Posts Tagged ‘hollywoodstudios’
How to avoid crowds: attend Disney After Hours
An introvert’s guide to 2024 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 2024.
How does it work?
Pick your night
The event takes place on select nights in January through August 2024:
- January 10 and 24
- February 21 and 26
- March 13, 20, and 27
- April 3 and 10
- May 22 and 29
- June 12, 19, and 26
- July 10, 17, and 24
- August 7, 14, 21, and 29
Buy your ticket
Prices range from $145 to $175, 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. The only delivery method is electronic (mobile). Your tickets will link to your account, and then you can use your MagicBand or MagicMobile to get in.
(If you don’t want to use a MagicBand or MagicMobile, 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.)
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 closed for refurbishment and is not expected to reopen in time for Disney After Hours 2024.
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 (mobile order available)
- Milk Stand (mobile order available)
- Oga’s Cantina (walk-up availability)
- Some outdoor bars
Entertainment
Did I mention 3 hours go by fast? If you can squeeze in some shows and characters, here are your options:
- Fantasmic!
- Disney Movie Magic
- Wonderful World of Animation
- Select characters (subject to change): Donald Duck, Duffy the Disney Bear, Thumper, Jiminy Cricket, Goofy, Minnie Mouse, Jasmine, Tiana, Mary Poppins, Penguin Waiter, Pocahontas, Meeko, and Rafiki have been spotted.
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 go from 9:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. But your ticket actually gets you into Hollywood Studios at 7 p.m., so you have 5.5 hours in the park—2.5 hours with all the regular day guests and 3 hours 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
Need a quiet spot at Walt Disney World? Look for the old smoking areas!
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.
On May 1, 2019, Disney Parks banned smoking inside the parks. As a result, all these off-the-beaten-path, tucked-way smoking areas were now empty. Disney inadvertently created what I’m affectionately calling D•Introvert Zones, quiet areas where introverts can take a breather and escape the crowds!
Leading up to the smoking ban, Disney had reduced the number of smoking areas, and as of 2019, eleven areas remained. Some of these areas have been repurposed, but many of them remain accessible and are surprisingly quiet. Let’s go over each area.
Magic Kingdom
Tomorrowland: Near Space Mountain
- Shaded area with benches
- One of the quietest, tucked-away spots in my experience
Tip: Get some Joffrey’s coffee nearby and enjoy it in this area.
Frontierland: Near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Scenic area next to the water
- Not as tucked away
Because everyone passes this area as they exit Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, it may not be as quiet or empty.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Africa/Asia: Pathway in between
- Scenic pathway
- Covered area with tables and chairs
Tip: Get some fries at Mr. Kamal’s nearby and take it up to this area.
DinoLand U.S.A.: Near DINOSAUR
- Secluded pathway
- Not always accessible
Cast Members are sometimes positioned just to the right of the DINOSAUR entrance, blocking access to this area.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Sunset Boulevard: Near The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror exit
- Shaded area with benches
- Tucked-away spot
Tip: Get some Joffrey’s coffee nearby and enjoy it in this area.
Grand Avenue: End of street before Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge entrance
- Mostly standing room
- May be used for character meet-and-greets
EPCOT
World Nature: Across from The Land Pavilion
- Scenic area by water with monorail overhead
- Some benches
World Discovery: Across from Mission: SPACE
- Multiple benches
- Tucked-away spots
Tip: Get some Joffrey’s coffee nearby and enjoy it in this area.
World Showcase: Between France and United Kingdom Pavilions
- Scenic area by water
- One of the quietest, tucked-away spots in my experience
- May be used for special events
World Showcase: Italy Pavilion
- Mostly standing room
- Not very tucked away
World Showcase: Between China and Norway Pavilions
- Standing room
- Not very tucked away
An introvert’s guide to 2023 Disney Jollywood Nights
Introversion Insight:
Put an introvert in a new, busy, and extroverted environment. How do they fare? It’s natural for them to be quiet, introspective, intimidated, and maybe even a little self-conscious. But with some planning and knowing what to expect (and knowing they’re doing something they’ll enjoy), they can have a pleasant experience.
What is it?
Disney Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed after-hours event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s lightly themed as “Hollywood glamour meets holiday cheer.” Your ticket grants you five and a half hours inside the park (four hours of actual event time), with a variety of seasonal offerings:
- entertainment
- characters
- food and beverages
- attractions
- merchandise
- photo opportunities
- new in-park character
This introvert’s guide to 2023 Disney Jollywood Nights will prepare you for the event so you’ll know what to expect, how to deal with the crowds, and how to get the most out of the event.
When is it?
The event takes place on select nights in November and December:
- Saturday, November 11 (sold out)*
- Saturday, November 18 (sold out)*
- Monday, November 20
- Monday, November 27
- Wednesday, November 29
- Monday, December 4
- Wednesday, December 6
- Saturday, December 16 (sold out)*
- Monday, December 18
- Wednesday, December 20
*as of November 20
As you can see, all the Saturday nights are sold out. This is actually a good thing for crowds, as weekdays may be less crowded, and seeing as only three nights are sold out as of the time of this writing, you may just find yourself mixed in with light crowds.
How much is it?
Prices range from $159 to $179, depending on the night. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save $10 per ticket on select nights.
Tickets can be purchased online and in the My Disney Experience app. They’ll link with your account so you can use your MagicBand or MagicMobile to get into the park.
