Theme Park News - November 17-23, 2025

2026 Disneyland After Dark Events Overview and Highlights

Disneyland After Dark returns in 2026 with one new theme and four favorites, offering magical evenings filled with love, nostalgia, adventure, and community for guests of all ages. These separately ticketed events grant exclusive after-hour access to Disneyland Park and select attractions—often with shorter wait times—plus themed entertainment, character encounters, special food and drinks, unique merchandise, and more. 

Events run on select nights from January through June 2026, and there’s something for everyone, whether new or longtime fans. Below is what guests can expect and key dates to remember. 

What's Included with a Disneyland After Dark Ticket   

Each event runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., with preparty park access from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests can enjoy select attractions, entertainment, unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital downloads during the event, plus a commemorative event guide to use and keep. 

Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite    

A heartfelt celebration for couples, friends, and families featuring new entertainment like the “Celebrate Love Cavalcade” and “Once Upon a Dream” musical journey, plus a karaoke party at Golden Horseshoe and a Valentine’s Dance with Donald and Daisy. Plus, themed photo spots and delicious treats including a triple berry slushy and Mickey shaped delights. Special merchandise is available, and tickets go on sale starting Dec 9, 2025, with general sales Dec 11. 

Dates: Jan 22, 25, 27; Feb 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 17 

Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites    

Celebrate seven decades of Disneyland magic with swing dancing, an ‘80s dance party, line dancing, nostalgic photo ops, and appearances by classic characters. Food highlights include plant based and specialty items nodding to Disneyland’s history, like birria mac and cheese and Gaston Brew. Ticket presales start Dec 9, 2025, with general sales Dec 11. 

Dates: March 3 & 5 

Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite    

Returning to celebrate beloved Disney Channel eras with themed entertainment, characters, and music. Dates and ticket details will be announced early 2026. 

Dates: April 12, 14, 16 

Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite    

Experience epic Star Wars themed evenings with character meet and greets and immersive photo opportunities. Ticket info coming soon. 

Dates: April 28, 30; May 4, 6 

Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite    

Celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community with festive décor, rainbow projections, dazzling entertainment, and more. 

Dates: June 16 & 18 

Each event offers a unique, after-hour way to experience Disneyland magic with exclusive entertainment, food, and collectibles. Reach out to your Carry on the Magic agent for updates and ticket sales. 

Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval Returns to Universal Orlando Resort in Early 2026

From February 7 through April 4, 2026, Universal Orlando Resort invites guests to experience Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval at Universal Studios Florida. This lively event brings together vibrant Carnaval traditions and global culinary delights in a festive atmosphere. 

Each night, visitors can enjoy a dazzling parade featuring sparkling floats, energetic street performers, and the hallmark toss of colorful beads. Select evenings also showcase live concerts with performances by major music artists. Alongside the entertainment, guests have the opportunity to sample a rich variety of international dishes as well as classic New Orleans inspired cuisine. 

For those looking to fully immerse themselves in the celebration, the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience is available. This package includes a three course meal comprising an appetizer, entrée, dessert, and a nonalcoholic beverage at one of five participating Universal Orlando restaurants: The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar (Universal CityWalk), NBC Sports Grill & Brew (Universal CityWalk), Lombard’s Seafood Grille (Universal Studios Florida), Confisco Grille (Universal Islands of Adventure  2Park ticket required), and Antojitos Authentic Mexican Restaurant (Universal CityWalk, dinner only). 

Following the meal, guests enjoy a reserved spot on a Mardi Gras parade float, where they can actively participate in the festivities by tossing beads to fellow parkgoers as they parade through the park in true New Orleans style. 

This event offers an engaging combination of entertainment and culinary exploration, making it a unique seasonal highlight at Universal Orlando Resort.