Some Tips for Disney After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

A few days ago, I shared with you some tips if you plan to attend Disney After Hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Last night (December 8, 2018) I was also able to attend the Disney’s Hollywood Studios version. My daughter and I were invited guests of Disney, meaning we received free admission. Instead of a recap, I thought I’d share a few tips if you plan to go.

Unless it is your only chance to see them, skip the fireworks. The area is still packed, and there is a crowd trying to leave the park once they are over. The fireworks last night started at the same time as the event. I debated ahead of time if I wanted to see them, but I can go back for the fireworks anytime. If it is your only chance to see the fireworks, by all means, watch them.

Hit the characters early (not literally, of course). At the beginning of the event there was no wait for the characters in Toy Story Land, but there was a bit of a line later in the evening. I went to Star Wars Launch Bay around 8:10 and I was the only person there who wasn’t a Cast Member. I decided to then get my Olaf, Minnie, and Mickey pictures, instead of putting them off. People tend to want to ride first, and then get the pictures. My daughter had a previous commitment so she joined me late. I decided to wait until she arrived to ride, and that worked out for us.

Slinky Dog Dash had the longest line of the night when the event started. Since we waited and went later, we were able to ride four times.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, they cut the lines off at 8:00, then opened them again at 8:30. They didn’t do that last night. The lines stayed open, but you needed a wristband to get in line after 8:00.

If this won’t be your only time in the park, prioritize. We opted to skip Tower of Terror and Toy Story Mania! because they aren’t hard to get FastPass+ for. Slinky Dog Dash and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster are a different story, so they were our priorities. Okay, my daughter rode Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster alone and I would have skipped Tower of Terror anyway, but that’s beside the point.

There were plenty of places that offered the complimentary ice cream bars, popcorn, and bottled drinks. People were waiting in line, even though there was usually another stand around the corner.

If you go, make sure you don’t waste your time. When we did the Disney’s Animal Kingdom version we always felt as if we had plenty of time, but last night flew by. Also, plan to end your night in Toy Story Land. We got on Slinky Dog Dash the last time with about a minute to spare.