Hey there, Lisa. Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question.
Disney Very Merriest After Hours Event is a special ticketed event that takes place on select nights at Magic Kingdom Park. On those nights, the theme park does close early for day Guests. To stay for the after-hours party, you would need to purchase a ticket to the Disney Very Merriest After Hours Event on top of a standard theme park ticket for the regular hours even if you are a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Guest.
As a standard ticket Guest, you'll have access to anything you'd like at
Magic Kingdom Park right up until the theme park officially closes. I think most nights when the party is taking place, Magic Kingdom Park officially closes to day Guests at 8:00 p.m. As long as you are in line for a specific attraction when the clock strikes 8:00 p.m. you will be permitted to ride. After that, they'll start scanning Magic Bands or ticket cards at the entrance of each attraction. If you don't have an after hours ticket, you'll be asked to make your way to the exit of the theme park.
One of my favorite things to do in the evenings at Walt Disney World is to head over to
Disney Springs. Disney Springs is the shopping, dining and entertainment hub of Walt Disney World. After you leave Magic Kingdom Park, you could head over there for some late-night fun. I love grabbing a glass of wine and finding a seat near the live music and enjoying some relaxation and people watching. Plus, it's a great time to grab some of those got-to-have souvenirs.
I hope this helps, Lisa. If you have any other questions, please feel free to stop back by and
ask me. I'm happy to help. Have fun and happy holidays!