disneyland After Dark FAQ
What is Disneyland After Dark?
Disneyland After Dark is a series of separately ticketed nighttime events at Disneyland Park. Each event has its own theme and can include special entertainment, characters, photo opportunities, food, merchandise and select attractions.
Is Disneyland After Dark separate from regular Disneyland admission?
Yes. Disneyland After Dark requires its own event ticket. During recent events, that ticket also allowed entry to Disneyland Park during a designated early-entry period without requiring a separate regular park ticket for that entry window.
How long is Disneyland After Dark?
Recent Disneyland After Dark events have lasted four hours, with additional early park entry before the party begins. Exact hours can change when a new event lineup is announced.
Can you enter Disneyland early with an After Dark ticket?
Recent After Dark tickets have included an early-entry period before the event begins. In 2026, entry began at 6 PM for events that ran from 9 PM to 1 AM. Check the current event terms because entry times can change.
Are rides open during Disneyland After Dark?
Select attractions are generally available, but Disneyland does not guarantee that every attraction will operate during every event. Availability can vary by theme, date and operating conditions.
Can children attend Disneyland After Dark?
Disneyland After Dark events are generally open to guests of all ages unless Disney states otherwise for a particular event. Check the current ticket terms for age and ticket requirements.
Does Disneyland After Dark sell out?
Tickets are limited and individual event dates can sell out. If a particular theme or date is important to you, check the announced sales schedule and ticket availability when Disney releases the event lineup.
When are new Disneyland After Dark events announced?
Disneyland does not use a guaranteed annual announcement date. New themes, dates and ticket-sale information are announced by Disney when the next event lineup is ready.
What Disneyland After Dark events are coming next?
Disneyland has not yet announced its next Disneyland After Dark lineup. This page will be updated when new themes, dates and ticket information are released.
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