Let’s be real—Magic Kingdom is always a good time. But what if I told you there’s a way to experience it with little to no crowds, unlimited Mickey bars, and minimal wait times for your favorite attractions? Enter Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom, the exclusive, separately ticketed event that lets you live your best Disney life for a few extra hours after the park closes. I had the chance to check it out, and let me tell you—it was pure magic (with a side of sugar rush).

Arriving and First Impressions:

Check-in for After Hours starts at 7:00 PM, even though the event officially runs from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM. That means you get a few bonus hours in the park before the real fun begins. We took full advantage, catching Happily Ever After (because fireworks never get old) and soaking in that classic Main Street U.S.A. ambiance before the daytime crowds disappeared.

Once the event started, the difference was immediate. The park emptied out like magic (see what I did there?), and suddenly, it felt like we had the place to ourselves. No more dodging strollers or waiting 60+ minutes for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Rides, Rides, and More Rides:

If you’ve ever dreamed of walking onto Space Mountain like a VIP, this is your moment. Most attractions had waits of 5–10 minutes at most, and some were complete walk-ons. Here’s what we managed to squeeze in:

  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Rode twice because… why not?
  • Jungle Cruise – This ride is a totally different vibe in the dark.
  • Haunted Mansion – Loved the 13 minute wait time for this spooky ride.
  • Pirates of the Caribbean – No line, no problem.
  • Space Mountain – My family’s favorite so we lapped it three times!
  • Tron Lightcycle / Run – Definitely the highlight of the night getting this ride in with less than a 30 minute wait!

                 

Honestly, we could have done more, but we got sidetracked by…

Free Snacks? Yes, Please! 

One of the best perks of After Hours is the complimentary snacks. We’re talking unlimited Mickey bars, ice cream sandwiches, popcorn, and bottled drinks. My kids may or may not have had three Mickey bars in a row (hey, it’s vacation). There were also select quick-service spots open if you wanted something more substantial, but let’s be real—this was all about the sugar rush.

The Vibes:

There’s something surreal about an almost-empty Magic Kingdom. Walking through Cinderella Castle with barely anyone around felt like stepping into a dream. The cool night air, the glow of the park lights, and the lack of crowds made it feel incredibly special.

And let’s not forget the photo ops! With fewer people around, it was way easier to get those perfect castle shots without 50 strangers in the background.

So, Is It Worth It?

Disney After Hours isn’t cheap—tickets range from $155 to $175 per person. But if you’re someone who loves rides, hates crowds, and wants a VIP-level experience, it’s absolutely worth it. The ability to knock out so many attractions in just a few hours, plus unlimited snacks and a super chill park atmosphere? I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

If you’re on the fence, ask yourself this: Would you rather spend a full day battling crowds and waiting in long lines, or breeze through your favorite rides in a few hours and feel like a Disney VIP? For me, the answer was easy.

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