Disneyland After Dark Nites [2024]
Disneyland is known for some incredible after-hours special-ticketed events throughout the year. From the springtime Sweethearts Nite to the Halloween-themed Ooogie Boogie Bash, Disneyland after-dark nites are events that are fun for guests of all ages.
At the end of 2023, Disney announced which After Dark events would be taking place during the 2024 year! And this year is going to bring 4 exciting themed After Dark Nites! Some of these nights are returning favorites from last year, while some are brand new for the 2024 season!
This post will go over all of the details that you will need to know if you’re thinking of going to one of these after-dark nites. Covering everything from cost, hours, tickets, and more!
But before we get into all of the details of each event, let’s go over what you can expect during these after-dark events so you can decide which one is right for you.
What to expect during Disneyland After Dark Nites
Disneyland after-dark nites are special-themed, separate ticketed events. These events take place on select nights, with a limited capacity to enjoy more rides, food, and special entertainment.
Guests can expect to enjoy their favorite rides with shorter wait times, special photo opportunities, live entertainment, as well as the opportunity to meet exclusive special characters that aren’t normally seen roaming around the park!
Select dining packages are available for guests who wish to really enjoy, and there are also event-themed food options available.
Disney announced four different specially-themed events for the 2024 season. In addition to more themes for the event nights, Disney added additional days that the events are taking place. Giving guests more opportunity to enjoy these unique one of a kind park experiences.
The 2024 After-Dark Nites themes are as follows:
- Sweethearts Nite
- Disney Channel Nite
- Star Wars Nite
- Pride Nite
Let’s break down each event so you can decide which event you wish to attend. The events have such different details it is best to explain each themed event individually.
After Hours Sweethearts Nite
This is the first ticketed event part of Disneyland After Dark Nite in 2024, which celebrates love throughout the parks.
Each ticketed guest will receive a commemorative credential and guide map for the evening.
Guests that attend can expect to see a special Sweethearts’ Nite Royal Cavalcade. From Town Square all the way to “it’s a Small World”, you can see the Royal courts, singing, and dancing.
Projections will be viewable throughout Main Street, USA., as well as on Sleeping Beauty Castle and “It’s a Small World.” And live music over near Tropical Hideaway in Adventureland.
Sweethearts Nite Food
If you’re familiar with After-Hours events, then you know that Disney always offers select, event-only food items for guests to enjoy. Sweethearts Nite is no different. All evening long, you can enjoy sweet and savory treats throughout the park.
Additionally, Sweethearts Nite Dining Packages will be available for reservations. Enjoy dining at Carnation Cafe, Plaza Inn, River Belle Terrace, or Cafe Orleans.
As with all dining reservations, they can be made up to 60 days prior to the event nite.
Note: Only reserve a Sweethearts Nite Dining Package if you have event tickets. Having a Dining Package reservation will not grant you access to the event itself.
For more information on After-Hours event dining packages, be sure to check out: Full Guide to Disneyland After-Dark Nites Dining Packages.
I will share a full event night foodie guide as the information becomes available.
Sweethearts Nite Dates:
As this is a limited-time event, the Sweethearts Nite only takes place for a few nights in the year, and then it is gone. Disneyland has increased the number of event nights from 5 to 8 this year. But these nights will go by quickly.
For 8 nights in January and February, including an event on the night of Valentine’s Day.
Tuesday, January 23
Thursday, January 25
Tuesday, January 30
Thursday, February 1
Tuesday, February 6
Thursday, February 8
Monday, February 12
Wednesday, February 14
Where does Sweethearts Nite take place?
Sweethearts Nite is scheduled to take place in Disneyland Park.
Like all other after-hours events, the Sweethears Nite will be 4 hours long. The special event starts at 9 pm and ends at 1 am.
Guests with tickets to the event are able to enter the parks at 6 pm without a park reservation. Allowing guests to enjoy Disneyland 3 hours prior to the event starting.
What Characters are at Sweethearts Nite?
