Disneyland has a long standing tradition of hosting After Dark Parties. What began as a way to bring couples and night owls into the parks on nights they wouldn’t normally be open, has morphed into a yearly tradition of themed “nites” for everyone to enjoy.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- 📅 Time-sensitive 2026 events
- ❇️ Tips that apply to any After Dark Event
- 🧭 Planning tips for anyone attending
This article was originally published in 2023 and is updated frequently to bring you the best, most comprehensive information.
Plus, why many people choose to attend annually:
- Exclusive park hours
- Unique entertainment
- Low wait times
- Special food and merchandise
Disneyland After Dark was reintroduced in early 2018 and has held events ever since. These limited time, special ticketed events sell out quickly. 2026 dates are expected to be announced toward the end of 2025. Sign up here to get the latest when After Dark events are announced.
Disneyland After Dark 2026 Dates
📅 2026 Possibilities:
- Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite – Select nights in January and February at Disneyland Park
- Disneyland After Dark: TBA – Select nights in March at Disneyland Park (my guess is March 3 and 4, coincides with Natural Products Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center)
- Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite – Select nights in April and May at Disneyland Park
- Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite – Select nights in June at Disneyland Park.
Guest can enter the park 2-3 hours before the party begins. The time frame is usually 6:00 PM for mix-in hours with regular guests, then party-exclusive offerings begin at 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM and ends at 1:00 AM.
When After Dark Tickets Go on Sale
Tickets for After Dark Events typically go on sale a couple of month before the party dates, with only about two weeks’ notice ahead of the release date.
❇️ Key Dates to Note:
- December 2025 – Sweethearts’ Nite tickets go on sale
- December 2025 – TBA tickets go on sale
- January 2026 – Star Wars Nite tickets go on sale
- April 2026 – Pride Nite tickets go on sale
Specific dates for After Dark ticket sales will be announced and updated in this article as soon as Disney releases the information.
Party tickets sell out quickly. All current special event ticket offers can be found here. Ticket sales begin no earlier than 9:00 AM Pacific Time.
Tips for Buying After Dark Tickets
Here is what to expect when tickets for when After Dark Nites 2026 go on sale to the public, based on my experience during previous years.
Based on past years, here’s what to expect and how to improve your chances of scoring tickets:
- Log into your Disneyland account and be on the Special Events ticket page by 8:45 AM Pacific Time.
- At or after 9:00 AM, a virtual queue system will begin if needed. It’s a randomized queue, not first-come, first-served.
- Pro tip: Add your email when prompted—this feature lets you leave the screen and get notified when it’s your turn. You’ll have 10 minutes to complete your transaction.
- Wait times fluctuate. You might see the countdown jump around (e.g., from 30 to 24 to 40 minutes). That’s normal—stay patient!
- Screenshot your confirmation during checkout in case anything goes wrong.
- Confirmation emails can be delayed. Do not refresh or re-enter payment info multiple times—you could be charged twice.
In 2024, I secured my Pride Nite tickets nearly instantly during the Magic Key presale. They appeared in the Disneyland app right away.
What’s Included with Your After Dark 2026 Ticket
All After Dark events, like Sweethearts Nite are a separately ticketed events. It’s perfect for Disney fans looking to ride a ton of attractions with little wait time and/or for someone who really want to gets immersed in the theme of the night!
2026 Ticket Prices: Start at about $150 per person (ages 3+)
Here’s what’s included with every After Dark event ticket:
- Early Admission to Disney California Adventure Park or Disneyland Park, typically at least two full hours before the party begins.
- Access to Most Attractions throughout the evening, with lower waits!
- Commemorative Keepsake usually a themed lanyard and map with the night’s events and dining options.
- Character Cavalcade in a smaller-type parade themed to the event with Mickey, Minnie, and fan-favorites for the Nite.
- Unlimited Disney PhotoPass Digital Downloads all night long, scan your wristband to the Disneyland app to sync pics!
- Character Appearances including rare Disney friends in themed costumes.
- Dance Parties and Entertainment that fits the theme perfectly, encompassing a wide variety of musical genres and interests.
- Themed Decor with themed lighting, music, and effects throughout the park.
- Background Music Loop specifically chosen for the party’s theme this includes Disney music and other popular songs.
- Fireworks on select After Dark Nites.
Disneyland Sweethearts’ Nite
Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite was hosted on January 21, 23, 28 and February 4, 6, 9, 11 and 13 in 2025 at Disneyland Park. I went in 2024, I loved seeing all the cute couple outfits, they should really have costume/outfit contents during these!
