Avoiding the crowds
How to avoid crowds: attend Disney After Hours
An introvert’s guide to 2023 Disney After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Introversion Insight:
A lot of people don’t like crowded places, but for introverts, it can be overstimulating. Way too many strangers in one place. (And let’s hope they don’t want to strike up a conversation.)
Disney After Hours is a ticketed event that allows you to visit a Walt Disney World park after it closes for the day. You have 3 hours to do all the things—but with fewer people. They limit the number of tickets sold.
That’s why I think Disney After Hours is worth it and perfect for D•Introverts. Guaranteed lower crowd levels! It’s becoming harder and harder to find a “slow season,” so with these limited-capacity events, you’ll notice a difference.
Avoiding the crowds—my mission in life
What’s included?
This is what you’re paying for:
- Lower wait times for attractions
- No blazing sun at night
- Ice cream, popcorn, and bottle soda/water
- Characters
And what I’m really paying for is a way to experience the park without the crowds.
Who should attend?
If crowds zap your energy, this event is for you. Less people-y for the win.
If you have a rest day during your trip, do Disney After Hours on that day. Sleep in and relax at your Resort during the day and then you’ll be ready for the late night.
If you don’t want to mess with Genie+, Individual Lightning Lanes, or virtual queues for rides, consider Disney After Hours. They’re not used during the event—because you don’t need them.
If it’s your favorite park, try the after-hours event as a different way to experience it.
If you’ve already visited the park on a previous trip, Disney After Hours is a good way to repeat your favorite rides and attractions. If you’ve never visited the park, I don’t recommend Disney After Hours because not everything is open. You won’t receive the full park experience.
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World at a busier time of year, this event allows you to bypass the crowds.
Which park?
At different times during the year, you have four options:
- Magic Kingdom
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- EPCOT
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Let’s talk about Disney After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2023.
How does it work?
Pick your night
The event takes place on select nights in January through June 2023:
- January 4, 11, 18, and 25
- February 15 and 22
- March 8, 22, and 29
- April 2, 5, and 19
- May 3, 17, 24, and 31
- June 7, 14, 21, and 28
All are on Wednesdays except April 2, which is a Sunday.
Buy your ticket
Prices range from $129 to $149, depending on the night. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can receive a $30 discount.
Tickets can be purchased online and in the My Disney Experience app. You have the option of electronic (mobile) delivery or postal delivery. Electronic is preferred because it links with your account, and then you can just use your MagicBand or MagicMobile to get in.
(If you don’t want to use a MagicBand or MagicMobile and you don’t have your ticket mailed to you, you’ll need to go to a ticket window where they’ll issue a physical card to you. The purchase confirmation email with barcode can’t be used to get in.)
On a related note, you don’t need to make a park pass reservation for Disney After Hours.
Create a plan
Introverts are planners, so you’re probably already thinking (and overthinking) about what you want to do during the event. You definitely want to have a plan for Disney After Hours. Three hours go by fast. Figure out your priorities. Rides? Characters? Shows? Unfortunately, you can’t do it all. (Oh? Is that a challenge?!)
What’s available during Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios
Attractions
You have eight options:
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Slinky Dog Dash
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Toy Story Mania!
- Star Tours – The Adventure Continues
- Alien Swirling Saucers
Note: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is currently in a soft opening period after its long refurbishment. If you're attending Disney After Hours 2023 in June, it may be open.
Food and beverages
As mentioned above, ice cream, popcorn, and bottle soda/water are included in your admission. You’ll find them at snack carts on Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, Grand Avenue, and in Toy Story Land.
For purchase, you have limited options:
- Woody’s Lunch Box
- Anaheim Produce
- Oga’s Cantina (walk-up availability)
- Sunshine Day Bar (full bar)
- Some outdoor bars
Note: Mobile order is not available during Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios.
Entertainment
Did I mention 3 hours go by fast? If you can squeeze in some shows and characters, here are your options:
- Green Army Drum Corps
- Fantasmic!