Characters are Disneyland After-Dark events are always limited, and vary by event. Disney does try to bring out special characters to make the event nights more magical.
For this year’s Sweethearts Nite, it has been announced that you should be able to find:
- Stitch and Angel hosting a dance party in Tomorrowland
- Cinderella and Prince Charming
- Ariel and Prince Eric
- Aurora and Prince Phillip
- And many other Disney couples…
Sweethearts Nite Cost:
The ticket price for this event is currently listed on the Disneyland website as starting at $139/per person. A ticket is required for anyone who is 3 years or older.
The cost of the tickets might increase based on the day of the week that the event is taking place. The ticket costs do not include parking or admission into the park prior to 6 pm.
PhotoPass Photo Backdrops
The cost of the ticket does include access to PhotoPass pictures taken throughout the event. This means that any photos during the night will be available for download.
Guests will also be able to find many photo opportunities throughout the park. Disney has announced that there will be many photo backdrops (with Disney photographers), available. Some of these backdrops include favorite scenes from Lady and the Tramp, The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin, Tangled, and more.
For reference, the PhotoPass is included when purchasing Genie+ for the day, which is around $30.
When do Sweethearts Nite tickets go on sale?
Tickets for Sweethearts Nite are sold out!
Tickets for Sweethearts Nite went on sale on December 14, 2023. Ticket sales open up at 9 am Pacific Standard Time, and there is a limit of 8 tickets per person per event date allowed.
There are no discounts available for Sweethearts Nite tickets.
Magic Key holders get early access to purchasing tickets 2 days prior to ticket sales opening to the general public. Ticket sales for Magic Key holders start on December 12, 2023.
After Dark Disney Channel Nite
Disney Channel Nite is a brand new After Dark event that is taking place in 2024. This night is supposed to celebrate all the Disney nostalgia that we enjoy and love! Get ready to enjoy a night dedicated to our favorite Disney Channel shows!
Disney Channel Nite will bring you a whole new level of entertainment at Disney events! Guests can look forward to:
- High School Musical Pep RallyDes
- CampRock Karaoke (at Golden Horseshoe Saloon)
- Ultimate Disney Channel Trivia Challenge (at Golden Horseshoe Saloon)
- Phineas and Ferb Dance Party (at Tomorrowland Terrace)
- Descendants Musical Journey (at Rivers of America)
This is definitely an event that you aren’t going to want to miss!
As a special treat, every ticketed guest will receive a commemorative keepsake when they check-in. For Disney Channel Nite, event guests can look forward to receiving an event-themed glow wand, as well as an event-themed guide map.
Disney Channel Nite Food
Throughout the whole event night, guests can find special themed foods through select locations around the park.
Some of these unique food items include mini banana burritos, chili cheese-loaded nachos, and s’mores donut skewers.
Stay tuned for a full foodie guide as the information becomes available.
Disney Channel Nite Dates:
Disney Channel Nite is only taking place on two nights in March 2024.
Tuesday, March 5
Thursday, March 7
Where does Disney Channel Nite take place?
Disney Channel Nite is scheduled to take place at Disneyland Park!
The event starts at 9 pm and goes until 1 am. Guests with event tickets will be able to enter Disneyland at 6 pm, 3 hours prior to the event start. All this is done without needing a park reservation!
What Characters are at Disney Channel Nite?
Disney hasn’t released any information about which characters will be available during the Disney Channel Nite. However, they have stated that the event will have some iconic Disney characters.
As more information on characters gets released, I will be sure to update this post.
Disney Channel Nite Cost:
Tickets for this after-dark event cost $139 per person.
There is a limit when it comes to purchasing tickets. The limit is 8 tickets per person per event night. Any guest who is 3 years of age or older will need a ticket.
Ticket for the event does not include parking, but it does include access to unlimited downloads with PhotoPass.
PhotoPass Photo Backdrops
Throughout the park, guests will be able to find different photo backdrops for photo opportunities throughout the night.