(If you don’t want to use a MagicBand or MagicMobile, 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 into the park.)
On a related note, you don’t need to make a park pass reservation for Disney Jollywood Nights.
Note: A cheaper child’s ticket is not offered for Disney Jollywood Nights; however, children under the age of 3 don’t need a ticket.
Where do I go?
Check in
Event hours go from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. But your ticket actually gets you into Hollywood Studios at 7 p.m., so you have five and a half hours in the park.
Check-in takes place at the park’s main entrance on the right side. This area is typically sectioned off from the left side with temporary barriers. The left side stays open for day guests to enter the park until the park closes at 8 p.m.
In my experience, guests started queuing up around 5:30 p.m.–5:45 p.m. If you want to make sure you’re at the front of this long line of people, I would be at the gate at this time. If you don’t get there early, I’d let the rush subside and be at the gate around 7 p.m. I observed maybe a ten-minute wait at 7 p.m. to get in.
A Cast Member will place a wristband on you and give you a credential (lanyard). Throughout the night you may be asked to show your wristband and credential to go on rides or enter lands, so be sure to keep both with you. This is also when you’ll receive an event map.
If you’re already in the park because you’re using a regular park ticket or Annual Pass, you can visit a wristband distribution location inside the park to check in:
- inside Star Wars: Launch Bay
- to the right of Muppet*Vision 3D
Note: You don’t need to go to the front of the park to receive your event map. They have them at all the distribution locations.
In my experience, these locations started distributing wristbands around 4:30 p.m. Since this is well over two hours before the event’s official start, I never observed long lines.
Although the official event start time is 8:30 p.m., some locations may open early around 8 p.m. For example, when I attended, Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction started selling the popular Christmas Gertie Cookie at 8 p.m., so I made sure to do this first thing. This is a great way to maximize the limited time you have during the event.
What do I wear?
Disney encourages its guests to don their holiday apparel for this event. In fact, they suggest getting fancy. Think old Hollywood red carpet with a holiday twist. Of course, dressing up is not required. I noticed there was a mix: some guests dressed up, some didn’t.
If you don’t want to dress up because you think it will bring more attention to you, don’t feel obligated. There were plenty of people not dressed up, so you won’t feel like an outsider if you decide to keep it casual.
What’s the 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 because four hours of event time is not enough time to do it all. If you’ve done any of the other Disney After Hours events, you know what I mean. We’ll go over all the event offerings so you can prioritize your list and know what’s best for you as a D•Introvert.
Generally speaking, for a themed after-hours event, I recommend focusing on event-exclusive offerings. This means you’ll be experiencing the most popular aspects of the night—which attract the biggest crowds.
Crowds are heaviest around Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, and especially The Hollywood Tower Hotel Courtyard area. If you need a break from the crowds, venture toward the attractions that are open during the event. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land were the least crowded in my experience.
You know your limits, but at the very least, I suggest the following things:
- Twilight Soiree at the Tip Top Club
- Disney Holidays in Hollywood
- What's This? Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along
Note: With Disney Jollywood Nights being a brand-new event, offerings are subject to change at any time.
Entertainment
You’ll see below that various locations have live music during the event. In the marketing for Jollywood Nights, Disney says you can “dance the night away.” I don’t know about you, but dancing outside the comfort of my living room isn’t really my thing. The bands are great, and if you feel inclined to dance, perfect. But in my experience, these areas of the park didn’t really turn into dance floors. Phew.
Holiday Fiesta en la Calle
What: band playing Latin holiday music
When: intermittently throughout the night
Where: Commissary Lane
Crowd level: low – Although Commissary Lane is a relatively narrow pathway, crowds were low throughout the night.
Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club
What: band playing postmodern jukebox-style holiday music
When: intermittently throughout the night
Where: The Hollywood Tower Hotel Courtyard
Crowd level: high – You have four things happening in this courtyard: Tower of Terror ride exit, photo opportunity, live band on stage, and pop-up bar.
Tip: Walk back to the Twilight Soirée when the band is on a break. It will be less crowded then. Grab a drink at the pop-up bar while the line is short, get situated just in time for the band to return, and enjoy the music with drink in hand.
There’s 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.
Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby
What: restaurant with event-exclusive menu and live jazz piano music
When: intermittently throughout the night
Where: The Hollywood Brown Derby
Crowd level: medium – You may experience some crowds when the restaurant first opens for the night. Once the initial rush subsides and guests are seated, you’ll find typical restaurant crowds.
Note: Tables for Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby are first come, first served at the start of the event. Once capacity is reached, you can join a mobile walk-up list through the My Disney Experience app.
Sunset Seasons Greetings
What: projection and laser show
When: intermittently throughout the night
Where: The Hollywood Tower Hotel (viewed from Sunset Boulevard)
Crowd level: low to medium – Sunset Boulevard is a long street, so guests can spread out while watching the show.
Disney Holidays in Hollywood
What: stage show inspired by vintage Hollywood TV specials
When: 8:45 p.m., 9:45 p.m, 10:45 p.m., and 11:45 p.m.
Where: Theater of the Stars (where Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage normally is)
Crowd level: medium to high – You’ll encounter a long line before the start of each show. As you file in, expect to be seated right next to someone. Later shows may be less crowded.
What's This? Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along
What: stage show and sing-along inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas
When: 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m., and 11:30 p.m.