I’ve already detailed how to make the perfect date night at Disneyland here, but if you’re attending this after-hours event, here’s what’s going down.
- Pre-party mix-in admission to Disneyland park starting at 6 p.m., no theme park reservation required.
- Sweethearts’ Nite Royal Cavalcade with Cinderella, Prince Charming, Disney friends and Royal Fanfare dancers in a “mini parade”—from Town Square to “it’s a small world” followed by a Royal Ball!
- Projections during the entire event so you don’t have to carve out a specific time for these sights. View projections on Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle and “it’s a small world.”
- Darling Disney Couples pose for meet and greet photos or wave hello as you pass by.
- Sweetheart Photo Ops with romantic scenes from Disney films, including Lady and the Tramp, Tangled, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin and more. Unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the party, be sure to scan your wristband into the app to link the photos.
Get reminded about Sweethearts’ Nite 2026 here
Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite
2025 hosted more nights than ever. Star Wars Nite landed at Disneyland Park April 8, 10 22, 24, 29, May 1, 4, 6, 2025 during Season of the Force!
This spring, Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite will grant Guests of all ages special after-hours access to Disneyland Park with the purchase of a separate event admission ticket. Here are just a few of the things you can expect:
- Admission to Disneyland Park beginning at 6:00 pm; no theme park reservation required.
- Star Wars Character sightings
- Event-themed menu selections
- Star Wars: Celebrate the Nite Fireworks Show above Sleeping Beauty Castle
- March of the First Order featuring Captain Phasma
- Galactic Dance Party in Tomorrowland
- Star Wars-themed photo opportunities, merchandise and more
Guests can also come dressed to match the event. Proclaim your allegiance to the light side or dark side of the Force! I can’t wait to see your photos from the event!
Disneyland After Dark Pride Nite
Back in 2025, during Pride Month Disneyland will host an after dark event—Pride Nite on June 16 and 18, 2025. I went in 2025 and had the absolute best time!
This June, Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and allies at a special after-hours party at Disneyland Park with the purchase of a separate event admission ticket. You can also celebrate PRIDE all month long at Disneyland with these special offerings.
Here are just a few of the things you can expect:
- Admission to Disneyland Park beginning at 6:00 pm; no theme park reservation required. Party ends at 1:00 am.
- Pride Nite Cavalcade featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Clarabelle, Donald, Daisy and Goofy dressed in special attire.
- Ohana Dance Party with Stitch at Tomorrowland Terrace, where a DJ will be spinning great tunes with joyful energy at a dance party that celebrates “ohana” – family!
- Pride Nite Dance Club along the Rivers of America, inviting everyone to dance and enjoy music under the stars.
- Country line dancing at the Golden Horseshoe
- Photo backdrops with inspirational messages or Disney characters and enjoy unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads.
- Access to iconic Disneyland attractions such as Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones Adventure and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, usually with shorter wait times.
Dress to Impress
Costumes and on-themed outfits are one of the best parts of After Dark Nites. Unlike regular park days, this after-hours event allows guests of all ages to dress up in costume and or just totally on brand.
You can begin wearing your costume during the start of the mix-in period. Children can wear theirs all day long—but that’s another thing to note: kids aren’t often in attendance at these parties. Sure, they’re invited but being so late it’s usually teens and adults.
Costume Tips for the Nite
- Avoid bulky costumes if you plan to ride lots of attractions
- Layers help you stay comfortable from warm afternoons to cooler evenings
- Matching group or family costumes are super popular and great for photos
- Follow Disneyland’s official costume guidelines to ensure your outfit is allowed inside the park
Past After Dark Events
Certain themes come up again and again, and others are added to the mix just a time or two. Let’s take a look back at some previous After Dark events at Disneyland Resort.
Disneyland After Dark: 90s Nite 2025 (and 2019)
Will this iconic 90s After Dark event return in 2026?
In 2025, Disney invited you to Fuel your nostalgia with fun festivities honoring music, movies food, fashion and other fads that defined the decade.
This March, Disneyland After Dark present 90s Nite—a separately ticketed evening event granting Guests of all ages special after-house Disneyland Park access to photo ops, Character encounters, entertainment, collectibles, themed menu selections, event merchandise, attractions, complimentary keepsakes and more.
If you’re attending this after-hours event, here’s what you can expect:
- Pre-party mix-in admission to Disneyland park starting at 6 p.m., no theme park reservation required.
