Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite
We’re back and we’re better than ever! This time, we’re visiting the Disneyland Resort to hang out at their coolest After Dark event, Star Wars Nite!
This specialty-ticketed event offers super fans and casual enjoyers of Star Wars alike the chance to experience all things Star Wars— exclusive character meet and greets (with some rare characters from both the TV shows and movies), photo opportunities, live entertainment and shows, Star Wars-themed food and drinks, and of course, low crowds and wait times on most attractions.
With a ticket purchase, guests can enter Disneyland Park as early as 6:00 pm and stay until the event ends, until 1 am. Regular, non-After Dark ticketed guests must leave the park by 8:00 pm, leaving the park for the sole enjoyment of After Dark guests . More information can be found at the official Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite page.
Low wait times, yummy food options, and a chance to meet some of my favorite, rare Star Wars characters—how could I pass up this opportunity?
Everyone was decked out in their best cosplays, Disney bounds, and Star Wars gear. It was so impressive to see everyone’s dedication and love for the movies and characters; it brought the vibe of the night way up.
At the end of Main Street, U.S.A., a DJ was mixing popular songs with Star Wars phrases (I couldn’t escape from "this is the way” repeated on the beat), turning the hub into a mini, outdoor, family-friendly club for the night.
My party and I got a chance to meet the adorable and affable BB-8 and R2-D2! And this other droid, too.
I made sure to say my hellos, goodbyes, and thank yous to the droids, and they beeped with gratitude.
We tried the Sliders Strike Back (phenomenal name, 10/10) at Galactic Grill, and they really packed a punch! One burger offered a little spice with its spicy pickle relish, but nothing we couldn’t handle, while the other offered an unexpected, but delicious sweetness with its bacon jam. The curly fries were also a great complement to the burgers.
The photo opportunities were so fun and unique. While I opted not to pose with them (thank you, gracious travelers, for letting me feature you on the blog), I still snagged a few photos of my favorite backdrops.
We also saw many stormtroopers, Captain Phasma, and Palpatine (somehow) make appearances in Tomorrowland.
We then traveled to the Black Spire Outpost for a Cold Brew Black Caf at Docking Bay 7, since we knew we needed the energy to stay up late tonight. Galaxy’s Edge was so crowded because everyone was getting ready for the Gathering of the Resistance with Rey, where resistance members shine their lightsabers high in the air in solidarity and support against the Dark Side. Without any lightsabers in our party (a recession indicator), we opted not to stay for the show.
We then walked over to New Orleans Square to try the Dagobah-bite Beignets, beignets shaped like Yoda and dusted with matcha powder. This treat had a long line, so we knew it had to be good. The treats were warm, soft, and had a nice matcha flavor. They weren’t as sweet as one might expect for a dessert, but they still satisfied our dessert craving.
To take advantage of the low wait times, we headed over to Mickey’s Toontown to ride Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and saw these grand movie posters on display in the “it’s a small world” promenade.
After riding a few more rides (they were all a walk-on!) and without realizing how late it had gotten, we decided to head home.
Another war fought, another battle won, and another Disney day accomplished.
Have you attended a Disneyland After Dark event? Let me know!
Until next time, friends!