Disneyland Grad Nite has been a tradition for local graduates since Disneyland opened its gates in 1955. Today, Disneyland Resort offers an official Grad Nite on select nights in May and June.
This article will walk you through the Disneyland Grad Nite registration process, along with DIY Grad Nite celebrations for groups or families looking to celebrate with their graduate.
Plus, bonus tips for those going on a Grad Nite even if they wish they weren’t . . .
Disneyland Grad Nite 2023 Dates
Official Disneyland Grad Nites are handled by Disney Imagination Campus. On select nights in May and June, local graduates can attend Disneyland and California Adventure Parks on one day.
2023 Disneyland Grad Nite dates are:
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- May 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 25, 30, or 31
- June 2, 4, 7, 9, 14, or 16
- Want to celebrate your graduate another night? Keep reading for more info.
- My trip is on a Grad Nite, now what? More details below.
Registration will open in fall. For more information on how your group can participate contact Group Travel Operations 1-800-232-7980 or email [email protected]
What does Grad Nite admission include?
If your group is going to an official Disneyland Grad Nite event, choose from one of the following options:
- Admission to California Adventure Park from 8:00pm to 2:00am (closing to regular park guests at 9:00pm).
- Admission to California Adventure Park from opening to 2:00am (closing to regular park guests at 9:00pm).
- Full One-day park hopper ticket, arrive anytime during normal park hours, plus access to after hour events.
Grad Nite Participants Must-Know Info
From check in to the events planned just for graduates, you need this information for a successful Grad Nite at Disneyland Resort.
- Arrive as a group and check in at the designated Grad Nite security entrance.
- Private California Adventure Park experience with dance parties from 10:00 pm to 2:00 am are included in all official ticket options.
- Grad Nite GOODNITE, an exclusive showing of World of Color just for Seniors.
- Private after-hours access with fellow graduates.
Disneyland Grad Nite 2023 Registration
Grad Nite reservations for Disneyland Resort’s official Grad Nites open August 2022. Keep reading for a DIY Grad Nite option.
Registration closes in February or when the event is sold out, whichever comes first.
Registration must be made by a high school teacher, school administrator, parent of the PTSA board, third party travel planner, or other high school appointed adult representative. All registrations are subject to review and can be declined.
During the registration process, you will choose from one of the following options:
- Admission to California Adventure Park from 8:00pm to 2:00am (closing to regular park guests at 9:00pm).
- Admission to California Adventure Park from opening to 2:00am (closing to regular park guests at 9:00pm).
- Full One-day park hopper ticket, arrive anytime during normal park hours, plus access to after hour events.
Disneyland Grad Nite 2023 Tickets
Prices for 2023 official Grad Nite start at $89 per student with a minimum group of 20 high school seniors and two chaperones over age 25. Additional chaperone tickets may be purchased, but may not be used by children or other family members.
If your high school missed the official Disneyland Grad Nite ticket window, I suggest purchasing discount tickets through our partner at Get Away Today which will save you a considerable amount off of regular park admission.
Bonus Tip: If you’re booking hotels for your group, get my promo code delivered to your inbox now for extra savings on hotel and ticket packages when staying two nights or more. Here’s a list of my favorite hotels to stay at when visiting Disneyland Resort.
Disneyland DIY Grad Nite 2023
Taking your graduate or a small group to Disneyland to celebrate? Check out “what’s happening now” for help choosing the best dates possible. Get discount tickets through our partner at Get Away Today and save on hotel booking packages with promo code. Get my promo code delivered to your inbox now.
Don’t forget to pick out some awesome Disney graduate merchandise to surprise your graduate with a trip to Disneyland.
Disneyland Grad Nite for Non-Graduates
You’ve been planning a Disneyland vacation for months and you just found out you’ll be there on a Grad Nite. And you’re not excited. You’re worried your well planned, carefully saved-money-for-vacation is ruined.
First, let me calm your fears. Grad Nite does bring an abundance of young adults, along with their language. I’ve attended at least one Grad Nite every year since I began this website in 2013, and it is never as bad as people imagine it will be.
Are there more teens? Yes. Can they be obnoxious? Yes. But are they super excited to graduate? Yes and often, their ability to “walk” at graduation and receive their diploma hangs over their heads during this trip. On top of that, most students must meet minimum behavior and GPA status to even be eligible (as per school rules, not Disney) to attend.
Don’t freak out about it. Have fun with your family and remember you were once that cool too.
Does Disneyland close early on Grad Nite? No, Disneyland is open on a regular schedule. California Adventure Grad Nite events happen after normal California Adventure closing.
Here are some more tips to help you plan your day at Disneyland, even during Grad Nite:
- Hopper tickets are your best bet because you can always go over to Disneyland once more grads arrive at California Adventure.
- Secure reserved space for popular night time entertainment like World of Color.
- Utilize Disney Genie Plus and get all the most popular rides done before grads even arrive.
Did you attend a Grad Nite as a non-graduate at Disneyland? Tell us about it and let me know if you agree with my assessment.