- Disney Movie Magic
- Wonderful World of Animation
- Toy Story characters
- Star Wars characters
Note: Disney PhotoPass Photographers are in the park during Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios.
Merchandise
Since time is limited, I wouldn’t recommend shopping during the event, but in case you do, here are your options:
- Mickey’s of Hollywood
- Tatooine Traders
- The Market Merchants in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities
- Jessie’s Trading Post
- Tower Hotel Gifts
- Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers (walk-up availability)
- Droid Depot (walk-up availability)
Head in to the park
Your plan is planned. The neon lights of Hollywood Boulevard await.
Event hours vary slightly depending on the month you chose.
For January, February, March, and April nights, it goes from 9:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.
For May and June nights, it goes from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Your ticket actually gets you into Hollywood Studios at 7 p.m., so you have 5 to 6 hours in the park (5.5 hours for January, February, March, and April nights; 6 hours for May and June nights)—half the time with all the regular day guests and the other half with just event guests. That’s good to remember because that means you won’t escape all the crowds until later.
Check-in
Check-in takes place at the park’s main entrance on the right side. You’ll see large signs to guide you. Oftentimes there will be a Cast Member out front directing guests as well. You’ll want to stay to the right as the left side will still be in use by guests with regular park tickets.
In my experience, guests started queuing up around 6:30 p.m.
A Cast Member will place a wristband on you. Throughout the night you may be asked to show your wristband to go on rides or walk farther back into the park.
If you’re already in the park because you’re using a regular park ticket or Annual Pass, you don’t have to exit the park to check in and get your wristband. You’ll find a second check-in location at the end of Hollywood Boulevard (at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard).
Tips
- Don’t spend all day at a park and then attend Disney After Hours. You’re asking for an introvert hangover if you do.
- Eat dinner before the event starts.
- Don’t expect to walk on all the rides.
Although, it’s not uncommon to find 10- to 20-minute wait times during Disney After Hours. Wait times typically go down the later it gets. The longest wait I experienced was 40 minutes, and that was for Slinky Dog Dash.
- As much as I like to leisurely stroll through the park, I wouldn’t during Disney After Hours. In fact, I would speed walk.
More After Hours
Introvert hack: book a Garden Rocks Concert Series Dining Package
Introversion Insight:
Introverts are planners. They want to be prepared for what the world has in store for them. Let’s avoid surprises at all costs, please. Uncertainty can make an introvert anxious. While we’re at it, let’s avoid crowds. Large groups of people can drain an introvert’s social battery quickly.
The Garden Rocks Concert Series takes place each year at EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival. These concerts are included in your EPCOT park admission.
2023 show schedule
Glass Ceiling
March 1 & 2
Steve Augeri, former Journey lead vocalist
March 3 & 4
Daughtry
March 5 & 6
Audio Exchange
March 7–9
Tommy DeCarlo
March 10 & 11
Smash Mouth
March 12 & 13
Element
March 14–16
Mike DelGuidice
March 17 & 18
Blue Oyster Cult
March 19 & 20
The Vybe
March 21–23
Berlin
March 24 & 25
The Pointer Sisters
March 26 & 27
The Female Collective
March 28–30
Luis Figueroa
March 31
Piso 21
April 1 & 2
Melina León
April 3
Epic Live!
April 4–6
STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
April 7 & 8
Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles
April 9 & 10
Foreigners Journey
April 11–13
Blue October
April 14 & 15
Switchfoot
April 16 & 17
Evolution: Motown
April 18–20
A Flock of Seagulls
April 21 & 22
Jo Dee Messina
April 23 & 24
The Hooligans
April 25–27
Ambrosia with Peter Beckett, the voice of Player
April 28 & 29
Kool & The Gang
April 30 & May 1
Finesse
May 2–4
Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
May 5–8
Latin Ambition
May 9–11
The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
May 12–15
506 Crew
May 16–18
A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce
May 19 & 20
Casting Crowns
May 21 & 22
M-80s
May 23 to 25
Jason Scheff, longtime lead singer of Chicago
May 26 & 27
Rick Springfield
May 28 & 29
The Champagne Orchestra
May 30–June 1
Plain White T's
June 2–5
Glass Ceiling
June 6–8
The Spinners
June 9 & 10
The Commodores
June 11 & 12
Element
June 13–15
Vertical Horizon
June 16 & 17
Tony Orlando
June 18 & 19
Foreigners Journey
June 20–22
Simple Plan
June 23–26
Epic Live!