Where: Hyperion Theater (where For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration normally is)
Crowd level: medium to high – You’ll encounter a long line before the start of each show. As you file in, expect to be seated right next to someone. Later shows may be less crowded.
Note: This show is technically a sing-along. Audience participation may be a no-go for introverts. Don’t feel pressured to sing along. In my experience, guests were quietly singing along. The place didn’t turn into a Taylor Swift concert or anything. Phew.
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!
What: nighttime spectacular with fireworks, lasers, lights, projections, and holiday music
When: 12:30 a.m.
Where: in front of the Chinese Theatre/Hollywood Boulevard
Crowd level: low to medium – The Center Stage area in front of the Chinese Theatre can accommodate a large number of guests. You can also find less-crowded spots on the sides.
DJs throughout park
I noticed two DJs, one in Center Stage (in front of Chinese Theatre) and another in front of Pixar Plaza. The one near Pixar Plaza had a second person standing out in front, hyping up guests as they walked by. They encouraged you to dance to the music, etc. I can appreciate the idea, but as an introvert, you may want to avoid.
Characters
After the first night, Disney added additional character meet-and-greets to Jollywood Nights. As an introvert, characters have always been a little awkward for me. I don’t always know what to say or how to interact with them.
Even so, having more characters has a nice effect on crowds. They disperse the guests throughout the park so that the most popular areas are less congested.
If characters are your jam, here is who you can meet.
Animation Courtyard
- Mickey Mouse
- Minnie Mouse
- Donald Duck
- Daisy Duck
- Goofy
- Pluto
Pixar Plaza
- Edna Mode
- Frozone
Echo Lake
- Max (as Powerline)
- Chip ‘n’ Dale (as Rescue Rangers)
- Phineas and Ferb
Vacation Fun exit
- Duffy
Center Stage (in front of Chinese Theatre)
- Pinocchio
- Jiminy Cricket
- Stitch
Near Muppets*Vision 3D
- Snow White
- Dopey
- Mary Poppins
- Penguin Waiter
Food and Beverages
Devote some time to try the themed, event-exclusive food and beverages! Portion sizes are smaller, but that also means it’s easier to sample a variety of items within a short period of time.
Note: Mobile order is not available during Disney Jollywood Nights.
Twilight Soirée at The Tip Top Club
- The 5th Dimension Royale: Teremana Blanco Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, desert pear, agave nectar, and lime juice topped with Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut and garnished with a dehydrated blood orange wheel
- Twilight Daiquiri: Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, ube, lime juice, and a splash of shimmer
- Sparkling Pomegranate-Apple Cider: Pomegranate-green tea topped with sparkling apple cider and pomegranate seeds
- Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut
The Tip Top Club has two organized lines. When it gets busy, the entrance to join the lines is actually behind the Joffrey’s kiosk, right as you enter the The Hollywood Tower Hotel Courtyard area. A Cast Member is stationed there with a sign directing you back there. This keeps you out of the main crowd in the courtyard. It works really well to alleviate some of the congestion in this area.
Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby
- Oyster Rockefeller: Spinach foam, shaved parmesan, rocoto pepper relish, and salmon caviar
- Crispy Duck Drumettes: Spicy orange glaze, carrots, and kumquats
- Charcuterie: House-made cured meats and accompaniments, blue cheese mousse, and toasted sourdough
- Shrimp Cocktail: Classic cocktail sauce, citrus pearls, and avocado mousse
- Derby Slider: Bison and pork belly blend, taleggio cheese sauce, and fig stout jam
- Tuna Carpaccio: Mezcal pickled vegetables, salsa macha, and avocado crema
- Pork Belly Bao: Korean BBQ, cucumber slaw, and soy vinaigrette
- Tofu Bao: Seared tofu, cucumber slaw, and soy vinaigrette
- An assortment of classic cocktails, zero-proof and nonalcoholic beverages, wine, and beer
ABC Commissary
- Chicken Empanadas with Street Corn: Chicken empanadas served with a side of street corn salad topped with chili peppers, lime, and cotija cheese
- Yuca con Chicharrón: Fried pork belly, yuca, red pickled onions, and chili pepper-lime seasoning with a yellow pepper aïoli
- Mushroom Taco: Chili-roasted Mixed mushrooms, avocado crema, baby gem lettuce, and garnished with sliced radish (plant based)
- Birria Taco: Shredded short rib and Monterey jack served with beef consommé for dipping
- Tembleque: Coconut rice pudding with caramel rum sauce and cinnamon
- Mexican Hot Cocoa Cheesecake: Spiced chocolate cheesecake on a chocolate cookie base topped with vanilla whipped cream and cocoa powder with a chocolate handle
- Mangonada: Frozen mango beverage with mango-chili pepper-lime sauce and chili pepper-lime seasoning on top (nonalcoholic)
- Zero-Proof Piña Colada: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, coconut, pineapple, and lime
- Oaxaca Old Fashioned: Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, agave nectar, Mexican chocolate, and orange bitters served over ice garnished with an orange
BaseLine Tap House
- Tuna Ceviche: Marinated ahi tuna, pico de gallo, and avocado cream topped with cilantro
- Charcuterie Cup: Manchego, chorizo, serrano ham, pickled vegetables, olives, and toasted focaccia bread
- Beer Margarita: Blend of Patrón Silver Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, and lime juice topped with Scrimshaw Pilsner over ice
Dockside Diner
- Spicy Pimento-Kimchi Dip: Topped with chives and served with fresh house-made wonton chips
- Roasted Eggplant Dip: Topped with chives and served with warm pita bread (plant based)
