Welcome to planDisney, Cristy! Your visit to Disneyland for one of the dreamiest After Dark events of the year is almost here, and I’m so glad you reached out with this question.
Sweethearts Nite is all about romance, beautiful photo opportunities, and those extra-special touches you can only find during an After Dark celebration. Let’s walk through how your tickets will work so you can glide right into the evening without any interruptions.
If you already have a general admission ticket and a theme park reservation for Disneyland on the same day as your Sweethearts Nite event, you will not need to exit and re-enter the park when the event begins. Disneyland typically offers an in-park check-in option for Guests who are already inside. About three hours before the event officially starts, designated check-in stations open inside the park. When they do, you’ll simply head over, show your event ticket, and receive your commemorative credential, guide map, and any additional materials for the evening. Once that’s done, you’re free to enjoy the mix-in period leading right into Sweethearts Nite.
That mix-in window is a wonderful opportunity to set yourselves up for the perfect evening. One of the best strategies is to make a dining reservation during those pre-event hours. Restaurants accepting reservations will still seat Guests prior to the start of Sweethearts Nite, and this gives you a chance to sit down, relax, and enjoy a lovely meal before the event-exclusive entertainment begins. Dining reservations on the
Disneyland website and in the
Disneyland app open roughly 60 days in advance, so if a table-service meal sounds like something you’d enjoy, I highly recommend securing a spot if you can.
Once Sweethearts Nite officially kicks off, the real magic begins. From the Celebrate Love Cavalcade to the elegant Once Upon a Dream ball in Fantasyland, the event comes alive with music, color, and unforgettable moments. You’ll find rare character meet-and-greets, including favorites like Milo Thatch and Kida from Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Special photo backdrops, atmospheric lighting, and event-only entertainment scattered throughout Disneyland transform the evening into a storybook brought to life.
Be sure to keep an eye on your event guide map once you receive it. It will list times and locations for all the exclusive happenings, so you can plan your evening around your can’t-miss experiences.
Cristy, I hope this helps you feel fully prepared and even more excited for your upcoming Sweethearts Nite visit. If you'd like more tips or planning suggestions, please stop by and visit us again at planDisney.
May your evening be magical!
David