June 27–29
Living Colour
June 30 & July 1
Wang Chung
July 2 & 3
Evolution: Motown
July 4 & 5
For each of these dates, there are three performances: 5:30 p.m. 6:45 p.m., and 8 p.m.
You can also add an optional dining package. Let’s see how it works and why it might be a good option for introverts.
How it works
Decide which musician and restaurant
If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation, your dates may not revolve around a single act’s performance at Garden Rocks. (Or maybe they do because you’re a big Rick Springfield fan. Don’t forget to pack your Jessie’s Girl T-shirt.) It may just be the luck of the draw based on when you’ll be at the parks—and more specifically when your EPCOT day is.
Keep in mind dining packages are only available Friday through Monday.
Once you know your date and musician, it’s time to pick your restaurant. For 2023, you have eight to choose from:
I’d recommend Le Cellier. (We did Coral Reef just to check it off our list.)
Compare prices
Is the Garden Rocks Dining Package a good deal? No, not really. Even if you pick the most expensive items on the menu, you may not come out ahead. But you're not booking a dining package because of the value. More on that soon.
Adult prices below are for ages 10 and up; child prices are for ages 3 to 9.
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall: $74 | $48
- Biergarten Restaurant: $60 | $34
- Coral Reef Restaurant: $69 | $27
- Garden Grill Restaurant: $66 | $43
- Le Cellier Steakhouse: $95 | $36
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue: $35 | $20
- Rose & Crown Dining Room: $59 | $25
- Spice Road Table: $47 | $20
Make the reservation
You can book your dining package online, through the My Disney Experience app, or by phone (407.939.3463) for lunch or dinner up to 60 days in advance. Keep in mind the reservation time has to be 2.5 hours before showtime. So if you opt for dinner, it may be an early dinner. The system will automatically pick your showtime when booking online. If you’d like a different showtime, it’s best to call.
If you want to wing it, you can also try for a same-day dining package at Regal Eagle Smokehouse. Visit the restaurant that day to see what’s available.
Dine at restaurant
I hope you’re hungry because the dining package includes a nonalcoholic beverage, an appetizer, entrée, and dessert for each person.
For Akershus, Biergarten, and Garden Grill, it includes a nonalcoholic beverage and full buffet/family-style meal for each person.
For Spice Road, each person receives a nonalcoholic beverage and two small plates. The table receives a shared dessert platter.
You’ll order from the restaurant’s regular menu. There isn’t a special Garden Rocks menu. Your server will know you have the dining package and can explain your options, if needed.
Attend concert
You’ll be given your show tickets at the restaurant at the end of your meal. The tickets say to arrive 15 minutes before showtime; however, if it’s a popular musician or you just want to be as close to the front as possible, I would show up 30 minutes before.
The Garden Rocks Dining Package guarantees you a seat, but it doesn’t guarantee you a certain row or seat.
Concerts take place at the American Garden Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion. There are two queues. If you’re facing the theatre, the queue on your right is standby. The queue on your left is just for dining package guests like you. The queues are clearly identified with large signs.
Once you show the Cast Member your ticket, you’ll be directed to the section reserved for dining package guests. It’s first come, first served, so pick where you want to sit. This section is typically the front left section, so you’ll have a good seat for the show.
Why the dining package is for introverts
So what are you really paying for? For D•Introverts, it’s peace of mind. You have a guaranteed seat for the show, so you’ve eliminated the potential worry and anxiety of not knowing if you’ll get in. This is especially helpful when it’s a popular musician since capacity may be reached for the standby sections.
