Universal Nights vs Disney After Hours: How Universal's New Event Compares

Universal Nights arrives at Epic Universe this fall, giving Universal its own late-night, separately ticketed event to go up against Disney After Hours at Walt Disney World.

First Look: Universal Celestial Goodnight at Epic Universe

Universal Nights runs on two dates so far: Saturday, October 3 and Saturday, October 17. Tickets start at $179.99 plus tax and go on sale August 13.

Here's how it stacks up against Disney's version.

Hours and Early Entry

Universal Nights runs from 9pm to midnight. You can enter the park as early as 7pm, which also lines up with Universal Celestial Goodnight, the park's new nightly fireworks and light show.

Disney After Hours events also open at 7pm, but the event hours vary by park:

• Magic Kingdom After Hours: 10pm to 1am
• EPCOT After Hours: 9:30pm to 12:30am
• Hollywood Studios After Hours: typically 9:30pm to 12:30am, with some dates running later

Universal Nights lands in the same general window as EPCOT and Hollywood Studios After Hours, both around 9:30pm starts.

Disney After Hours

What's Included

Universal Nights includes:

• Access to attractions
• Entertainment
• Character interactions
• Complimentary specialty snacks and beverages

Disney After Hours includes similar perks at each park - shorter wait times, surprise character meet-and-greets, and complimentary snacks like ice cream novelties, popcorn, and bottled beverages.

Ticket Prices

Universal Nights tickets start at $179.99 plus tax per person. Universal hasn't released a full price range yet, so it's not clear if pricing varies by date the way Disney's does.

Disney After Hours pricing for 2026:

• Magic Kingdom: $175 to $199
• Hollywood Studios: $155 to $189
• EPCOT: $155 to $179

Universal's starting price sits close to the middle of Disney's range at each park.

Full List: 2026 Disney After Hours Prices by Date at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios

Event Frequency

This is where the two events differ most. Disney After Hours runs across dozens of dates through the year at three parks. Magic Kingdom alone has 18 dates between January and July 2026, and Hollywood Studios has 24 dates running into September.

Universal Nights, by comparison, has just two dates announced so far - October 3 and October 17. Universal says more details are coming in the weeks ahead, so this could expand.

Planning Notes

If you're deciding between the two, keep these differences in mind:

• Universal Nights is limited to two dates right now, while Disney After Hours runs much more frequently
• Both events offer 7pm early entry before the ticketed portion begins
• Universal Nights includes access to Universal Celestial Goodnight during early entry
• Disney After Hours ticket prices vary by date; Universal hasn't confirmed if its pricing will do the same

Universal Nights tickets go on sale August 13, with more information expected before then.