Disney After Hours is Coming Back to Walt Disney World in 2023

Plus the Candlelight Processional Returns to EPCOT

Two popular events are coming back: Disney After Hours returns in January 2023 and the Candlelight Processional is back at EPCOT for the upcoming holiday season 2022. This is what you need to know for tickets, seating, dates and more.

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Disney After Hours Events Return in January at Walt Disney World Resort!

Disney After Hours events will return to Walt Disney World starting in January 2023, with the kick off on January 4, 2023 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and January 9 at Magic Kingdom Park. 

Disney After Hours are separately ticketed events that give you access to the park for three extra hours after regular park closing. You get free ice cream, popcorn and select beverages with your tickets. Tickets are limited for these events, which theoretically means lower wait times for attractions. But in our experience, this is not always the case -- so don't bank on that. "Limited" is a vague descriptor and we have routinely seen wait times of 30 to 45 minutes for popular rides. So that's a big chunk of your three hours.

With Disney After Hours tickets, you can enter the park as early as 7:00 p.m., which gives you a little extra bang for your buck. You won't get the free snacks until the event begins at park closing, but at least you can get in a little earlier if you like.

Disney After Hours event tickets for Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios can be purchased by starting October 7, 2022. Prices range from $129 to $159 (plus tax). Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can begin purchasing Disney After Hours tickets as early as October 4. The advance-purchase window is available to Guests of Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels as well as Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort. 

Disney Vacation Club members and Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can also purchase specially priced tickets for select dates.

Disney After Hours events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are scheduled for select nights from January 4 through April 19, 2023. Disney After Hours events at Magic Kingdom Park are scheduled for select nights, January 9 through March 27, 2023. For the full list of events, dates and times, and to purchase tickets, visit the Disney After Hours page of DisneyWorld.com.

EPCOT Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrators 2022

The popular, festive and very moving “Candlelight Processional” is returning to the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays starting November 25, 2022. This tradition has been a part of the holiday season at Walt Disney World since its opening in 1971 (originally held in Magic Kingdom Park before the opening of EPCOT). If you have never been and you love the holiday season, it's something worth considering.

You will experience a heart warming retelling of the traditional Christmas story featuring celebrity narrators, the Voices of Liberty acapella ensemble, and a 50-piece live orchestra with large choirs.

The 2022 line-up of celebrity narrators features new and returning favorites, including actors from some of your favorite movies, TV shows, world-renowned singers, and other talented artists.

Here is the list of narrators for the 2022 Candlelight Processional at EPCOT:

• 11/25 – 11/26: Simu Liu
  
• 11/27 – 11/29: Edward James Olmos
• 11/30 – 12/1: Raul Esparza (NEW)
• 12/2 – 12/3: Whoopi Goldberg
• 12/4 – 12/6: Isabella Rossellini
• 12/7 – 12/9: Daymond John
  
• 12/10 – 12/12: Josh Gad (NEW)
• 12/13 – 12/14: Gloria Estefan (NEW)
• 12/15 – 12/18: Neil Patrick Harris
• 12/19 – 12/20: Mariska Hargitay (NEW)
• 12/21 – 12/23: Cal Ripken Jr.
• 12/24 – 12/26: Marie Osmond
• 12/27 – 12/28: Courtney Vance
• 12/29 – 12/30: Angela Bassett

Seating is free, but you can secure a spot at the show by booking a “Candlelight Processional” Dining Package (similar to Fantasmic). Packages went on sale on October 6, 2022 and you can get full details by visiting EPCOTholidays.com. 

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Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic