Disneyland After Dark Returns for 2026
By Rikki
Get ready for the return of Disneyland After Dark for 2026! And this year, there’s a new theme, plus the return of four favorites.
What is Disneyland After Dark?
Disneyland After Dark events are separately ticketed, themed evenings that feature access to Disneyland and select attractions after-hours, unique entertainment, character encounters, special food and beverages, merchandise collections, and so much more!
The parties take place on select nights January through June 2026.
Each Disneyland After Dark event starts at 9:00 p.m. and continuing until 1:00 a.m. That is 4 hours after the park closes! But there is some extra time for the event, because admission to Disneyland After Dark also includes entry to Disneyland from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., giving you a three-hour before the party begins to enjoy the park!
Guests also get unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos captured during the party. In addition your admission ticket also includes a commemorative keepsake and event guide map.
Let’s take a look at this year’s events!
Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite
New for 2026, the “Celebrate Love Cavalcade” will glide down Main Street, U.S.A., honoring loved ones: best friends, soulmates, and family alike.
Also new for 2026, the romantic “Once Upon a Dream – A Musical Journey Through the Disney Songbook” show is a musical look at love and romance, featuring live singers and a variety of Disney royalty that culminates in a nighttime ball.
There’s also the new Disney Duets festive karaoke in the Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland.
And you’ll find Donald Duck and Daisy Duck at the Valentine’s Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace.
Plus there will be photo backdrops throughout the park inviting you to “step into the scenes” of fan-favorite films such as Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Aristocats, Tangled, Aladdin, Lady and the Tramp, and more.
Sweethearts’ Nite 2026 Dates
- Thursday, Jan. 22
- Sunday, Jan. 25
- Tuesday, Jan. 27
- Tuesday, Feb. 3
- Thursday, Feb. 5
- Sunday, Feb. 8
- Tuesday, Feb. 10
- Thursday, Feb. 12
- Tuesday, Feb. 17
Sweethearts’ Nite Tickets
Magic Key pre-sale: On Tuesday, December 9, 2025 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), Inspire Key holders may purchase from a select number of pre-sale tickets for Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite. Then on Wednesday, December 10, (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) all Magic Key holders will have the opportunity to purchase from a select amount of pre-sale tickets.
General: On Thursday, December 11, 2025 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), tickets will go on sale to the general public.
Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites
This all-new theme, 70 Years of Favorites, will commemorate seven decades of Disneyland. Remembrance of Disneyland moments past will be all around you, with offerings that pay tribute to the park’s history.
Guests will be able to enjoy swing dancing at Royal Theatre in Fantasyland.
Or maybe you want to visit the Videopolis Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace. The can’t-miss dance party of the ‘80s features a live DJ, nonstop ‘80s tunes, and iconic retro décor.
Or maybe you want to try line dancing at The Golden Horseshoe at this tribute to “Woody’s Round Up.’ The show graced the Frontierland stage in the late ‘90s and early 2000s.
There will also be photo opportunities staged throughout Disneyland that will harken back to past entertainment such as “Mad T Party,” “Main Street Electrical Parade,” and Club Buzz, as well as some favorite attractions.
You’ll even be able to reminisce with characters from days gone by, like favorite “Long Lost Friends” from Disney Afternoon, “Mother” and “Father” from Carousel of Progress, Merlin, Flik and Atta, and the Fantasmic! Monkeys.
70 Years of Favorites 2026 Dates
- Tuesday, March 3
- Thursday, March 5
70 Years of Favorites Tickets
Magic Key pre-sale: On Tuesday, December 9, 2025 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), Inspire Key holders may purchase from a select number of pre-sale tickets for Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites on Disneyland.com. Then on Wednesday, December 10, (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) all Magic Key holders will have the opportunity to purchase from a select amount of pre-sale tickets.
General: On Thursday, December 11, 2025 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), tickets will go on sale to the general public. Tickets are limited and subject to availability. ***
Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite
Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite returns, with a blend of entertainment, characters, and music celebrating beloved eras of the iconic TV channel.
Disney Channel Nite 2026 Dates
- Sunday, April 12
- Tuesday, April 14
- Thursday, April 16
On-sale dates and additional details for Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite are forthcoming and we’ll have details as they are released.
Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite
Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite returns in 2026. Enjoy a thrilling evening with impressive character gatherings, illustrious photo ops, and more.
Star Wars Nite 2026 Dates
- Tuesday, April 28
- Thursday, April 30
- Monday, May 4
- Wednesday, May 6
On-sale dates and additional details for Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite are forthcoming and we’ll have details as they are released.
Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite
Join together in this celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, bringing allies and community together for a festive evening featuring rainbow projections, lively décor, dazzling entertainment, and more.
Pride Nite 2026 Dates
- Tuesday, June 16
- Thursday, June 18
On-sale dates and additional details for Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite are forthcoming and we’ll have details as they are released.
Connect With Us
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But now, I want to know your thoughts. Which Disneyland After Dark event do you want to attend? You can share with me in the comments or on social! Find me on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, and TikTok.
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