- Poutine Tots: Potato barrels topped with gravy, brisket, mozzarella curds, and chives
- Christmas Tree Cookie Stack: Vanilla cookie stack filled with pistachio buttercream, cranberry, and raspberry jam topped with sprinkles and a yellow candy star
- Sandy Claws Hot Cocoa: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas–inspired dark chocolate hot cocoa topped with cherry whipped cream (nonalcoholic)
- Naughty or Nice: Crown Royal Whisky and ginger mixed with orange, cranberry, and grapefruit juices topped with fresh cranberries
Epic Eats
- Spicy Korean Chicken Funnel Cake: Spicy fried Korean chicken with pickled vegetables served on a mini funnel cake
- Brisket Reuben Funnel Cake: Beef brisket and sauerkraut slaw topped with thousand island dressing and served on a mini funnel cake
- S’mores Funnel Cake: Giant roasted marshmallow with chocolate and marshmallow sauce, topped with chocolate curls and cinnamon cereal and served on a mini funnel cake
- Samuel Adams Winter Lager: Spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and orange peel for a deep flavor and malty finish
Fairfax Fare
- Holiday Turkey Popover: Roasted turkey and creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy, cranberry chutney, and chives in a house-made popover
- “Just the Sides” Popover: Macaroni & cheese and savory collard greens with ham topped with cornbread crumbs in a house-made popover
- PB&J Doughnut: Glazed doughnut with creamy peanut butter and grape jelly dipped in dark chocolate topped with crushed house-made salt and vinegar chips
- Kermit’s Frozen Banana Bliss: Frozen banana and white chocolate with caramel swirls topped with matcha whipped cream and sprinkles (nonalcoholic)
- Mistletoe Martini: Tito’s Handmade Vodka and St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur mixed with cranberry juice and topped with fresh cranberries and mint leaves
Note: I observed the longest food line at Fairfax Fare. Even so, it only took 10–15 minutes to get through.
Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction
- Christmas Gertie Cookie: Sugar cookie with mint icing (also available with mint soft-serve)
Market
- Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls: Fried spring rolls served with a jalapeño-ranch dipping sauce and fried rice noodles
- Frozone’s Snowball Macaroons: Coconut macaroons drizzled with blue vanilla frosting and topped with white snowflake sprinkles
- Spiced Apple Cider: Apple cider and cinnamon with an apple chip garnish (nonalcoholic)
- Zero-Proof Apple Cider: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, apple cider, ANGOSTURA Bitters, and cinnamon topped with an apple chip and cinnamon rim
- In Holiday Fashion: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, rosemary syrup, cranberry and lime juices, and cinnamon
PizzeRizzo
- Meatball and Polenta: Giant meatball with marinara and creamy cheese polenta
- Olive and Goat Cheese Flatbread: Olive oil–toasted flatbread, creamy goat cheese, rustic olive and tomato spread, balsamic glaze, and lemon watercress
- Antipasto Flatbread: Fresh mozzarella, salami, peperoni, country ham, olives, peppers, onions, pepperoncini, and marinara
- Tiramisu Puff: Sweet and savory with flavors of espresso, chocolate, and a coffee-infused custard and mascarpone cream
- Benvolio Pinot Grigio
- Banfi Chianti Superiore
- Peroni Nastro Azzuro Lager Draft
- Heineken 0.0 Nonalcoholic Lager
The Trolley Car Café
- Ornament Mousse: Dark chocolate-cherry mousse
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
- Tinseltown Tini: Cold brew coffee topped with Kahlúa, Grey Goose Vodka, a hint of light cream, and a dash of whipped cream with cocoa (available at the location near The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror)
- Round ‘Em Up Latte: Blend of espresso, cookie butter syrup, dulce de leche sauce, and milk topped with fluffy whipped cream, playful animal crackers, and festive sprinkles; available hot or iced (nonalcoholic; available at the location in Toy Story Land)
Outdoor vending locations
- Gingerbread Bites (plant based)
Bar locations
- Zero-Proof Gingerbread Spritzer: Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, gingerbread syrup, and club soda garnished with a gingerbread bite
- Sugar Cookie Martini: Stoli Vanil Vodka, Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, and Disaronno Originale Liqueur mixed with milk and sugar in a sprinkle-rimmed glass with a sugar cookie garnish
Attractions
With everything else going on during the night, you’ll find attraction wait times to be lower than a regular park day. Below are the attractions open during the event.
Toy Story Land
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Toy Story Mania!
Sunset Boulevard
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Hollywood Boulevard
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Note: Rise of the Resistance is only available through a virtual queue during Disney Jollywood Nights. You can request to join the queue at 8 p.m. using the My Disney Experience app, and you do not need to be inside the park to join.
Echo Lake
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Merchandise
You can purchase an event T-shirt at three locations:
- Mickey’s of Hollywood
- Celebrity 5 & 10
- Once Upon a Time
Photo opportunities
Disney PhotoPass is included in your Disney Jollywood Nights event ticket.
- Magic Shots, including an event-exclusive robotic arm Magic Shot and a camera array Magic Shot (boomerang style)
- PhotoPass Lens
- PhotoPass Video Memories
Note: It may take a day for all your photos to show up within the My Disney Experience app. You may find watermarks on any photos taken before the official start of the event (8:30 p.m.) However, your complimentary PhotoPass starts as early as 4 p.m. Disney has advised guests to give it a day, and those watermarks should be removed.