Disney has announced the following backdrops will be available during the event: Lizzie McGuire, The Cheetah Girls, Teen Beach Movie, Camp Rock, Halloweentown, Zenon, and more!
When do Disney Channel Nite tickets go on sale?
Tickets for Disney Channel Nite went on sale on December 14, 2023, to the general public.
For Magic Key holders, access to ticket sales opened 2 days prior, on December 12, 2023.
Tickets are still available; purchase tickets here
After Dark Star Wars Nite
The very popular After Dark Star Wars Nite returns for 2024 for 8 nights only! This is an extremely popular after-dark event, so be sure to mark your calendars when tickets go on sale so you don’t miss this event!
It is important to remember that this after-dark event is in addition to their Season of the Force that is taking place in Disneyland from April 5 to June 2, 2024. But more on that in another post.
Star Wars Nite Food
Disneyland has announced that there will be some new delicious treats available only during the After Dark Star Wars Nite event! It is rumored that there will be over 20 new items for guests to enjoy throughout the park!
Some of the exciting new food items that will be available for Star Wars Nite:
- Street-style Elote Burger at Hungry Bear Restaurant
- Pork Belly Sisig-inspired Loaded Fries at Red Rose Taverne
- Pineapple and Ube Crescent Sundae at The Tropical Hideaway
- Chocolate Funnel Cake at Stage Door Café
- Crab Fritters at Royal Street Veranda
Regardless of where you are in Disneyland during the Star Wars Nite, you are bound to find some new food that is out of this world! (Horrible pun intended!)
What To Expect At Star Wars Nite
Star Wars Nite is probably one of the most popular After Dark events that Disneyland hosts. This is why they have doubled the nights that they are offering this event for the 2024 season.
Additionally, guests can expect a night packed with a wide variety of different things to do. Guests can look forward to the following during the evening:
- Galactic Dance Party on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Photo opportunities throughout the park
- The Fleet of Fandom cavalcade – Guests join Mickey and Minnie in their best Star Wars costumes and march down Main Street
- Lightsaber Instructional ‘course’ by “it’s a small world”
- Unique Character Meet and Greets – Captain Phasma, Stormtroopers
This is not a complete list of all the activities, but just a handful of some of the things to look forward to throughout the night.
Star Wars Nite Dates:
After Dark Star Wars Nite will take happen on 8 select nights in April and May.
Tuesday, April 16
Thursday, April 18
Tuesday, April 23
Thursday, April 25
Tuesday, April 30
Thursday, May 2
Tuesday, May 7
Thursday, May 9
Where does Star Wars Nite take place?
The special after-dark event is scheduled to take place at Disneyland Park.
The event starts at 9 pm and will end at 1 am. Guests with a valid ticket will be able to enter Disneyland 3 hours early (at 6 pm) without a theme park reservation.
Star Wars Nite Ticket Cost:
Ticket prices for the After Dark Star Wars Nite will start at $159 per person, age 3 years and above.
It is important to note that the cost of ticket prices will vary by date. And parking fees are not included in the ticket price.
When do Star Wars Nite tickets go on sale?
Disneyland announced that tickets will be open for the general public on Friday, February 23, 2024. If you’re a Magic Key holder, don’t worry! Tickets will go on sale for Magic Key holders a few days before they go on sale to the general public.
Inspire Magic Key holders (the highest Magic Key tier), will get first dibs on pre-sale tickets. On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, Inspire Key holders will be able to purchase tickets, no earlier than 9 am PST.
On Wednesday, February 21, 2024 and Thursday, February 22, 2024, pre-sale tickets will be available for the rest of the Magic Key holders.
It is important to note that there are only a limited number of tickets that will be available for pre-sale to Magic Key holders. Additionally, all pre-sale tickets, and general public sale tickets open no earlier than 9 am PST.
After Dark Pride Nite
In 2023 Disneyland held it’s first Pride Nite. With much success, it is coming back for the After Dark 2024 season!