- Get into the groove of your favorite 90s tunes with this high-energy dance party hosted by a DJ—taking place at Rivers of America!
- Jump into Disneyland nostalgia as we highlight some of our favorite parades of the 90s along the Disneyland Parade Route.
- Dance the night away on Tomorrowland Terrace and get “jiggy” featuring Max, dressed for a Powerline concert, and Goofy in this exclusive 90s dance party!
- Get nostalgic at the Golden Horseshoe and sing along to your favorite 90s tunes.
See Disney Characters from Disney Afternoon and some of your favorite 90s Disney movies -
Unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the party, be sure to scan your wristband into the app to link the photos.
More Past After Dark Events
Remember, they could bring these back to life at any time! Which ones would you like to see again?
- Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite 2024
- Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite 2023
- Disneyland After Dark: Grad Nite Reunion 2022
- Disneyland After Dark: Villains Nite 2022
- Disneyland After Dark: Merriest Nites (2021)
- Disneyland After Dark: 80s Nite (2020)
- Disneyland After Dark: Pixar Nite (2020)
- Disneyland After Dark: Heroes Assemble (2019)
- Disneyland After Dark: Throwback Nite (2018, 2023)
Where to Stay
After your late night riding after dark attractions and dancing to live bands, you’re gonna need a place to crash. Check out all the hotels within walking distance or a short drive and save an extra $10 when you use my special promo code. Get my promo code delivered to your inbox now.
I suggest a hotel super close by like:
- Tropicana Inn & Suites
- Best Western right across the street
- Grand Californian Resort & Spa
- Disneyland Hotel
Or these hotels with quick access to/from Toy Story lot:
- Hotel Lulu
- Homewood Suites by Hilton
Last Minute Tips for After Dark Nites
Ready to Make the Most of your After Dark Event? Here are some last-minute tips to make your night as smooth—and magical—as possible:
Arrival & Entry
- Know your entry time and arrive early to maximize every minute of your ticket.
- Look for wristband distribution at the front gates and select locations inside the park if you have regular park entry that day.
- Grab a locker if you’re buying lots of merch you don’t want to carry around.
Be Flexible
- You won’t be able to do everything in one night—pick your top priorities (like rides, meet and greets or specific entertianment) and do those first.
- Lines will vary throughout the night. For example, rides typically has the longest waits during mix-in hours, but get more manageable later on.
Which After Dark event are you hoping to attend next?
Hi. My family are coming to Disneyland from Australia in may next year and are interested in attending one of the star wars after dark nites. I can purchase park tickets now but not dates have been released for the after dark nites. Do you suggest I buy our park hopper tickets now and then try to get the after dark tickets when they become available? Cheers.
Hi Jacquie, get those theme park tickets and reservations first for sure! Then when these are confirmed closer to the date, you’ll grab those.
How will Disney actually know if your not supposed to be there for after dark? I know its a separate ticket, but will they have everyone out the park from the earlier day ? what if your a pass member and also have a ticket to After Dark ? would I have to re-enter?
Hi Celeste, Disney has been doing special ticket events for years. They are pros at weeding out who should be there and who should not. Every special event guest gets a wristband and at the cut off time, you can no longer enter stores or ride queues without it. They then sweep the park and don’t let anyone without one past a certain point. It’s pretty amazing how efficiently they do this. If you have a regular ticket or Magic Key for that day, there will be a station to get your wristband without exiting and entering. I’d ask around as the time approaches but at Disneyland it tends to be in Tomorrowland.
Any mention on when they’ll be doing a Disney after dark 90s nite.? I was so bummed to miss the first one and it looked like show much fun. I hope they do it again,
Please please let me if it’s something being considered and when. I’ll for sure be there , any info Willis help, thanks
Hey Michael, I mostly hear things as they’re released to the public. But if there are any rumblings of that event I will keep updating here and on my FB page (Disneyland Plan by The Happiest Blog on Earth).
If we are going to the park that will have a disney after dark event that evening will it be more full than usual. We are looking at going to DCA april 30. Or would it be better to wait until that Thursday. Thanks.
The opposite park tends to be the busier one. Most people stay away before after dark events because they feel like they will have to leave earlier than normal. It’s a great time to go, and also to people watch as guests come in ready for their event.
The After Dark looks so fun! It makes it look even more magical!
Disneyland after sunset is incredible! I love the ambient lighting everywhere and the glow of magic in the air!