Disney World guests attending Disney After Hours events this year are getting access to even more attractions, including three rides that have recently undergone significant changes.
The separately ticketed experience has become a favorite among visitors looking for a different way to experience Walt Disney World. Available on select nights at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the event gives guests access to the parks after regular operating hours with attendance intentionally limited to help reduce wait times.
Guests can enter the parks beginning at 7 p.m., with the exclusive After Hours portion lasting three hours after closing. In addition to shorter lines for attractions, admission includes complimentary ice cream novelties, popcorn, and select bottled beverages throughout the evening.
Dates currently extend across much of 2026, with events scheduled through July 27 at Magic Kingdom, September 12 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and September 24 at EPCOT. Pricing varies by date and park, ranging from $155 to $199 plus tax. Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders can also receive a $30 discount on tickets for eligible Hollywood Studios and EPCOT nights.
Among the biggest updates is Disney’s decision to add Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster to the attraction lineup. The Hollywood Studios coaster recently completed its transformation from an Aerosmith-themed experience into one starring The Muppets, introducing an entirely new creative direction while preserving the attraction’s familiar ride system.
Magic Kingdom is also welcoming Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to the event. The attraction returned to operation after an extended closure that brought major refurbishment work to one of Frontierland’s signature experiences.
Meanwhile, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin joins the list following a series of updates aimed at modernizing the interactive attraction. Guests can now experience refreshed ride technology, enhanced scoring features, and new gameplay improvements throughout the Tomorrowland favorite. The changes arrive as Disney prepares for the theatrical debut of Toy Story 5 this year.
The additions are expected to make After Hours even more attractive for guests who prioritize attractions over daytime entertainment offerings. With fewer people in the parks, many visitors use the event as an opportunity to experience multiple headliner rides in a single evening.
Disney’s continued investment in premium experiences has also become an increasingly important part of its business strategy. During the company’s latest earnings call, executives Josh D’Amaro and Hugh Johnston confirmed that while attendance levels at Walt Disney World are down compared to the previous year, revenue has continued to rise through products such as After Hours events, variable Lightning Lane pricing, and higher admission costs.
As tickets for many event nights continue to sell quickly, Disney’s decision to expand the attraction roster signals that the company sees ongoing demand for after-dark experiences that offer a different approach to visiting Walt Disney World.
How do you feel about these new updates to the After Hours offering? Let us know in the comments down below!