New in-park character named Ollie
Did you know Disney Jollywood Nights unveiled a brand-new in-park character? His name is Ollie, a gingerbread cookie who baked his dreams come true!
“There once was a cookie named Ollie
Who made his way west on a trolley
With oven-baked gleam, he followed his dream
And made all of Tinseltown jolly!”
Although you can’t actually meet him during the event, you can spot references to him throughout the park. With your keen introvert eye, you can turn this into a scavenger hunt of sorts.
Tips for a highly sensitive Disney introvert
Introversion Insight:
Not all introverts are highly sensitive. They may just have a hard time with social stimuli. But some introverts do share similarities with highly sensitive people. These individuals process social, physical, and emotional stimuli deeply.
Emotions can run high at Disney Parks, good and bad. If you’re a sensitive D•Introvert, you’re feeling all the feels. You have the ability to recognize and understand emotions. You really should see it as a superpower, but sometimes it can weigh you down.
Let’s talk about situations you might find yourself in while on your Disney Parks vacation, along with ways to manage them.
“Hey, Mr. Grumpy Gills”
Disney has set the bar on guest service, so when they fall short, it’s noticeable. Nine times out of ten you’ll encounter friendly and helpful Cast Members, but it’s possible you might interact with one on an off day.
(Side note: Some of the EPCOT festival booths are operated by a third party, and I’ve noticed some of those Cast Members are not the friendliest.)
If you’re like me, a sour interaction will haunt you for the rest of your park day. Like Beverly, it will leave a bad taste in your mouth. Part of you is thinking about how you could have responded to the Cast Member. Part of you feels chastised in a way. And another part of you is formulating the email you’ll write when you get home.
It’s easier said than done, but don’t let it consume you. Try to be present. If you find yourself ruminating, focus on what’s physically around you: landscaping, buildings, food, or the smile on your partner’s face. I like to get out of my mind and think of the bigger picture. Think of all the positive interactions you’ve had. That one sour interaction doesn’t have to affect your entire vacation.
“You idiots! You fools! You imbeciles!”
If you’ve been to a Disney Park before, you may have witnessed a family in full meltdown mode. And it’s not necessarily because they’re all introverts who have been overstimulated. The crowds, lines, heat, and stress can be intense for anyone.
Emotions may run high, and harsh words may be said. Like the grumpy Cast Member interaction, your instinct might be to brood over a loved one’s hurtful comments. You feel things deeply, to the point where you might think it would be best to just go back to the Resort. That is always an option, but I’d say most of the time, try and brush it off. Know that this person still loves you just as much as they did before the hurtful comments. Clear the air by going on a thrill ride.
“Oh, d-d-dear”
Is Piglet your spirit animal? I can relate to Piglet. I worry. I overthink. I have anxiety. But that all magically goes away when you enter a Disney Park, right? Not exactly. You might be stressing over getting to your next Lightning Lane or dining reservation on time. Maybe it’s finding the stroller parking, exiting an attraction, and then discovering your stroller has been moved. Little things like these might affect you more than other people.
And that’s okay. We learn to manage like we do outside the parks, but one thing that may help is preparation. Being prepared for different park scenarios can give you a lot of peace of mind. My top three suggestions? Read up on park procedures, know the lay of the land, and become familiar with the My Disney Experience app.
“Welcome to Sunnyside, folks”
Sometimes plans change. One minute you’re in the attic, the next you’re at Sunnyside Daycare. Introverts tend to be planners, so I’m guessing you’ve created a well-thought-out and detailed plan for your Disney Parks vacation. Nice work, pal. But how flexible is it? Or should I say how flexible are you?
You might experience a ride going down, a torrential downpour, or a sudden headache. The people in your party may just want to go with the flow and not follow your elaborate plan. I think there are some compromises to be made. Know you can’t do it all. It’s possible you’ll come back for another visit. But as corny as it sounds, I think it’s important to remain proud of your planning. You put a lot of effort into it. You researched everything so now, even if you don’t follow the plan, you can serve as your travel party’s expert.
Six introvert spots with AC 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.
Florida can get hot, especially in the summer. I would never tell you not to visit Walt Disney World, but if there’s a time I’d highly discourage you from visiting, it’s in the summer. It’s toasty. But magic can still be found in the sunscreen you’re sweating into your eyeballs.
These restorative niches Susan Cain wrote about—they can be quiet spots—but maybe just as importantly, they are cool spots. Never underestimate the recharging power of air-conditioning.
And it may seem like it’s in short supply at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Sure, you can find AC if you want to go on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, watch For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, dine at The Hollywood Brown Derby, or get in line to meet Minnie Mouse inside Red Carpet Dreams. But what if you just want a quiet spot with AC without rides, shows, restaurants, or characters?
Here are six relatively quiet spots with AC that will help you recharge and stay cool at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Star Wars Launch Bay
- Large indoor area with lots of dark nooks and crannies
- Some benches
- Exhibits to look at
Walt Disney Presents
- Limited benches
- Exhibits to look at
Tower Hotel Gifts
(The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ exit)
- Limited benches
- Merchandise to look at
Note: You’ll be walking against some traffic if you go all the way back inside as most everyone else will be exiting.
