Welcome to planDisney, Carla! You’re just over a month away from your visit to see Mickey, Minnie, and all their pals! There are so many ways to enjoy the Disney Parks! I’m glad you brought your question to us!
There are two main “extra” ways to enjoy late nights in some of the Disney Parks! One is the Extended Evening Theme Park Hours benefit and the other is Disney After Hours. I’ll explain the difference between both.
The
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours benefit is available for Guests who have booked a room in a deluxe Walt Disney World Resort hotel or a Disney deluxe villa. You can find a list of participating deluxe resorts using the link I included just above. Select parks (most often Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT) remain open for an extended time, on select nights, for Guests staying in deluxe accommodations.
I’ve included a calendar of park hours and events that includes a listing of when the Extended Evening Theme Parks Hours benefit takes place. This benefit does not cost extra as it is considered a perk for Guests staying in deluxe accommodations at the Walt Disney World Resort! The Extended Evening Theme Park Hours benefit is not available for Guests staying in value or moderate Disney Resort Hotels.
Another way for all Guests to enjoy late nights in select Disney Parks is
Disney After Hours! This is a special ticketed event that is held at select parks during select times of the year. Currently, the only park hosting Disney After Hours events is EPCOT. There are two dates remaining for this special event at EPCOT. They are August 17 and August 24, 2023. Guests wishing to spend an extra three hours in the park may purchase tickets for this event! The events are great as they offer lower crowds, and lower wait times for attractions! Additionally, complimentary popcorn, ice cream novelties, and select beverages are included in the price of admission! Another nice perk of this event is that ticket holders can enter the park as early as 7:00 PM even though the event doesn’t begin until 10:00 PM!
Carla, I hope this clarifies the difference between the Extended Evening Theme Park Hours benefit and the Disney After Hours events! Again, I included a list of the deluxe Disney Resort hotels participating in the Extended Evening Theme Park Hours benefit! I hope this information is helpful as you continue your planning!
As a PRO TIP for you, keep in mind that Guests staying at ALL Walt Disney World Resort hotels (value, moderate, and deluxe) can take advantage of the
Early Theme Park Entry benefit! This perk allows Guests (with valid theme park admission) to enter any Disney Park, any day of the week, 30 minutes prior to the official park opening time! Carla, you'll be surprised by how much you can get done with that extra time! Take advantage of that great perk that is included in your theme park admission!
Happy Planning!
Jonathan