by Disneyland After Dark just threw the raddest 80s nite – and we have the photos, highlights, and more!
The theme park filled its many lands with classic 80s characters, new Disney food, and unbelievable photo ops that threw back to the iconic decade.
Disneyland 80s Nite Photos
Hardcore Disneyland fans know that when the theme park throws a mega-sized after party, it’s always worth the ticket. Thankfully, 80s Nite was no exception.
Help us, we’ve fallen and we can’t get up because this party was totally radical! Were was there crimped hair? Yes! Scrunchies? Yes! So much neon and cheesy pop music that your face might melt? You got it, dude!
However, Disney goes a bit further into the 80s because of its iconic characters. Minnie danced in her totally 80s outfit, Ewoks greeted guests Tomorrowland, and Roger Rabbit snapped photos outside of Mickey’s Toontown. Splash Mountain, which opened in ’89, also had character meets with Brer Rabbit and the gang. The throwback sensations were REAL!
Announced toward the end of 2019, 80s Nite at Disneyland is part of the resort’s After Dark series. These are extremely limited events where guests pay for a separate ticket to experience 4 hours of exclusive entertainment. The party started at 9PM and rolled on until 1AM on January 29, 2020. However, many of the dining selections and photo ops we’re available as early as 7pm!
Beyond the characters, guests could participate in photo ops with backgrounds including Oliver and Company, Splash, and The Black Cauldron! Scenes from Star Wars also included Hoth Cave and Speeder Bikes with an Ewok!
Guests were supposed to be treated to a 9:30PM fireworks display called Fireworks to the Max! However, winds cancelled the evening’s show. Instead, Mickey’s Mix Magic without fireworks took its place.
One of the event highlights was the Videopolis dance party in the Fantasyland Theatre. Guests could bust a move here using signature 80s dance moves while listening to iconic songs from the decade. Dancers also performed a routine to the classic theme song from the original Videopolis. It was incredibly cheesy, but in the best way!
For those looking for classic 80s hair bands, one played along the Rivers of America. The 80z All-Stars played everything from Devo to Prince in this lively, awesomely 80s show!
Disneyland 80s Nite Food
We’re big foodies, so seeing the wide selection of new 80s-themed bites was awesome! Highlights included Gummiberry Juice (berry smoothie with green and black tea topped with whipped cream and gummy bears), Cheddar Cheese Bacon Popcorn (found at the Frontierland Popcorn Cart), a Pepperoni Pizza Toasted Sandwich (Jolly Holiday), Orange-Pineapple Cooler (Harbour Galley), and the Radical Rib Sandwich (Galactic Grill). The latter tasted even better than the McRib at McDonalds!
Gummiberry Juice 
Radical Rib Sandwich
We also loved the Blueberry Cheesecake Churro (Fantasyland) and the Peanut Butter Pieces Churro (Tomorrowland) – we hope both of these return in the near future!
The best benefit of attending Disneyland After Dark are the short lines for attractions. For $109, guests have exclusive access to the park from 9PM until 1AM. However, those with After Dark tickets can arrive as soon as 6PM. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was open that night, but the new Rise of the Resistance attraction was not. Also, many of the dining and photo ops were available as soon as 7pm.
We also wish that the commemorative pieces offered at the event were better. In 2019, guests were given Fanny packs and annual passholders received complimentary buttons. 80s Nite only had plastic lanyards and no AP exclusive.
However, we’d go again just for the entertainment value. The Videopolis dance party, unique characters, projections, and spinning DJ made this an unforgettable evening that was a blast from the 80s past!
Future Disneyland After Dark Events include Pixar Nite, Villains Nite, and a summer Star Wars Nite. For booking and more details, click here.
