Disney fans of all kinds, from the most casual park-goer to the dedicated Annual Pass holders, enjoy the After Hours events introduced at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort. In fact, some of the most popular and most attended holiday celebrations include Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party/Oogie Boogie Bash and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
However, Disney Parks also offers unique limited-time events for specific themes, such as Villains Nite, Grad Nite Reunion, the all-new Princess Nite, and Star Wars Nite. Each theme park after-hours event typically includes exclusive entertainment, dining, and character interaction experiences at a private party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
In addition, Guests gain access to Disneyland Park three hours before the event begins, allowing for maximum opportunity to ride some of the best attractions outside of Disney California Adventure! Additionally, attendees receive unlimited digital downloads for Disney PhotoPass locations with special backdrops and effects, along with keepsakes to remember their trip such as an event map and souvenir credential.
Each year, the Disneyland After Dark series presents multiple after-hours events with one-of-a-kind themes, though many Guests hope that some of the more popular categories will return. For example, Disneyland will host its biggest Star Wars Nite ever, spanning four days on May 2, 4, 8, and 11, 2023.
Of course, the event will feature the pyrotechnic spectacular Star Wars: Celebrate the Nite, a Lightsaber Instructional demonstration, close encounters with Jawas and Tusken raiders, galactic churros, and Tomorrowland’s March of the First Order featuring Captain Phasma and her Stormtroopers. Will you be the Resistance spy?
Moreover, Disney Parks announced a second Southern California event, the brand-new Throwback Nite, on April 18 and 20, 2023, an evening of “flashback fashions” from the “debonair days of the ‘50s and ‘60s.” Fans of the Dapper Day Expo will enjoy this soiree that celebrates the classic past of Disneyland Park during its opening decade, along with retro characters and Mickey Mouse and friends.
Plus, Guests can enjoy vintage-style music and entertainment at dance parties around the Disney Park, along with attraction poster backdrops for classic rides like Autopia and the Skyway. Guests can also snack on specialty treats from the Park’s early days while watching Fantasy in the Sky, a nighttime show inspired by Disneyland’s first fireworks in 1957. Even so, many fans are disappointed the throwback event is not a return of the previously popular ’80s and ’90s Nites.
Magic Key Holders gain access to the ticket pre-sale at 9 a.m. PT on February 21, 2023, with general public sales beginning on February 23 at the same time. Tickets are subject to availability but have the added benefit of not requiring a same-day theme park reservation. Click here for more information.