Speaking of standby, you don’t have to camp out early in a long standby queue that’s only partially shaded. So you’ll avoid that crowd and have more time to roam World Showcase. Win and win! It’s a much more relaxed, VIP experience. And as you know, it’s always nice if you can have less stress during an already stressful vacation.
Top five quiet spots at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Introversion Insight:
Susan Cain wrote one of the best books about introversion called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. In it she talks about creating “restorative niches” in your life. These are places you go when you want to return to your true self. In our noisy, extroverted world, we’ve learned how to act more extroverted and get out of our comfort zones—but only if we have the accompanying restorative niches to balance it all out.
Back home, I bet you have a quiet space you retreat to. Those can be harder to find while on vacation, or more specifically at Walt Disney World. We love the parks because they truly feel like safe havens from the noisy real world we live in, but they’re also loud, crowded, and draining.
I’m always scoping out quiet or often overlooked areas of the parks where I can recharge or just distance myself from the action for a few minutes without leaving the parks. I’m happy to share these five spots at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
To the right of Hollywood Studios archway
- Long bench
- Shaded from sun
- Conveniently located alcohol cart
Back in Pixar Place
- Multiple nooks, crannies, and benches
- Shaded from sun
- Covered from rain
- Conveniently located coffee
Behind Joffrey's at Tower of Terror exit
- Multiple benches
- Shaded from sun
- Conveniently located coffee
Note: The spot right behind Joffrey’s may not be as quiet. Opt for a bench on the sides.
To the right of Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge
- Multiple tables with chairs and umbrellas
- Shaded from sun
- Covered from rain
In front of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
- Multiple benches
- Not shaded or covered
More quiet spots
Top five quiet spots at EPCOT
Introversion Insight:
Susan Cain wrote one of the best books about introversion called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. In it she talks about creating “restorative niches” in your life. These are places you go when you want to return to your true self. In our noisy, extroverted world, we’ve learned how to act more extroverted and get out of our comfort zones—but only if we have the accompanying restorative niches to balance it all out.
Back home, I bet you have a quiet space you retreat to. Those can be harder to find while on vacation, or more specifically at Walt Disney World. We love the parks because they truly feel like safe havens from the noisy real world we live in, but they’re also loud, crowded, and draining.
I’m always scoping out quiet or often overlooked areas of the parks where I can recharge or just distance myself from the action for a few minutes without leaving the parks. I’m happy to share these five spots at EPCOT.
Katsura Grill outdoor seating area
- Multiple tables with chairs
- Shaded from sun
Back in Morocco
- Multiple spots: benches or tables with chairs
- Immersive theming
By the exit of Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
- One covered bench
- Shaded from sun
- Covered from rain
To the right of Mission: SPACE
- Long benches
- Shaded from sun
Walkway over to the Odyssey
- Benches with umbrellas
- Shaded from sun
- Covered from rain
More quiet spots
Magic Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Top five quiet spots at Magic Kingdom
Introversion Insight:
Susan Cain wrote one of the best books about introversion called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. In it she talks about creating “restorative niches” in your life. These are places you go when you want to return to your true self. In our noisy, extroverted world, we’ve learned how to act more extroverted and get out of our comfort zones—but only if we have the accompanying restorative niches to balance it all out.
Back home, I bet you have a quiet space you retreat to. Those can be harder to find while on vacation, or more specifically at Walt Disney World. We love the parks because they truly feel like safe havens from the noisy real world we live in, but they’re also loud, crowded, and draining.
I’m always scoping out quiet or often overlooked areas of the parks where I can recharge or just distance myself from the action for a few minutes without leaving the parks. I’m happy to share these five spots at Magic Kingdom.
