Disney has announced the return of two of its most popular after-hours events: Throwback Nite and Star Wars Nite. These events offer an exclusive opportunity to experience the magic of Disney after dark at the Disneyland Park, with unique entertainment, photo opportunities, and special themed attractions.
What are After Dark Events at Disney about?
Disneyland After Dark events are special because they are themed and require a separate purchase. Guests may attend the Disneyland Park up to three-hour before the event to which Disney calls this a pre-party mix that starts from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT. The After Dark Event itself will. not begin until 9 p.m. and will end at 1 a.m. PT. This gives these guests a unique opportunity to ride many attractions after regular park hours with less wait times. Included in this event are unlimited digital downloads through their Disney PhotoPass system when you’re out and about having fun throughout the park. Typically Disney will offer guests keepsake items that are exclusive to only those who attend these events! So if you find a theme that you love then you should definitely snag up some tickets. I myself will be attending the After Dark Event of Princess Nite this year. You can read all about it here!
What are the benefits of attending any After Dark Event?
Attending these after-dark events offers a unique opportunity to experience Disney in a whole new way. The limited capacity means shorter lines and less crowded attractions, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the magic of Disney. The special theming, photo opportunities, and exclusive entertainment options make these events a must-see for any Disney fan.
In addition, these events offer a chance to see rare characters that are not typically available during regular park hours. From classic Disney characters at Throwback Nite to rare Star Wars characters at Star Wars Nite, guests can enjoy a truly unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else. With limited capacity and exclusive entertainment options, these events are sure to sell out quickly, so be sure to book your tickets soon. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Disney after dark!
What are the upcoming After Dark Events available now at Disney?
Throwback Nite
Throwback Nite is a celebration of all things retro and nostalgic, offering guests a chance to relive the magic of Disney’s early years. This year’s event will take place on April 18, 2023 which falls on a Tuesday, and April 20, 2023 which is on a Thursday! Yes that’s right it’s only available for two days during this event Disney will feature classic characters like Mickey Mouse and his friends all dressed up in their retro outfits, special treats, music and more. No theme park reservation will be required if you purchase tickets for this event but entry will begin for you at 6 pm PT. If you want to enter the park earlier this will require a purchase of a day ticket or you may use your Magic Key pass and enter depending on the tier you have. (If you are wanting to purchase any tickets to enjoy the Disney Parks for the day or for a vacation check out my partners at Get Away Today and use my code ANGIE10 for more savings at check out!).
Here is a list of experiences that you will be able to enjoy if you attend for this Disneyland After Dark: Throwback Nite according to Disney Parks Blog
Disneyland After Dark: Throwback Nite
- “Gaze upon “Fantasy in the Sky,” a nighttime spectacular giving a nod to the same-named fireworks display that first illuminated the night in Disneyland park in 1957!
- Do the twist, the mashed potato and bunny hop your way to dance parties around Disneyland park with bands and deejays inspired by the era.
- Snack like it’s 1955 with treats that are inspired by the park’s early days, made once again just for this event!
- Picture yourself in vintage photo backdrops of attractions and posters from yesteryear like Skyway or Autopia, and from timeless Disney films captured by Disney PhotoPass photographers at the party.
- Enjoy after-hours access to iconic Disneyland attractions such as Peter Pan’s Flight, Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise.”
Click here to get your Throwback Nite ticket!
With a limited capacity, Throwback Nite promises an intimate experience that’s perfect for Disney fans who love the vintage charm of the park.
Star Wars Nite
For Star Wars fans, Star Wars Nite is the ultimate after-hours experience. This year’s event will take place on May 2, 2023 (Tuesday), May 4, 2023 (Thursday), May 8, 2023 (Monday) and May 11, 2023 (Thursday) in honor of Star Wars Day! This event will feature exclusive access to Star Wars-themed merchandise, and entertainment. Guests can expect to see rare character meet and greets, also get special photo opportunities, and unique entertainment options.
Click here to get your Star Wars Nite ticket!
According to the Disney Parks Blog you will have the following opportunities to experience if you attend this Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite Disneyland!
- “Be wowed watching “Star Wars: Celebrate the Nite” as fireworks illuminate the skies above Disneyland park. This pyrotechnic spectacle is set to the powerful music of Star Wars films.
- Prepare for Captain Phasma and her Stormtroopers during the March of the First Order in Tomorrowland, as they search for a Resistance spy.
- You may encounter travelers across the galaxy like Tusken Raiders and Jawas.
- Get ready to master a lightsaber! Attend the Lightsaber Instructional demonstration, where you will learn to handle a lightsaber through a series of elite moves, sure to bring out your inner Jedi!
- Picture yourself in dynamic photo backdrops featuring some of the galaxy’s favorite heroes and villains, captured by Disney PhotoPass photographers at the party.
- Explore themed snacks such as galactic churros and other out-of-this-world sweets!
- Begin your adventure with pre-party mix-in admission to Disneyland park starting at 6 p.m., no theme park reservation required.”
Can I wear costumes to a Disney After Dark Event?
In short, YES! But and there is a but, these costumes are subject to Disney guidelines! According to their policies your costume may not be “obstructive or offensive”. You can read about their policies for special event costume guidelines here!
Read the fine print here about availability for tickets and Disney’s policies regarding these after Dark Events
According to the Disney Parks blog, there is a limited supply of tickets available for purchase and as previously mentioned your parking fees are not included in the ticket price! These tickets will be made available online and will not be sold during the day of the event.
You may only purchase up to eight (8) tickets per person per event date that you wish to attend and there are no eligible discounts! If you plan on bringing your little ones along, if they are 2 years old or younger you will not need to purchase tickets for them.
These tickets are not refundable so make sure you will be able to attend before committing because they can be pricy.
According to Disneyland.com the current ticket prices for Star Wars Nite will range from: $149 to $169 per Guest (ages 3+) depending on event date you are hoping to attend for with Star Wars Nite.
For Throwback Nite according to Disneyland.com, the current ticket prices will be $129 for April 18, 2023 and $145 for April 20, 2023! As a reminder cost for tickets is per guest which would include children ages 3+.
Make sure you are subscribed to my magic newsletter to a reminder for when tickets become available for purchase straight to your inbox because these events really do sell out fast. At the current time of this publishing, these Disneyland After Dark tickets will be available for pre-sale for anyone who is a Magic Key pass holder starting on February 21,2023 (Tuesday) no earlier than 9 a.m. PT online. For Non Magic Key holders, you may purchase tickets for this event on February 23, 2023 (Thursday) no earlier than 9 a.m. PT.
