Why Disney After Hours Can Be a Game-Changer for Families
If you’ve ever wished for a quieter Disney experience, Disney After Hours delivers. These separately ticketed events happen after the parks close, and the difference is immediate:
- Lower wait times for headline attractions
- Complimentary snacks like Mickey Bars, popcorn, and bottled drinks
- Cooler weather and fewer crowds, which can be a big deal for families with kids
- Early entry at 7:00 p.m., so you get a full evening of park time
>> See our full Walt Disney World planning guide << for more family-first strategies.
How to Decide if After Hours Fits Your Family
Disney After Hours isn’t for every family. Before you buy, think about:
- Ages & bedtimes: Will your kids make it to midnight without meltdowns?
- Priorities: Do you want thrill rides and character meet-and-greets, or do you prefer a slower pace?
- Schedule: Would you be comfortable trading a daytime park day for a resort rest day, then staying out late at night?
Not sure how this fits with your family’s rhythm? This is where a travel advisor can help. Your MAT Advisor will walk through your trip day by day to see if After Hours makes sense, or if you’d be better off with a regular park strategy.
Magic Kingdom After Hours 2026: Classic Disney at Night
Event Time: 10:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. (entry at 7:00 p.m.)
Why Families Love It:
- Fireworks (Disney Enchantment) without Main Street chaos
- Short waits for Peter Pan’s Flight, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and TRON and plenty of opportunities to ride favorites such as: Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Mad Tea Party and more
- Unlimited Mickey Bars and popcorn to keep little ones happy
Family Tip: Plan a midday resort break—nap, swim, or movie time—so kids are fresh for late-night rides.
2026 Magic Kingdom After Hours Dates (so far)
Jan 12, 19, 2026
Feb 2, 9, 23, 2026
Mar 2, 9, 2026
Apr 13, 20, 2026
May 4, 11, 18, 25, 2026
Jun 1, 22, 29, 2026
Jul 13, 27, 2026
✨ Every family handles late nights differently. Your MAT Travel Advisor can help you decide if Magic Kingdom After Hours is a must-do or better skipped for your crew✨
Hollywood Studios After Hours 2026: Best for Thrill-Seekers
Event Time: 9:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. (entry at 7:00 p.m.)
Highlights for Families with Older Kids:
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Smugglers Run with little to no wait
- Quick access to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Slinky Dog Dash and other favorites
- Surprise character encounters throughout the park
- Late night fun at Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge
Family Tip: This event shines for tweens and teens. Younger kids may find it overwhelming—or simply too late.
2026 Hollywood Studios After Hours Dates:
Jan 14, 28, 2026
Feb 4, 11, 21, 25, 2026
Apr 29, 2026
May 6, 14, 30, 2026
Jun 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026
Jul 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026
Aug 5, 12, 19, 26, 2026
Sep 2, 12, 2026
Not sure if Hollywood Studios After Hours is “worth it” for your family? A quick chat with your MAT Travel Advisor can help balance ticket costs with your family’s thrill-ride wish list.
EPCOT After Hours 2026: Teens & Parents’ Favorite
Event Time: 9:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. (entry at 7:00 p.m.)
Why It Works:
- Headliners like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Frozen Ever After, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure with minimal waits
- NEW Test Track which recently reopened after a little bit of a refurbishment. and favorites like Living with the Land and Soarin’
- Character meet-and-greets with Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy in relaxed settings
A “date night” vibe for parents or families with teens who love EPCOT’s atmosphere
Family Tip: EPCOT After Hours is less stroller-friendly, but amazing for older kids, teens, or parents traveling without little ones.
2026 EPCOT After Hours Dates:
Jan 22, 29, 2026
Feb 19, 2026
Mar 5, 12, 2026
Apr 2, 9, 15, 23, 30, 2026
May 21, 2026
Jun 11, 18, 2026
Jul 9, 2026
Aug 6, 13, 2026
Sep 16, 24, 2026
✨ MAT Travel Advisors can help families decide if EPCOT After Hours makes sense—or if another park’s event is a better fit for your travel style.✨
Which Disney After Hours Event Is Best for Your Family?
| Park & Event | Best For | Why Families Love It | Things to Consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom After Hours | Families with little kids + mixed ages | Classic Disney rides (Peter Pan, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train), fireworks, familiar characters, stroller-friendly layout | Runs latest (10 p.m. – 1 a.m.). Nap breaks are essential for younger kids. |
| Hollywood Studios After Hours | Families with tweens & teens | Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Toy Story Land, thrill rides with short waits, surprise characters | Late start times and thrill-heavy rides can be too much for little ones. |
| EPCOT After Hours | Parents, teens, and adult groups | Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Frozen, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, new Test Track, character dance parties | Less stroller-friendly, feels more “big kid” or parent date-night atmosphere. |
5 Tips Planning for Disney After Hours with the family
- Rest in the afternoon – avoid a 16-hour day with kids.
- Eat before 7:00 p.m. – so you’re not wasting ride time on dinner.
- Use the free snacks – popcorn and Mickey Bars are included.
- Pack layers – even Florida nights can get chilly in the Spring, Fall and Winter.
- Bring a stroller – even “big kids” might need it by midnight.
Not every family handles late nights the same way. Your travel advisor can personalize a strategy that matches your kids’ stamina, your park priorities, and even your resort location.
Why Book with Mom Approved Travel
As an EarMarked™ Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, we don’t just list event dates—we help families decide if After Hours is the right investment for their trip.
When you work with us, you’ll get:
- Guidance on which After Hours event fits your family’s ages and priorities
- Balanced itineraries that prevent burnout
- Help securing hard-to-get event tickets
- Support before, during, and after your trip
>> Request your Disney Trip Quote with Mom Approved Travel now <<