Inside Big Top Souvenirs
- Multiple tables with chairs
- Air-conditioned indoors
- Smell of sweets from Big Top Treats
Behind Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe
- Couple benches
- Shaded from sun
- Covered from rain
To the right of Space Mountain
- Long benches
- Shaded from sun
To the right of RocketTower Plaza Stage
- Couple benches
- View of the PeopleMover
Note: This spot may not always be quiet if the stage is being used.
To the right of Carousel of Progress
- One bench
- View of the PeopleMover
More quiet spots
Top five quiet spots at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Introversion Insight:
Susan Cain wrote one of the best books about introversion called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. In it she talks about creating “restorative niches” in your life. These are places you go when you want to return to your true self. In our noisy, extroverted world, we’ve learned how to act more extroverted and get out of our comfort zones—but only if we have the accompanying restorative niches to balance it all out.
Back home, I bet you have a quiet space you retreat to. Those can be harder to find while on vacation, or more specifically at Walt Disney World. We love the parks because they truly feel like safe havens from the noisy real world we live in, but they’re also loud, crowded, and draining.
I’m always scoping out quiet or often overlooked areas of the parks where I can recharge or just distance myself from the action for a few minutes without leaving the parks. I’m happy to share these five spots at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Across from Feathered Friends in Flight! by the water
- Multiple tables with chairs
- Shaded from sun
- Covered from rain
- Water view with Tree of Life backdrop
Behind Tusker House
- Benches
- Separation wall from main walkway
Note: During the lunch and dinner rush, this area may become a waiting area for the Tusker House restaurant.
Pathway behind Caravan Road kiosk
- Multiple tables with chairs
- Shaded from sun
- Covered from rain
To the left of Drinkwallah kiosk
- Multiple tables with chairs
- Shaded from sun
- Covered from rain
- Water view
On the right side of Fossil Fun Games
- One bench
- Shaded from sun
- Great for people watching
Note: This spot may not always be quiet if carnival games are being played.
More quiet spots
Early introverts get the worm at Disney Parks
Introversion Insight:
Introverts savor their alone time. It’s a way for them to recharge after being around a bunch of humans. But also, we’re just more comfortable in our skin when we’re alone (probably overthinking something I’m sure). And when we do venture out, getting out there early in the day is key.
Alone time while on a family or friend vacation to Walt Disney World or Disneyland—it may be hard to come by but not impossible. As much as you love your family and friends, you may get to the point where you wish you had your own space, especially if you’re sharing a hotel room. (Here’s your first tip: pay the extra money for your own room.)
Growing up I wasn’t much of a morning person. I think I dreaded mornings because it meant I had to leave the comfort of my bed and face a stressful school environment. But as an adult, I’ve discovered mornings are prime time for introverts! Have you ever rope dropped Costco? It’s exhilarating. People just don’t like to get up early.
Morning resort walks
But you do. Sleeping in on vacation? That’s for the foolish birds. Wake up early and before the rest of your travel party so you can walk around your Disney resort alone. (This is assuming you’re staying at a Disney resort. You really should.) One reason is they have great lobbies, shops, eateries, and walking paths. Go explore and scope out the place.
Park rope drops
Mornings aren’t just for coffee and contemplation.
And rope dropping isn’t just for Costco. If you want to avoid the crowds, arrive early at the park. Have you ever noticed how tired your brain feels as the day goes on? Our noisy, extroverted world is to blame. Start off right when you’re feeling at your best. You’ll enjoy the parks more mentally, and you’ll minimize crowds and lines.
How early should you arrive at the park? A half hour to an hour before official park opening time. This is because the parks actually open before the time you see. They’ll typically let you in to a certain point inside the park and hold you there until the published opening time.
Warning: Here’s a corralled cattle moment. Everyone will crowd as close as possible to the Cast Members blocking the way into the rest of the park. It’s tempting to stand back, but don’t. Brush shoulders with these people. (Since it’s early, their deodorant is freshly applied and working.) It will pay off because you’ll be part of the very first group to experience a ride. And you’ll continue to be the first group experiencing each subsequent ride or attraction. You’ll always be one step ahead of everyone else who foolishly entered the park right at the published opening time.
