Disneyland has taken a nostalgic voyage to its earliest decades in a special, separately-ticketed after-hours event for guests. Early 6 p.m. admission, unique character interactions, retro fireworks, music, dancing, food, photo ops, merchandise, and attractions access are all included.
Throwback Nite at Disneyland Park
The event is occurring on two separate nights, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. If anyone missed the first opportunity on April 18, April 20 will be the final night . Current ticket prices are $145 for ages 3+. As of right now, tickets are still available for April 20, though availability is limited.
The official Disneyland website offers a description of the event:
Step back in time to the 50s and 60s to get a taste of Disneyland Park’s classic past when Disneyland After Dark: Throwback Nite returns! Dress in your dapperest attire and commemorate the evening with live music and entertainment, specialty photo ops and visits with some classic Disney Characters from the era.
A special map specifically for the event discloses the unique entertainment, character meet-and-greets, and merchandise for Throwback Nite. It draws inspiration from early map designs of the 1950s and 60s.
The Carousel of Progress made somewhat of a comeback at Star Wars Launch Bay, which was its first home after the New York World’s Fair from 1967 to 1973. No, it’s not actually on the stage, but the Father and Mother seem to have taken some time away from Magic Kingdom in Florida for a visit.
An Adventure Through Inner Space photo op sits beside Star Tours — The Adventures Continue. This beloved attraction’s home was in the current Star Tours space from 1967 until 1985, taking guests on a microscopic journey beyond the realm of normal magnification.
Around Autopia, a PeopleMover photo op is up, celebrating a ride that disappeared from Disneyland Park almost 30 years ago. The Rocket Rods notably replaced this attraction in 1998, until major mechanical and structural complications permanently concluded their short lifespan in 2001. The PeopleMover track has never been removed, and after two decades, continues to hover empty and unused over Tomorrowland.
An original Disneyland ticket booth stand was available for taking photos.
It lit up a giant, vintage ticket.
The Ripley was completely dormant. There was no steam, no whistle, and no lights.
It was available for guests to take photos alongside.
Walt Disney himself was able to make it to the event as a cardboard standee with a Mickey Mouse puppet.
The PhotoPass for this location included a black and white filter, as seen below.
Engine #4 (Ernest S Marsh) was parked just in front of the Splash Mountain tunnel to tow the engine back at the end of the night.
Guests could place themselves within a Skyway bucket for a picture.
Another available photo op was a standee for Nature’s Wonderland Railroad.
The March Hare made his very first appearance at Disneyland at this event. Alice, The Mad Hatter, and Tweedledee and Tweedledum were also available for chatting and pictures.
Maleficent, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather were also available for a meet and greet and photo opportunity.
Sleeping Beauty Castle was reflected perfectly in the surrounding moat.
A die-cut magnet and ornament exclusively commemorating Throwback Nite are available for purchase. Various merchandise items are strewn about the park, including t-shirts celebrating Tomorrowland and the Dapper Dans of Main Street, U.S.A.
Disneyland’s very first nighttime fireworks spectacular — Fantasy in the Sky — also reappeared. While its original run ended in 1996, this show has made a few reappearances on rare occasion.
For those hoping to explore the snacks exclusive to this event, the full food and beverage guide from Disney is available here. Several special offerings are in the lineup, at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café, Refreshment Corner, Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, Plaza Inn, The Tropical Hideaway, Blue Bayou Restaurant, Hungry Bear Restaurant, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, The Golden Horseshoe, Stage Door Café, Red Rose Taverne, and Galactic Grill. Three varieties of churros are also available.
What do you think of this journey to the past? What’s your favorite Disney Parks attraction that has been relegated to history? Let us know in the comments.
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