Vacation Fun exit
- Limited benches
- Photo ops
Note: The entrance to the exit area is just to the right of the theater’s entrance. Look for the red and yellow doors. When the theater lets out, you’ll be joined by the guests exiting; however, most don’t stick around too long.
Rock Around the Shop (Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith exit)
- No seating
- Merchandise to look at
Note: The entrance is just to the right of the KRNR The Rock Station food truck. You’ll be walking against traffic as most everyone else will be exiting.
Jessie’s Trading Post (Toy Story Mania! exit)
- No seating
- Merchandise to look at
Note: Look for the Pixar Ball in Toy Story Land. The entrance is just to the left of the ball down a long pathway. You’ll be walking against traffic as most everyone else will be exiting.
Honorable mentions
In case you need a restorative niche that has AC as well as liquid courage/extroversion (alcohol), look no further than Tune-In Lounge and BaseLine Tap House. I didn’t list these two earlier because they involve ordering something. (Yes, you can sit inside these establishments and not order anything, but I try to be a courtesy D•Introvert.)
Tune-In Lounge doesn’t have a lot of seating, but it does have retro decor that will transport you to the 1950s. BaseLine Tap House has limited indoor seating and the best background music loop.
Need a quiet spot (with AC!) at EPCOT?
How to survive as an introvert at Walt Disney World
Introversion Insight:
A crowded, lively place is exciting and energizing for some. But for introverts, it can be exhausting. These places actually drain an introvert’s mental energy. This is why conserving and recharging our energy is key.
Disney Parks are busy, crowded places. They can be physically exhausting, but let’s not forget about how mentally exhausting they can be for introverts. Here are some tips for preventing an introvert hangover.
Lay low on the first day
Disney’s Animal Kingdom promotes a message of conservation. What they don’t promote is conserving your energy before you even step foot in a park. But in all seriousness, take it easy on your arrival day. Definitely don’t hit up a park on your first day. Travel days are hard enough. This is the perfect time to charge your social battery for what’s to come.
Ease into it. Ever notice how slow and deliberate you are in life? Keep it up, even when you’re full-on excited to explore the parks. You’ll prevent an early burnout.
Become a photographer
Offer to be the photographer for the group. If you’re the one taking the picture, you’re not in the spotlight. It’s a way to regulate how much attention is on you—or in other words—how much stimulation you receive. The more stimulation received the faster you’ll deplete your social battery.
As you’re walking around the park, watching a parade, and taking in the sights, you can distance yourself from the action by placing a camera between you and the environment. It’s good to be present, of course, but your camera can act as a buffer.
Have an exit strategy
Because introverts tend to be planners, you’ve probably mapped out each day of your Disney Parks vacation. Might I suggest a bit of flexibility? You may go into a park day thinking you’ll be there from open to close, but your social battery may not last.
I like to have an exit strategy in place before entering the park. Here’s an example: “We will leave the park for a midday break at 2 p.m.” If you get to that point and feel like you need a break, do it. If you’re feeling fine, feel free to stay longer. But deciding this up front may help if you’re concerned about how long you can handle the parks.
Know your escape route
Speaking of an exit strategy, do you know all your transportation options if you want to take a break from the parks? A midday break is easiest when you stay on property since you can use Disney’s various modes of transportation. But it can get complicated when you realize they have buses, boats, monorails, and gondolas. Here are your Walt Disney World transportation options from each park to each resort:
You’re going to have a great time!
Best Hollywood Studios 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, depending on the restaurant and time of year, may be hard to secure. No worries, though. You have plenty of quick-service options.
But first, the number one rule for any location—avoid the lunch and dinnertime 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.
Backlot Express, “A Warehouse of Good Eating”
So here it is. The best Hollywood Studios quick-service restaurant for introverts is Backlot Express.
I should first mention that if you don’t understand the theme, you might think Backlot Express is just an old, dark, and cluttered space. I mean, you’re not completely wrong, but you’ll appreciate all the details more if you know the story behind it—and we know introverts love details.
The details
It’s themed like a warehouse you might find on a typical movie studio’s backlot. The restaurant harkens back to the early days of Disney-MGM Studios when actual movie production took place. They want you immersed in the world of moviemaking, including in the behind-the-scenes studio shops like the paint shop, sculpture shop, and model shop.
Who doesn’t want to enjoy their Wookiee Cookie next to splattered paint?!
For those nostalgic D•Introverts, it remains relatively untouched since the park opened.
Spend some time wandering around each shop. You’ll find all kinds of signs, props, and references to movies and TV.
The seating
This restaurant is big—600 seats big. This means you’ll be able to find an empty table quickly and easily. I also want to point out the layout. Because each area is themed as a studio shop, you have multiple tucked-away areas. It’s not just one large dining room. I find myself going to a dark corner table. (It really is fairly dark in there, which may help you decompress.) And if you prefer to dine alfresco, Backlot Express boasts lots of covered patio seating.
The logistics
As soon as you go through the main entrance, you’re greeted with a large open area. You have all the pickup zones in a row. Mobile order is available, and those pickup zones are clearly marked. The drink and condiment stations are prominently themed, so they’re easy to locate as well.
I hope you’ll check out this introvert-friendly restaurant the next time you’re at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Do you think it’s the best quick-service restaurant for introverts at Hollywood Studios? Let me know!
