Which Disney Special Events Require an Additional Theme Park Ticket?

In addition to visiting the parks during the day, Disney has special ticketed events throughout the year. Paying extra may be worth it for special entertainment, themed firework shows and additional food and beverage offerings. Some events that cost extra have lower crowds in the park. So which Disney special events require an additional theme park ticket? The following is a list of Disney events and what you can expect from each.

A Guide to Disney Special Events That Cost Extra

Disney World Special Events with Tickets Throughout the Year

These events do not include day time access but you will be able to enter the park and start your experience before the event starts. Check the times on your event date but expect if the Halloween party starts at 7:00 p.m. you may be able to enter as early as 4:00 p.m.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom

Each spooky season guests of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom enjoy a festive parade, a themed fireworks show, trick or treating and lots of extra characters around the park. Special lighting and background music decorate Magic Kingdom. The Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus appear in a show on the castle stage. These events usually take place from 7:00 p.m. to midnight.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom

Joy and Christmas music sweep over Magic Kingdom at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. These events happen on select nights in November and December but there are fewer of these than the Halloween parties. A cheerful parade, delightful fireworks and a festive castle stage show happen at each event celebrating the best of the season. Treats like cookies and hot cocoa are complimentary at different locations throughout the park. These events usually take place from 7:00 p.m. to midnight.

Note: If you plan to be at Magic Kingdom during the week of Christmas, the parade and fireworks from these events are usually happening on regular park days then.

Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This is a newer event that was introduced in 2023. The Hollywood Studios holiday event offers themed entertainment, like jazz singers, throughout the park. There is a show themed to The Nightmare Before Christmas and another show that features Kermit and Miss Piggy. Disney advertises this is an event to get dressed up for, wearing your holiday best. 

Disney After Hours at various theme parks

If you’re looking for an opportunity to enjoy the parks with fewer people in them, Disney After Hours is for you. Expect lower wait times and a more relaxed atmosphere after the park closes for the day time visitors. 

At the Magic Kingdom Disney After Hours events, you have the chance to see two different fireworks shows in one night. You can get in as early as 7:00 p.m. and see the regular Happily Ever After showing. Then at the After Hours Event you can see ⁠Disney Enchantment which debuted for the fiftieth anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021. This is the only time you can currently see this show.

Is it worth buying tickets to Disney special events that cost extra?

At Disney events that require an extra ticket, you have the opportunity to enjoy some offerings you wouldn’t normally see with regular Disney World tickets. You may be able to meet limited time characters like Jack Skellington and Sally at the Halloween party. They don’t appear the rest of the year or anywhere else.

Some of the Disney special events that cost extra include complimentary food items.

• The Halloween party comes with trick-or-treating stops and candy that’s included.
• The Christmas party has complimentary treats to enjoy around the park.
• Disney After Hours included popcorn, ice cream and soda.

Know that during ticketed events, the theme parks will be different than regular day time visits.

With special ticketed events, sometimes the park doesn’t have all of the shops, rides or shows running that you would be able to experience during the day.

Popular Disney Events Included with Regular Park Admission

Not all of the events you may experience when visiting Orlando require a special ticket at an extra cost. This is a list of some of the most popular events or special offerings at Disney World that are included with your ticket to the park: 

• Epcot International Festival of the Arts – Epcot
• Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival – Epcot
• Epcot International Food and Wine Festival – Epcot
• Epcot International Festival of the Holidays – Epcot
• New Year’s Eve celebrations with special fireworks and DJ dance parties – Magic Kingdom
• New Year’s Eve celebrations with special fireworks and parties around World Showcase – Epcot

Make the most of these special events and save on your park tickets by booking discounted Disney tickets—including event days—through Unlocked Magic, with up to 10% off.