Honest Magic Kingdom After Hours Review: Is it Worth It?

Looking for an honest Magic Kingdom After Hours review to figure out if this add on event is worth your money? Look no further- I break it all down- cost, dates, entertainment, attractions, wait times, and more!

If you want to find out if the Magic Kingdom After Hours events are a good choice for your next vacation then read on! We’ll explore everything from ticket prices and included snacks to the rides and rare character meet-and-greets available during these special nights. Discover how this exclusive experience compares to regular park hours (you may find you want to do this instead of buying a regular park ticket) and whether it’s the solution to avoiding long lines at Walt Disney World’s most popular attractions.

What is a Magic Kingdom After Hours Event?

Ever dreamed of experiencing the Magic Kingdom with minimal crowds? That’s exactly what Disney After Hours events offer! These exclusive nighttime experiences allow a limited number of guests to enjoy the park after it closes to day guests.

Picture this: shorter lines for popular attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Space Mountain, complimentary (well included, they do factor into the ticket price) ice cream treats, waters, and sodas, and the chance to enjoy special entertainment and meet some character too. These nights remind me of late nights at the park when I was a kid (yeah, I know I might as well have started that sentence with “Back in my day…”- I can feel my kids eyes rolling as I type this).

These special event tickets grant access to select rides (I’ll list them all out in the post), scheduled and sometimes surprise rare character meet-and-greets, and live entertainment for three hours after the park’s regular closing time. While pricier than standard admission, many Disney guests find these offerings worth the extra dollars, and I totally agree.

Price and 2025 Dates of Magic Kingdom After Hours Event

Buckle up, Disney fans! The 2025 Magic Kingdom After Hours dates have been released, and there are quite a few. These exclusive events typically run on select nights from January through May, with a few summer dates sprinkled in sometimes (though not officially announced for 2025).

So far, here are the dates for 2025 After Hours Events at Magic Kingdom

• January 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
• February 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th
• March 3rd, 17th, 24th, 31st
• April 7th and 28th
• May 5th, 12th, and 19th

Ticket prices for Magic Kingdom after-hours events in 2025 range from $175 to $185 per person, depending on the date. Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders can score a small discount, and every penny counts on a Disney vacation!

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’re getting for your hard-earned cash: – 3 hours of park access after regular closing (and you can enter during regular park time, as early as 7 pm)- Shorter lines for popular attractions – Complimentary ice cream treats and select beverages – Rare character meet-and-greets. 

My honest review on these prices and what’s included? TOTALLY WORTH IT!!! I try to book my vacations around After Hours Events! If I’m on a tighter budget during certain trips I will skip a park days worth of tickets for the family, do a relaxing resort day, then head over to the After Hours Event at 7pm.   To each their own but in my families opinion, yes, it’s worth it. 

Remember, dates and prices can change, so always double-check with Disney’s official website before planning your After Hours adventure at Magic Kingdom.

Included Snacks and Beverages during Magic Kingdom After Hours

Who doesn’t love free food? One of the sweetest perks of Magic Kingdom After Hours events is the complimentary snacks (ok included, you are paying for them within the cost of the ticket- let’s be real).

Cast Members stationed throughout the park hand out ice cream novelties like ice cream novelties, boxes of popcorn, and select beverages to keep your energy up for all those short wait times and running around.

Mickey Bars, anyone? These iconic Mickey shaped ice cream treats are a fan favorite, but you’ll also find other frozen goodies like Ice Cream Sandwiches and Strawberry Bars to beat the Florida heat.  Wash it all down with bottled sodas or water – perfect for staying hydrated (and for pairing with that salty popcorn) and caffeinated during your late-night Disney adventure.

Pro tip: You might want to eat dinner before your After Hours event or pack something with protein and bring it with you. Your only dining options (after the event officially starts) will be the free snacks/drinks and Main Street Bakery or Casey’s Corner, which aren’t bad options but might be a bit crowded since the choices are limited.

Rides and Attractions that are Open During Magic Kingdom After Hours

Ready for a whirlwind tour of the Magic Kingdom’s most popular rides without the daytime crowds? During After Hours events, you’ll have access to a treasure trove of attractions. From the heart-pounding thrills of Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to the whimsical charm of Peter Pan’s Flight and “it’s a small world,” there’s something for everyone.

Don’t miss your chance to experience Tron Lightcycle Run with minimal waits—it’s a game-changer! Quick note: Wait times during After-Hours Events are practically non-existent. Headliner attractions like TRON and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train may reach a 15- 25-minute posted wait time, but they are typically even shorter than that, and other attractions are usually walk-ons. 

Here’s a quick rundown of some fan favorites you can enjoy:

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Haunted Mansion
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Jungle Cruise
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• Swiss Family Robinson
• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
• Country Bear Jamboree
• it’s a small world
• Mad Tea Party
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Mickey’s Philharmagic
• The Barnstormer
• TRON Lightcycle Run
• Prince Charming’s Carousel
• Under the Sea the Voyage of the Little Mermaid
• Dumbo
• Space Mountain
• Tomorrowland Speedway

You might notice a few things missing—Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is typically not open during After Hours Events, and Big Thunder Mountain Railway will be closed in 2025 for an extended refurbishment to make way for the new Cars-themed area by Frontierland.  Other attractions not available during after hours events at Magic Kingdom include the Carousel of Progress, The Hall of Presidents, Tom Sawyer Island, The Walt Disney World Railroad, and Enchanted Tales with Belle. 

Remember, outdoor rides might close due to weather, so keep an eye on the sky and chat with Cast Members for the most up-to-date info.

Special Entertainment During Magic Kingdom After Hours Events

The magic doesn’t stop when the sun goes down! During After Hours events, Disney pulls out all the stops with exclusive entertainment you won’t find during regular park hours. 

Special forms of entertainment include various dance parties, particularly on the Tomorrowland Stage, and a throwback Fireworks spectacular. Character meet-and-greets are always fun and can be unique at After Hours events (see the next section below).

Now what’s this about the fireworks? 

After Hours events at Magic Kingdom in 2025 feature the Disney Enchantment Fireworks and projections show. 

You might ask what Disney Enchantment is. It’s the nighttime fireworks show that premiered in 2021 to celebrate Disney’s 50th anniversary. It features segments from films like The Princess and the Frog, Mulan, Hercules, Tangled, Coco, and Onward. Projections are displayed on Main Street, making the show even more magical!

Though they don’t routinely announce Rare Characters at Disney’s After Hours events, they will sometimes pop up. 

Keep your eyes peeled for surprise character meet-and-greets – you might just bump into a rare character or two (or you might not- don’t base your night on this)! For more info on how to meet rare characters, check out this blog. https://www.pixiepacking.com/rare-characters-at-disney-world/

Also, of note, the following character meet and greets are routinely open during the After Hours Events at Magic Kindom:

• Meet Mickey Mouse at Towne Hall
• Meet the Princesses at Fairy Tale Hall

 

The Wrap Up

Magic Kingdom After Hours events offer a unique Disney experience with MUCH shorter lines, special entertainment, and free snacks. While pricier than regular admission, the exclusive access to popular attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, TRON Lightcycle Run, and Space Mountain can make it worthwhile for many new Disney guests, and those who miss the old days!

Consider your budget and priorities when deciding if this magical add-on night is right for your next Walt Disney World vacation.

Ready to experience the park like never before?  If you need help strategizing for your next Disney World vacation and want to beat the lines without paying for an After Hours Event, then check out my Pixie Park Plans- save hours in line, know where, when and what to eat, where to stay, what to pack, and how to soak up every magical moment!