This is turning out to be a good year for those of us who grew up on the Disney Channel. Not only has Hilary Duff blessed us with a new single and an upcoming album, but Disneyland just announced the return of Disney Channel Nite as part of 2026’s Disneyland After Dark.
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Happening from April 12 to 16, this three-night fandom fest celebrates that glorious stretch of time when future pop stars engaged in brightly lit, low-stakes sitcoms week after week. Full details for the 2026 installment are still to come, but the 2024 edition found park-goers able to pose in front of backdrops for Camp Rock, The Cheetah Girls, Hannah Montana, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and more. Fans can also expect some meet-and-greet opportunities with their favorite characters, like previous attendees Chip and Dale, Goofy and Max, and Rapunzel and Flynn Rider.
Given the ravenous appetite for this particular era of TV, we suggest snagging tickets as soon as they drop (stay tuned for the on-sale date, which has yet to be announced).
If the Disney Channel wasn't part of your childhood, the rest of the After Dark evenings might get your attention. The other 2026 events are Sweethearts’ Nite (January 22, 25, 27; February 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 17); a brand-new theme, 70 Years of Favorites (March 3 and 5); Star Wars Nite (April 28, 30; May 4, 6); and Pride Nite (June 16 and 18).
During After Dark events, guests can enter Disneyland starting at 6pm, but the special programming runs from 9pm to 1am, when the general public clears out and the park transforms around its theme. Each party includes special entertainment tied to the night's theme, character meet-and-greets and limited-edition snacks. So start planning your outfits now, and get ready to pounce on those tickets!