With a special parade, sweet treats, and unique character meet and greets, Pride Nite is definitely one for the books!
Open to all guests, this is a fun filled event that you aren’t going to want to miss!
Pride Nite Dates:
After Dark Pride Nite will take place on only 2 nights in June 2024.
Tuesday, June 18
Thursday, June 20
Where does Pride Nite take place?
Pride Nite is scheduled to take place at Disneyland Park.
More information on ticket costs, event times, special food, and characters has not been released yet. When the information becomes available, this post will be updated.
Disneyland After Dark Nite FAQ:
Here are some frequently asked questions about Disneyland After Dark events. This should answer all questions that you have about these events.
If you have any further questions, feel free to email me at red[at]redthetraveler.com, and I should reply within 48 hours.
Will Disneyland close early for the after-dark events?
Yes! All Disneyland after-dark events are scheduled in Disneyland Park. This means that the park will close early for the general public.
Disneyland Park will close at 8 pm for the general public that doesn’t have event tickets. This gives Disney an hour to clear out non-ticketed guests so the event can begin.
How to purchase after-dark tickets?
When ticket sales open for a specific event, guests will enter a virtual queue on the Disneyland website to purchase tickets.
For an easier experience, I recommend logging into your Disney account prior to entering the queue.
After you wait in the queue, which can be anywhere from an hour to a few hours, you will enter the storefront to purchase tickets. Typically, guests will have about 10 to 15 minutes to select tickets and checkout.
It is important to remember that when purchasing the tickets, you will be purchasing tickets for a specific date that the event is going on. Be sure to know before you enter the virtual queue which date you have in mind to help make the checkout process smoother.
Also, I recommend having a second date picked out, just in case the first date that you want isn’t available.
Is the PhotoPass included with the tickets?
Yes, most of the special events that happen at the Disneyland Resort, also include PhotoPass.
PhotoPass allows the guest access to unlimited downloads of their photos from the event. This includes any photos from Disney Photographers (whether at character meet and greet, or backdrop), in addition to any attraction photos.
Can you dress up for the events?
Yes! It is encouraged that guests dress up for each event.
There are special guidelines that must be met if you do decide to dress up for the event. Not following their guidelines can lead to denying entry to the event. If you are denied entry, you will not receive a refund for the event tickets.
Please check the guidelines below for the respective nite that you wish to attend.
Costume guidelines for the Disneyland After Dark Sweethearts’ Nite can be found here.
Are park reservations required?
Park reservations are not required for the day of the event when the entry time for event guidelines are followed.
For example, at the After Hours Sweethearts Nite, guests can enter Disneyland Park at 6 pm. As long as you plan on going to Disneyland at 6 pm or later, there is no need for a park reservation.
However, if you wish to go to Disneyland earlier than 6 pm, or wish to spend the day in Disney California Adventure, then you will need a valid admission ticket and park reservation as if it were a normal day at the parks.
Do you need Lightning Lane access for rides?
Disney suspends any type of fast-pass or lightning lane access for guests during these events. Because the number of guests allowed into the event is limited, the wait times are typically shorter. Therefore, there is no need to have lightning lane access during the event.
The Wrap-Up: Disneyland After Dark
Disneyland announced the return of the Disneyland After Dark special ticketed events happening in 2024.
These events have limited tickets, so be sure to grab them quickly if you plan on attending.
The tickets vary in price based upon which After Dark Nite you wish to attend. The cost of tickets does not include parking but, access to PhotoPass during the event is included.
When purchasing tickets, you are limited to purchasing 8 tickets per party/group. Tickets are also non-transferable and cannot be resold.
All information is subject to change as more information comes out about the events. So please be sure and check back to this blog to see if there are any updates.
Previous Disneyland After Dark Nites have included; Villains Nite, Grad Nite Reunion, Princess Nite, and Throwback Nite. Each year, Disney announces different themes for the After Dark events.