Backlot Express
Type: Quick service
Location: Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
(next to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue)
Price: $15 and under
Hours: 11 a.m. – hour before park close (may vary)
Menu: Lunch and dinner
More introvert-friendly restaurants
Planning a solo Disney Parks trip as an introvert
Introversion Insight:
Put an introvert in a new, busy, and extroverted environment. How do they fare? It’s natural for them to be quiet, introspective, intimidated, and maybe even a little self-conscious. But with some planning and knowing what to expect (and knowing they’re doing something they’ll enjoy), they can have a pleasant experience.
Whether you’re in the area for work, can’t get others to come with you (losers!), or you just need a Disney Parks fix, a solo trip may be a good option. As an introvert, you might think a solo trip is perfect. You can be by yourself (albeit with thousands of other guests). But I found the opposite to be true at first. It was challenging! Here are some things I wish I would have considered.
Knowing yourself
Are you an independent, self-confident person? If you’re used to running around town by yourself in your day-to-day life, a solo park visit may come more naturally for you. But I think for some, it can be intimidating.
Consider how comfortable you are in your own skin because when you’re by yourself—at least for me—there’s a degree of self-consciousness. I don’t typically wear Mickey ears in the parks, but if I did, I might feel insecure about wearing them if it’s just me. I’d want to be with a group where we’re all wearing ears.
And depending on the person, you might all of a sudden be insecure about how you walk or talk. I’m pretty sure the odds of tripping over your own feet are greater when you’re solo! That’s just how it works. But I do become hyper-aware of those things when it’s just me. So then it can be harder to live in the moment and enjoy the parks because I’m overanalyzing. Of course, I’ve gotten better the more visits I’ve made, and everyone is different, right? We all have different levels of confidence and images of ourselves.
But you really do learn about yourself. You figure out your level of comfort in different situations. I think you can grow as an adult. I don’t think we ever stop maturing. You end up navigating airports, transportation, hotels, and the parks all on your own. And for me, it forces me to act like an extrovert. It’s good practice for the noisy extroverted world we live in outside the parks.
I sometimes rely on my spouse to hold up a conversation or let them guide a social interaction, so when I’m solo, this is my chance. I talk to more people. I sometimes find Cast Members are more talkative to you as well if they notice you’re solo.
You also might feel a sense of freedom. I think when you live in a certain place for a while and interact with your same social circle, you get stuck in your ways. You act a certain way around these people. So when you take that solo trip, I feel like you can let loose a bit more.
Navigating the parks
You create your schedule. If you want to stare at all the signs in Africa in Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a half hour, you can. PS: This is something I’ve done, and it’s glorious—so many small details in those signs. But you decide how early you arrive and how late you stay. You also decide when you need a break to go back to the Resort midday. With a group, you’re at the whim of others in your party.
You don’t have to do rides or attractions you don’t like. And on the flip side, you can do the rides or attractions you like, the ones you can’t get your spouse to go on or experience. When I’m with my spouse, we don’t usually stop to enjoy the parades or the streetmosphere performers. But I can easily do that when it’s just me.
You might use those single rider queues. Normally when I’m with a group or even just my spouse, we’ll still ride together and not do single rider. But when you’re solo, you can take advantage of it, which means a shorter wait for the ride, of course, but also less time awkwardly standing in the long regular line with other groups surrounding you.
For me, it could also mean doing rides or attractions I’ve experienced before because I’m familiar with them. The newness of the solo situation may seem overwhelming, so visiting those places I’m already comfortable with can be reassuring.
You can go at your own pace. If you typically get slowed down by a group of people, this is your chance to get your steps in and walk at your normal fast pace. For me, though, it means I can go at a more leisurely pace. I can take in the sights and stop wherever I want. Disney Parks are known for their attention to detail, so I can really spend time noticing those details and spotting hidden Mickeys. As silly as it sounds, I find myself daydreaming a bit more. It’s definitely a more relaxed experience once you get used to it.
One of my goals in life is to avoid crowds whenever possible, and this includes at the parks. What’s nice about a solo trip is you can steer clear of the crowds. You might normally go with someone who only watches the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the crowded hub area. Great view but it’s also very people-y. So when it’s just you, you can opt for a less crowded fireworks spot and be okay with it.
But let’s not forget—everything is now on you to figure out (no pressure!). You don’t have that support of a small group or significant other who would normally act as that buffer where they’re normally the one to talk to Cast Members.
When I get up to the boarding area for a ride, for example, I don’t typically tell the Cast Member how large my party is because I let someone else go in front of me. They more or less lead the way, and I get to tag along. I tend to do that as we’re walking around the parks too. If we hit a bottleneck of people, my spouse is usually leading the way and breaking through the crowd so I don’t have to. Little things like that are now left up to you as a solo traveler.
Eating solo
What’s nice about a solo Disney Parks trip is you can eat whatever and wherever you want. You don’t have to compromise based on what the group wants.
But we should mention eating alone. Are you comfortable eating alone in a public place? This is something that’s a little awkward for me for some reason. And it’s amplified in a sit-down, table-service restaurant. Quick-service restaurants aren’t as bad.
At a table-service restaurant, I feel like all eyes are on me. I start wondering what the other guests are thinking about this guy eating by himself. And a small part of me feels guilty about taking up a table when a server could have a larger group and receive a larger tip. So when I’m on a solo trip, I don’t do table-service restaurants. It’s just quick-service restaurants or snack carts. (I will make an exception for Nomad Lounge because I love that place so much.) But for most meals as a solo traveler, I’ll typically grab it and go and eat while I’m walking around. I won’t always sit down in the seating area of the quick-service restaurant.
