Walt Disney World Special Event Tickets

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World often means juggling a long list of attractions, shows, and experiences. One option that catches many visitors’ attention is the Disney After Hours events—special ticketed evenings offering exclusive access to parks, water parks, and themed parties. We’ve taken a close look at what these tickets promise versus the reality, based on extensive reviews and available details.

What stands out most about these events is the opportunity to enjoy additional time in popular parks like EPCOT®, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, or Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. The appeal is the promise of shorter lines, exclusive entertainment, and some complimentary treats. However, not all experiences seem to hit the mark, and some reviews point out notable disappointments. So, is this experience worth the price tag? Let’s explore each aspect to help you decide.

One thing we really like about these tickets is the extra hours they provide—especially if you’re a fan of riding popular attractions with significantly reduced wait times. Plus, the inclusion of free snacks and beverages can be a fun bonus. The themed parties and special shows, like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas or Jolly Nights, also add a festive touch to the evening.

On the other hand, some visitors find the overall experience underwhelming, citing issues like overcrowding, misaligned expectations, and limited value during certain events like the water park after-hours night. The price point of around $90 per person makes it a significant investment, so weighing these pros and cons is essential. This tour might suit those who are seeking quiet, exclusive access rather than elaborate entertainment, and who are prepared for the potential crowds or limitations.

Key Points

• Limited duration but multiple locations: The ticket grants access to different parks or water parks for about 3-5 hours, depending on the event.
• Shorter lines: A major draw is the opportunity to ride popular attractions with significantly reduced wait times.
• Inclusive treats: Complimentary ice cream, popcorn, and select beverages are included during event hours.
• Themed entertainment: Events like Jolly Nights or Mickey’s Halloween offer festive shows, character meet-and-greets, and fireworks.
• Price versus value: At approximately $90 per person, some reviewers feel the experience doesn’t always match expectations, especially considering overcrowding and limited ride access.
• Crowd considerations: Despite promises of smaller crowds, some nights attract large crowds, reducing the experience’s intended quiet and exclusive feel.
• Event-specific disappointments: Water park after-hours nights have been described as crowded and not the “quiet escape” some hoped for.
• Non-refundable: Tickets are non-refundable, so careful planning is advised.

Analyzing the Experience: What You Can Expect

The Itinerary Breakdown

The Walt Disney World Special Event Tickets cover an interesting mix of parks and themed nights, each with their own charm and caveats.

Walt Disney World Resort: Your journey begins with early entry into the chosen park or water park, set around 7:00 pm. During this time, you can get a head start on popular rides or enjoy the atmosphere before the official event begins.

EPCOT® After Hours: Spending three hours exploring EPCOT® after hours can feel like a quieter, more relaxed experience. You’ll have the chance to enjoy beloved attractions such as Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Soarin’ Around the World without the daytime crowds. The inclusion of complimentary ice cream, popcorn, and select beverages adds a sweet touch to the evening. However, some reviewers have noted the downside of high crowds even during these special events, with one stating, “It was at least 2000 people, maybe more,” which can diminish the supposed exclusivity.

Hollywood Studios: The Disney Jollywood Nights is a holiday-themed party held on select nights from November 9 to December 21. Expect festive character greetings, seasonal photo ops, and a lively dance party vibe. The highlight is the return of Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! fireworks, which set a joyful tone for the evening. Some guests, however, have expressed frustration over the event not meeting expectations, citing overcrowding and limited access to certain attractions.

Typhoon Lagoon Water Park: The H2O Glow Disney After Hours event offers three hours in the water park from 8 pm to 11 pm, with early entry at 6 pm. You’ll love the opportunity to enjoy water slides and attractions with fewer daytime crowds, but reviews suggest this might be less relaxing than anticipated, with reports of high attendance making the water park feel crowded and less “glowingly” special.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: This seasonal event features character meet-and-greets, themed parades, and fireworks, making it ideal for families wanting to celebrate Halloween in Disney style. Reviewers appreciated the festive atmosphere and treats, but some found the experience less “spooky” than they hoped, with reports of long lines and crowded conditions.

Magic Kingdom: The holiday-themed Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party includes dazzling fireworks, a Frozen-inspired stage show, and snowfall on Main Street. Fans love the festive mood, but the ticket price of around $90 can feel steep when factoring in the limited hours and potential crowds.

What’s the Reality Behind the Promises?

Based on reviews, a recurring theme is that some nights are overcrowded, challenging the “smaller crowds” promise. For instance, one reviewer mentioned, “The only reason we did this at night was the lower crowd levels,” but found that wasn’t the case. This can lead to longer waits and a less exclusive feel, which is disappointing when you’ve paid a premium.

The value of the snacks and drinks is appreciated by many, but some felt the quality and selection were underwhelming. One review called the snacks “disa[p]pointing,” and another mentioned that the event was “a rip-off,” due to long lines and crowded spaces despite the advertised perks.

Timing is key. While the early entry allows for some quiet exploration, the actual event from 7 pm onwards can be quite crowded, especially with the popularity of certain attractions and shows. For water park events, the limited hours and high attendance suggest you might not get the peaceful, glowing experience you expect.

Who Should Consider This?

If your goal is shorter lines and extra time in the parks, this experience can deliver that, especially if you’re willing to accept some crowding. The included treats and special shows are nice added touches, but they might not be enough to justify the cost if you’re after a truly relaxed or exclusive atmosphere.

Families with kids will find the seasonal parties and fireworks appealing, but should be prepared for busy conditions. Disney veterans who know how to navigate crowds might find these events less satisfying, as some reviews suggest that overcrowding and unmet expectations are common.

Budget-conscious travelers might want to weigh whether this ticket offers enough value, especially since some nights can feel just as crowded as regular park hours.

The Sum Up

The Walt Disney World Special Event Tickets can be a hit or miss, depending on what you’re after. If you love the idea of extra park hours paired with complimentary snacks, and don’t mind the possibility of crowds, these events might be worth considering. The festive atmospheres, especially during holiday seasons, can create memorable moments, but they don’t come without challenges.

For travelers seeking a quiet, exclusive experience or value for money, it’s wise to temper expectations. These events tend to be crowded, and the perception of reduced lines isn’t universal. The water park after-hours nights seem particularly hit-or-miss, with some reviewers calling them overcrowded and not as relaxing as hoped.

Ultimately, this tour best suits those who are fans of Disney festivities and are willing to pay for the chance to enjoy special shows, character meet-and-greets, and fireworks in a lively atmosphere. If you’re after calm, exclusivity, or a budget-friendly option, you might want to explore other ways to enjoy Walt Disney World.

FAQ

Are these tickets valid for multiple parks?
No, the ticket is valid for just one park or water park selected at booking, not multiple parks.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
No, these tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed once purchased.

What time does the event start?
The start time is generally around 7:00 pm, with early park entry at 6:00 pm for some water park events.

Are food and beverages included?
No, food and beverages are not included except for the complimentary snacks and drinks available during the event hours.

How long is each event?
Most events last approximately 3 hours, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm or 11:00 pm, depending on the specific event.

Is this suitable for young children?
Yes, especially for seasonal parties, but be mindful of potential crowds and long lines.

What is the typical cost?
Around $90.52 per person, which many think is fair for the exclusive access and added entertainment, though some find the value questionable given the crowded conditions.

Is parking included?
No, parking is not included and needs to be paid separately unless your hotel package covers it.

In the end, while Disney After Hours events have their attractions—the shorter lines, festive shows, and treats—they also come with notable caveats like overcrowding and high costs. They can be enjoyable for a festive, lively evening, but if peace and quiet are your priorities, you might want to consider alternative ways to experience Disney magic.