Welcome to planDisney, Venod! Late nights are my favorite time to be in the Disney Parks! There are a few options available for being in the parks after closing time. I’m happy to introduce you to them!
Guests can buy a one-day ticket for any of the Disney Parks – Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. When you buy a one-day ticket you can enter the park at park opening time and remain in the park until it closes. You can also enter the park, leave the park, and then re-enter the same park during regular park hours.
When you mention buying a ticket for “additional park hours” it depends on what you’re referring to. Some parks remain open, on select nights, for
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. This is a benefit for Guests staying in Walt Disney World Resort deluxe hotels. Separate tickets can’t be purchased for Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.
On the other hand, if you are referring to
Disney After Hours, you can purchase a ticket for those special late-night events. Disney After Hours is a separate ticket to enter the theme park for some late-night fun! Disney After Hours is held on select nights, in select parks, throughout the year. Parks currently offering after-hours tickets are Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT! A nice benefit of Disney After Hours is that Guests with tickets for this special event can enter the park as early as 7:00 PM even though the event doesn’t begin until later in the night. These events also feature reduced crowds, lower wait times for attractions, and complimentary beverages, snacks, and ice cream novelties!
I see that you are visiting in December! That means a third option is available!
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is held on select nights in Magic Kingdom Park during November and December! This is a separate ticketed event that allows Guests to attend an evening of holiday fun! The event is held after the park closes to day Guests, but ticket holders are allowed to enter the park as early as 4:00 PM. The party then goes on until midnight!
Venod, I hope this clarifies the difference between what is available regarding additional hours when the parks close! If you have more questions, please come back to planDisney!
Dreams do come true!
Jonathan