Fighting the loneliness
It can be lonely. You’re still creating memories with the parks, but they’re not shared memories with loved ones. I’m a nostalgic person, so I’m always reminiscing about past trips I went on with friends and family. It’s nice to have that connection. So you might miss that connection. But one thing that may help is sharing your solo trip as you’re going along on social media. So even though you’re by yourself, you’ll still feel connected to those in your social media circle.
Packing your essentials
Logistically, remember to pack what you think you’ll need. I’m the type of person who dislikes carrying anything when I’m at the parks. It’s just easier and less stressful for me when navigating the logistics of rides. So If I’m by myself, I don’t have that spouse who brought everything I might need in a bag. I have to remember what to pack and what I’ll use to haul it around with.
Relaxing with some liquid courage
I jokingly refer to alcohol and coffee as my liquid extroversion or liquid courage. But I really do think there’s some truth there. As you might expect, it helps me loosen up, and it gets me out of my head. Introverts tend to spend a lot of time thinking—and overthinking—life. I’ll sometimes say something to a Cast Member and then an hour later I’ll be analyzing what I said, wondering if what I said made sense or if it was really funny or not. So liquid extroversion helps me relax and be present while at the parks, especially if I’m there by myself.
Realizing you’re not the only one
Vacationing solo may not be as common on a non-Disney vacation, but you’ll be surprised by how many solo travelers you’ll see at the parks. You won’t be the only one! That should give you some reassurance.
You’re going to have a great time. You’re going to a Disney Park after all. I’ll fully admit it was weird—at first—to visit the parks by myself. It’s a different park experience, but I think if you can keep these things in mind, you’ll feel prepared and excited about your upcoming solo trip.
Furthering the discussion
I sat down with Matthew of the Imagination Skyway podcast, and we chatted all about solo trips to Walt Disney World. (It was a very non-introvert thing for me to do. Hello, anxiety. But it was a lot of fun too.) I invite you to listen to that episode (and go easy on me) if you’d like more tips on solo visits to Walt Disney World.
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
“I want to build a lightsaber at Disney, but I’m an introvert.”
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. They like knowing how to do things, especially around other people. At the same time, doing something new, getting out of your comfort zone, and acting like an extrovert can be a lot of fun.
Are you or your child introverted and a little apprehensive about building a lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (DHS) or Disneyland (DL)? I get you. You’re in the spotlight, and now you have to build something in front of other people? Oof. As a D•Introvert, audience-participation attractions—like Savi’s—can be intimidating.
This is one of those moments in life when you act like an extrovert for the sake of doing something you really want to do. May the Force be with you! And to help you feel more prepared—and reassure you it’s not so bad—I’m going to break down the experience of building a custom lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop in DHS.
Warning: As you might expect, potential SPOILERS ahead!
Check in
Look for a “Gatherer” (Cast Member) standing out front of the workshop and give them your name. You can check in up to 15 minutes before your reservation. Each builder can bring one guest.
PIck your hilt theme
They’ll give you a laminated card that describes the four available hilt themes.
You’re then directed to the courtyard area to review which theme you want. If you want to see physical replicas of each theme, pull out the nearby cabinet drawers.
Purchase your lightsaber
A second Gatherer will come over and direct you to the registers. This is when you’ll need to know which hilt theme you’re purchasing.
You’ll buy your lightsaber and receive credentials and a pin. Go ahead and put the pin on your shirt and head toward the gate to the right of the registers.
Update: If you're building a lightsaber at Disney's Hollywood Studios, full payment is due at the time of booking now.
Get excited (and maybe nervous because that's how you roll)
A Gatherer will let you through the gate into a holding area outside the workshop’s entrance. You’ll wait here a few minutes as it fills in. Everyone in the holding area will be going through the experience at the same time.
When it’s time, you’ll enter the workshop single file, first builder then their guest, second builder then their guest, etc. Be sure your pin is prominently displayed and your credentials are held chest high as you go in.
Build your lightsaber
You’re directed to your building station where you’ll place your credentials. The first thing you’ll do is pick the color of your kyber crystal. Red, blue, green, and violet are available through Savi’s Workshop.
You’ll then be presented with the rest of the components. A Gatherer will explain how many of each component you’ll need. In our experience, there was one Gatherer for every two builders, so you’ll have a mostly devoted person helping you the whole way through.
The actual assembly is fairly easy. For two of the pieces, you’ll need to line up the markings by color, blue with the blue and red with the red. I think the toughest part was fitting the kyber crystal in. You don’t have to worry about connecting the lightsaber blade. The Gatherer will do that for you.
You did it! You just built your custom lightsaber. Now relax, be in the moment, and enjoy the theatrics of it all. At a certain point, you’ll activate your lightsaber (switch it on) and raise it high.
One last thing: They’ll give you a carrying case as you exit. You’ll insert the lightsaber blade first into the case.
Have fun with your magical sword, Trekkie!
Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers
Location: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at DHS or DL
Price: $249.99 (DHS) or $219.99 (DL)
Discounts Available: No
How to Book: Online (DHS or DL), walk-ins may be available
Duration: ~30 minutes
Party Size: Builder with one guest allowed
Park Admission Required: Yes
Cancellation Policy: Up to 1 day before