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Ever wanted to attend a Disney After Dark event at Disneyland? Here are 3 tips and tricks based on my experience from Princess Nite.
Disney After Dark: How To Use Disney Photopass
Your ticket to a Disney After Dark event includes unlimited Photopass photographs from the event. When I attended the Disney Princess Nite in March 2023, I was given a wristband that had a QR code for Photopass photographers to scan. Later, when I had a spare moment during the evening I had to manually enter the Photopass ID number into the My Disneyland app so that I could see my photographs.
At the Princess Nite event, the photographers were strict about rules and allowed only 3 solo photos or 3 group photos but you were not allowed to do a combination of the two.
In fact, at the Princess Ariel meet and greet, my friend and I planned on taking photographs solo and we’d take video of each other. I took video of my friend’s meet and greet first and when I went to get my photos (as the next person in line) I was told rather harshly that I wasn’t able to get photos because they only allowed group photos. After some back and forth, I was finally allowed to get a couple pictures with Ariel but it was extremely awkward.
Be sure to know the rules and regulations at each meet and greet so you can have a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Disney After Dark: Meet and Greet Lines
For the Disney Princess Nite, party guests were allowed to start lining up for the meet and greets as well as the photo ops at the time of park closing. Some of the photo op photographers started taking pictures prior to the official party start time but from what I gathered, that was abnormal.
Most lines were at least 1 hour long. Lines for the most popular characters such as Princess Leia stretched out to 3+ hours long.
It is important to know that there were no Disability Access Service return times offered. So for long lines when I needed some space and the ability to step out of line to rest, I was grateful to my girlfriends who held my spot in line and let me come back and forth as my body allowed. There were an ample number of benches around the park that I was able to sit at to rest without being surrounded by too many guests.
Disney After Dark: Food Allergies
Do you have allergies? Perhaps you have unusual allergies, such as I do, that cannot be addressed by the standard allergy menus?
Lines for the food carts were almost as long as some of the meet and greet lines. The idea of having to wait for the specialty churros and other treats without knowing if you could even enjoy them, is discouraging. Feel free to try to approach the cast member at the cart and ask them if they have an ingredient list. You can also ask them if they can call the chef to verify the list of ingredients in case they don’t have a list.
Granted, you might have some other guests grumble and complain that you are cutting the line but a kind word and explanation can go a long way.
Also, there are specialty meals provided such as the Princess Nite Tea I attended at Cafe Orleans Restaurant. I was grateful to the waitress and chef who helped me customize the menu allowing for my allergies. Primarily due to my allergies to natural gums and gelatin, I was unable to enjoy any of the desserts and they brought out some delicious seasonal fruits and a sorbet.
Upcoming Disney After Dark Events
Disney After Dark 2023 events include:
- Throwback Nite (April 18, April 20)
Step back in time to the 50s and 60s to get a taste of Disneyland Park’s classic past when Disneyland After Dark: Throwback Nite returns! Dress in your dapperest attire and commemorate the evening with live music and entertainment, specialty photo ops and visits with some classic Disney Characters from the era. [I imagine that it would be like Dapper Day.]
- Star Wars Nite (May 2, 4, 8, 11) **SOLD OUT**
Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite will grant Guests of all ages special after-hours access to Disneyland Park with the purchase of a separate event admission ticket. Enjoy Star Wars Character sightings, event-themed menu selections and exciting entertainment—including March of the First Order featuring Captain Phasma. Plus, discover special Star Wars-themed photo opportunities, merchandise and more!
More Disney Tips and Tricks
- Is the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures Worth It? (2023)
- Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Breakfast: Delicious ’23 Review
- Top Reasons to Use Buena Vista Scooters for Disney World
- Celebrate Star Wars Day at Home with these 4 Easy and Fun Ideas
- How Many Days For Disney World? (19 Disney Tips and Tricks)
- 3 Perks of Taking a Magical Yet Solo Trip to Disneyland that Don’t Have to Do with Attractions
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