Mickey and Minnie Statues in Front of Cinderella's Castle During Fireworks
  • On Feb 17, 2024
    Aaron from TX Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Is there a waitlist for After Hours events? Is there any way to get tickets for a night that is “sold out”?

    Hi there Aaron!

    Thanks for sending another great question our way. You must be counting the days until your spring adventure in the Most Magical Place on Earth begins. April will be here before you know it, so let's get going!

    I'm sorry you're not finding the availability you want for Disney After Hours events. Unfortunately, there is no waitlist system for this type of ticketed experience. On the slim chance Walt Disney World increases capacity or adds another after hours event to the calendar, I suggest frequently checking the website for Special Ticket Events in the weeks leading up to your trip. Additionally, once you arrive, you can always ask about availability at a theme park ticket window. I don't want to get your hopes up, so if the events remain sold out, I have a few other ideas for enjoying the theme parks as night owls.  

    The Disney After Hours Events get positive reviews in part due to low crowds and shorter wait times for popular attractions, so here is a strategy my family occasionally uses to avoid longer daytime lines. Did you know you can usually queue up for a ride up until park closing? Let's say Magic Kingdom Park closes at 10:00. Assuming things are operating normally, you can almost always hop into line for a ride like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at 9:59. I recommend giving yourself a little more wiggle room than one minute, but you get the idea! Recently, my son and I got in line for Soarin' Over California two minutes before EPCOT's closing time, and we waited only ten minutes to take flight.

    Another way to enjoy the theme parks in the evening is by scheduling a late dinner. Most theme park restaurants will seat guests until the end of regular park hours, so a dining reservation that aligns with closing time will also grant you access to a near-empty park. My planDisney pals and I recently dined at Chefs de France just before the end of the night, and it was so much fun to walk back to our resort bus, having the walkways almost entirely to ourselves. The shops and attractions were closed, but there was something magical about being in the park at that late hour.

    I hope this gives you some ideas for experiencing the theme parks in the evening, Aaron. One final tip! If you're staying at a resort eligible for Extended Theme Park Hours, check the park hours calendar closer to the start of your vacation to see if this perk is offered when you plan to visit the parks. You can take advantage of this benefit, exclusive to guests of Disney Deluxe Resorts and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, from check-in to check-out. Best wishes for a memorable getaway, and we can't wait to welcome you "home" soon!

    Betsy
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Meet the Panelist: Betsy, Maryland

Greetings! I'm Betsy, a middle school teacher, wife, and mom of two. My family and I love to travel the world, but our best memories are those made when we're visiting Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort. No matter how many times we visit, there is always something new to see, ride, or eat at the Disney Parks. Learn More About Betsy

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