There’s also something reassuring about being in a space before the masses arrive. I bet you arrive early to events at home and work. You’ve learned you’re more comfortable when others join you in your space instead of you inserting yourself into an existing crowd. The same holds true at Disney Parks.
Best Magic Kingdom quick-service restaurant for introverts
Introversion Insight:
Crowded places can be overstimulating for introverts. Crowded eating establishments add a whole other layer of anxiety. (I still get anxious thinking about the school cafeteria.) Introversion and anxiety tend to be two peas in a pod. Being prepared and knowing how to navigate these situations can help you find your inner peas.
If you’re new around here, a quick-service restaurant at the parks is basically a fast-food or counter-service restaurant. A table-service restaurant is more of a sit-down location with a server. Table service is best for introverts because they seat you, they bring your food to you, and they clean up after you. Easy peasy. But it generally requires a reservation, which can be harder to secure at Magic Kingdom. No worries, though. You have plenty of quick-service options.
But first, the number one rule for any location—avoid the lunch and dinner time rush. We want to avoid the masses of hangry guests.
So what makes a quick-service restaurant good for introverts?
Plenty of seating
There’s nothing worse than having your tray of food, carefully balancing everything, and trying to find a place to sit. It feels like all eyes are on you, am I right? We need lots of seating so we don’t have to trek too far or hunt too long.
Different types of seating
Booths, corner tables, and spots along the perimeter are all great for introverts. We want to avoid places with just a bunch of tables close together in the center of a room.
Easy to navigate
Thankfully, most Disney Parks restaurants are organized and set up in a way that’s easy to navigate. Things we pay attention to: where to order, pick up food, and grab utensils, condiments, and napkins. Tip: Always do mobile order if it’s available. (Since the pandemic, that seems to be the company’s preference anyway.) You’ll avoid the ordering line, and the most talking you’ll have to do is telling them your order number at pickup.
The million-dollar question that stresses me out? Do I pick up after myself, or do I leave it on the table? We want stress-free logistics, folks. I tend to want to pick up after myself, but I’ve also eaten at restaurants where the employees almost discourage it because they have a system in place.
Columbia Harbour House
So here it is. The best Magic Kingdom quick-service restaurant for introverts is Columbia Harbour House. This nautical-themed seafood restaurant checks all our boxes. It has plenty of tables tucked into multiple seating sections, but here’s the best part of Columbia Harbour House—the upstairs.
Not everyone knows there’s an upstairs seating area, which means it’s surprisingly quiet and not nearly as crowded as downstairs. (Yes, it’s true. Word has gotten out about the upstairs. But it’s still a great spot. And remember, you’re not eating at the lunch or dinner time rush, so it’s already less crowded.) Beware, though. Sometimes they close off sections, including the beloved upstairs. You’ll also find this restaurant to be quite cozy, with its warm lighting and wood paneling throughout (hygge, baby!).
Side note: If seafood isn’t your thing, you can also get chicken strips or a salad. Sea you there!
Dine at the drive-in, walk out with no crowds
Introversion Insight:
A lot of people don’t like crowded places, but for introverts, it can be overstimulating. Way too many strangers in one place. (And let’s hope they don’t want to strike up a conversation.)
Moon monsters launch attack against Earth. Do I have your attention? Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a restaurant called Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater. It resembles a 1950s drive-in where you dine in car-shaped booths. Where the moon monsters come in is with the movie clips. They play sci-fi movie clips from the day as you slurp up your Orbiting Oreos shake.
It’s dark and the car booths make it difficult to engage in conversation with your whole party. Two things introverts might enjoy.
But let’s talk about your reservation time. Book your reservation right around park closing. Why do this? It allows you to exit the park without the mass exodus of guests you typically see when the park closes. While you’re watching Frankenstein meet the space monster, the majority of the guests are leaving. And by the time dinner is over, you can walk down Hollywood Boulevard like you own the place. (You’ve also just avoided the Disney transportation crowds.)
Thank the Maker!
