Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite- Tips?

[TikiTikiFan]

We're doing the Star Wars Nite on May 27th... this will be the first ever after hours/separate ticketed event we've ever done. Any words of wisdom?

We would definitely be interested in merchandise but within reason in terms of how long we'd want to stand in line for it. Same with characters.

Are all the Disneyland lands open for this and rides? What are wait times usually like for after dark events?

What time is the fireworks show?

Thanks all!

 

[Chickinvic]

I haven't done DL ones, but the WDW after hours parties involve pretty much all the rides being open and usually very short waits for them. This is why I go to them, personally. The WDW ones also include free snacks, but DL is much more stingy unfortunately.

At the WDW parties I've gone to, you get in a couple of hours before the event so I never bothered attending a park on those days, just went in time to get in a couple hours before the party.

I hope there will be some kind of Christmas parties happening on my planned DL trip in November.

 

[sophy1996]

I hope there will be some kind of Christmas parties happening on my planned DL trip in November.

Last year’s Christmas party at DLR was a one-and-done for us. Too expensive for what there was. I have much higher hopes for Star Wars Nite.

 

[Chickinvic]

Last year’s Christmas party at DLR was a one-and-done for us. Too expensive for what there was. I have much higher hopes for Star Wars Nite.

Which party did you attend? What was your goal (maximize rides, or other)? One thing that sucks is that they don't give out free treats like WDW does. Thanks

 

[sophy1996]

Which party did you attend? What was your goal (maximize rides, or other)? One thing that sucks is that they don't give out free treats like WDW does. Thanks

The first one, November 11. We’ve been to DLR several times and didn’t care too much about rides. We were there for the special offerings. But the lines were long (starting with a 45-minute wait just to check in), some special food items were difficult to obtain (Jolly Holiday was completely overwhelmed and incapable of fulfilling orders; had to wait and talk to a manager about a refund), and we were just left feeling “meh” about the whole thing. Some of the entertainment was really good, so that saved the night.

I’m hoping that SW Nite has lots of characters out. And again, special food items. Maybe some special activities in SWGE. But with everyone there because of Star Wars, SWGE may be more crowded than a regular day…

The advantage of going on May 27 is that there will be reports from May 3 and 4.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I went to the first Star Wars themed night at Disneyland a few years back. It was fun. The crowds mostly flocked to the photo opportunities and merchandise. I didn't find the merchandise to be worth the very long wait (but this was before Galaxy's Edge opened, so who knows now?). The lines for almost all rides were short. Lines for food were a bit longer though. I only went to Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, so I don't know if other areas were open. There were themed fireworks (not sure on the time, but after general visitors were cleared out), a lightsaber dueling demonstration, possibly a parade of people from the 501st (though I can't remember for sure), and lots of droids. I really enjoyed seeing a panel where imagineers discussed building SW:GE. Not sure if they're doing any panels this year since I don't plan on attending, but if they have panels, they are pretty awesome. You'll have to take my description with a grain of salt as it's been several years and I suspect things may be very different now. But you should get reports from people who go earlier in the month, so that will help. Have a great time!

 

[Astylla]

Because this won't be the first event for Star Wars Nite - look up ervery social media post and review you can find. Youtube is also your golden ticket to info.
I NEVER go to the first parties or after hours events because there are always kinks to work out,

I had a blast at Merriest Nites ( December 9th last party) with co workers since I did all the research they followed me lol. And I spent hours and days leading up to it.
One major thing I will say if there is any merchandise , make that a priority and usually they open that even before the event actually starts. I used this strategy to secure all the Merriest Nites merch in the first 15 minutes of opening the line for it.
Also if there is any special food offerings you can mobile order it ANY TIME OF THE DAY. It will simply remind you the pickup time is during a special ticketed event.

 

[Chickinvic]

The first one, November 11. We’ve been to DLR several times and didn’t care too much about rides.

Oh sorry to hear that. I hear the first one was not great. My focus is the rides (don't care how many times I've been before - I'm there for short lines to get on the rides).