Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios Review and Recap
Attending an after-hours event at Disney Parks has always been on my bucket list. Experiencing the parks at night with minimal wait times and fewer crowds has always sounded like a dream come true. Last year, I finally attended an after-hours event, which exceeded all my expectations. The only downside was the humidity.
I became worried when I discovered the date I had chosen for the event sold out. Although I knew it was a limited-ticketed event, I was unsure if a sold-out date would result in longer than usual ride wait times.
I was wrong.
The park felt empty, the wait times were perfect, and everyone was alive with excitement. This was the most fun I've ever had at Disney Park.
About Disney After Hours
Disney After Hours is a specially ticketed nighttime event available on selected evenings in Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. This 3-hour limited capacity event allows you to enjoy some of your favorite attractions with lower wait times, delight in tasty snacks included with the cost of your ticket, meet characters, and even get a head start on the fun by entering the park before he officially begins.
I paid $158, including tax, for a ticket that offered early entry at 7 pm and free Mickey Bars, popcorn, water, and select sodas. People were prepared to take full advantage of the free snacks and drinks. At the night's end, many had bags full of drinks and popcorn, which they carried back to their hotel rooms. I regret not doing the same.
The included snacks and beverages were located at Grand Avenue, Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, and Toy Story Land. Food and beverages available for purchase were located at the Milk Stand and Woody’s Lunch Box.
Induced attractions at the time of my visit were:
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers
Toy Story Mania!
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Tower of Terror
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster
Star Tours
Showings of Wonder World of Animation & Disney Movie Magic
entering the park was stressful
I prefer the breakfast version, but this is very delicious
I stayed at Pop Century and had planned to take the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios, arriving before 7 pm so that I could be one of the first guests in the park to make the most out of my ticket. However, a storm passed, and the Skyliner was down, so I had to take the bus instead. Unfortunately, I had to wait about 20 minutes for the bus, so I arrived at the park at 7:30 pm. Although it was later than planned, it worked out fine since the park was incredibly crowded and overwhelming.
I visited Docking Bay 7 to grab my favorite meal in the park. After that, I waited in the air-conditioned space until around 8:30 pm, when the crowds began to thin out. Although the event officially began at 9:30 pm, I could ride the Rock 'n' Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror with a minimal wait before the event started.
Low Wait Times
13 minutes= Walk On
The low wait times were the best part of the event.
I haven't seen such low wait times since I visited the park in September 2021. All of the rides were walk-ons except for Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway and Slinky Dog Dash, which had longer wait times, around 20-30 minutes.
I rode Mickey and Minnie's once, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror four times each, Rise of the Resistance once, and Star Tours once. After that, I spent the rest of the night relaxing in Galaxy's Edge and taking in the park's beauty at night, which was amazing without the usual hustle and bustle of guests during the day. There was no stress, only good vibes. It was a great experience.
I love the Blue Milk
Everyone was having a great time during the After Hours event at Disney World. The Cast Members appeared to be relaxed and in good spirits, and the guests were die-hard Disney fans. We even recited the Tower of Terror pre-show together.
Additionally, the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster had been refurbished prior to this event. I don't know if it's because I haven't ridden the ride in over a year, but it felt smoother, faster, and darker. Did they oil the tracks or something?
Would I attend another after hours Event?
ABSOLUTELY.
You get your money's worth with this event. If I had attended this year, I would have paid $186, including tax. If I were to purchase a one-day, one-park ticket for Hollywood Studios for the same day, it would cost me $174 after tax. That's only a $12 difference!
Disney
By paying an additional $12, I gain access to the park from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., which is a total of five and a half hours. The ticket also includes unlimited water, soda, Mickey bars, shorter wait times, a less crowded park, and the possibility of attending one or both nighttime shows at the Chinese Theater.
I highly recommend attending the Disney After Hours event at Hollywood Studios. The park can be chaotic and overwhelming during the day, and to make the most of your time there, you'll need to use Genie+, the official Disney Parks skip-the-line/pay-per-ride service.
At the After Hours event, you avoid using Genie+ and can ride Rise of the Resistance more than once.
However, this special event is well worth the cost, and I would choose it over a regular day in the park.
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I'm Andrea, a travel content creator from NYC. If you are considering visiting the world's most sought-after travel destinations, need tips and recommendations, or are looking for the latest film reviews, you are in the right place. Join me as I share my passion for cinema and exploration.