Disneyland just announced a new event, and the internet’s freaking out

Disneyland just gave all of its fans an early holiday gift. For the first time, the park announced its entire calendar for 2024, a massive help to people trying to plan their vacations for next year. But then came an even bigger surprise: a follow-up announcement of the return of Disneyland After Dark, special ticketed events with unique themes that keep Disneyland Park open after regular guests leave. Valentine-themed Sweethearts’ Nite returns in January and February, “Star Wars” Nite warps into the park in April and May and, the LGBTQ+ Pride Nite celebration is coming back in June. 

And then, there’s one more special night, aimed directly at the feels of Disney millennials everywhere: Disney Channel Nite. 

A new event happening on March 5 and 7, 2024, Disney Channel Nite promises to bring to life a slice of Disney fandom that doesn’t get much attention in the park: the throwback shows from the original network that so many ’90s and ’00s kids have emotional attachments to. On the schedule are dance parties, character meet-and-greets and special foods themed to Disney Channel shows and movies, like “Lizzie McGuire” and “High School Musical.” 

“Celebrate the iconic TV shows and characters that defined your childhood at Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite!” the event website says. “Let your inner rockstar out while you sing, dance and laugh along to the stories and tunes that captured your heart and filled your TV screen with magic!”

Among the offerings: a “High School Musical” pep rally through the park; a “Phineas and Ferb” dance party in Tomorrowland; “Descendants” on the Sailing Ship Columbia; “Camp Rock” karaoke; plus photo ops, appearances from characters not normally in the park, and special, event-only food offerings. There are no “Mickey Mouse Club” or “Kids Incorporated” features yet, but, well, an elder millennial can dream.

If you know anything about Disney fandom on the internet, you will likely not be surprised that people are freaking out with excitement for this new offering. “Uhm Disneyland is doing a Disney channel nite?” @pineappleisms tweeted on Dec. 6. “Oh my gosh! My inner teen is screaming lol.”

“Disneyland after dark: Disney channel nite?!? OH WE GOING,” @lyingonthem00n said.

Some even speculated as to what the food offerings will be. “Top food/drink contenders for Disney Channel Nite at Disneyland,” @SunnylandProds said. “Slushy Dawg Corn Dogs- Phineas and Ferb, Cheese Jerky – Hannah Montana, Tacos (with chocolate mole) – The Ghost and Molly McGee, Pad Thai – Amphibia, Ropa Vieja – Hamster and Gretel, Mabel Juice – Gravity Falls.”

Another huge perk of Disneyland After Dark events: The wait times for rides are significantly shorter than during normal park hours, because capacity is limited and most people attend for the event-specific offerings. For example, at Walt Disney World’s Jollywood Nights event, a new ticketed event for the holidays at Disney Hollywood Studios, the wait to meet Phineas and Ferb was two hours, because those characters rarely make appearances. Conversely, the wait for Slinky Dog Dash, one of the park’s most popular rides, was about a third of its usual wait time of 90 minutes or more. 

Tickets for Sweethearts’ Nite and Disney Channel Nite go on sale Dec. 12 at 9 a.m. for Magic Key Holders and Dec. 14 at 9 a.m. for the general public, and start at $139 per person. Given the massive online response, expect a multi-hour wait in a virtual queue to get into the ticket portal. It will likely be your only shot to get tickets, as well. Admission to the highly anticipated annual Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween party at Disney California Adventure, which starts in September, sells out within days of the tickets going on sale in June.