Disneyland® Resort Grad Nite: A Night of Magic, and One Last Ride Before Adulting Begins!

If there’s one event that high school seniors across the nation eagerly await, it’s none other than Grad Nite at Disneyland – an experience of magic, fun, and lasting memories. As the magical year of 2026 continues, so does the tradition of Disney’s Grad Nite!

Disneyland® Resort Grad Nite is basically the victory lap of high school—except it comes with DJs, rides, and the undeniable thrill of being allowed to stay out way past “school night” rules.

On select nights in May and June, Disney California Adventure® Park becomes an after-hours party designed specifically for graduating seniors, complete with attractions, music, and photo-worthy chaos.

Meanwhile, if you’re not attending Grad Nite but you’re visiting the Disneyland® Resort during that season, you’ll still want to know what’s happening—because event nights can change park hours and crowd vibes in a very “surprise plot twist” way.

Tickets, Eligibility, and the “This Isn’t for Random Walk-Ins” Part

Disneyland® Resort Grad Nite is a school-group-style event for graduating high school seniors, not a public after-hours party anyone can buy day-of.

Groups typically purchase in batches, and schools often require approved chaperones (commonly adults 25+).

Ticket packages can include daytime park access plus admission to the private Grad Nite party at Disney California Adventure® Park.

In other words, seniors can do a full Disney day, then roll straight into the exclusive night portion without leaving the magic bubble.

Where the Party Actually Happens

The Grad Nite private party experience takes place inside Disney California Adventure® Park at the Disneyland® Resort.

So yes, it’s Disneyland® Resort energy—just on the DCA side, after hours, with seniors-only vibes.

Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, CA 92802.

When Disneyland Grad Night Runs

For the Class of 2026, Disney’s published Grad Nite dates include: May 8, 12, 13, 15, 17, 20, 21, 28, 29, 31, and June 3, 5, 7, 10, 12 (availability can change).

As for the actual party hours, Disney describes the Grad Nite private party experience at Disney California Adventure® Park as beginning at 9:00 PM and ending at 2:00 AM.

Also, heads-up for regular visitors: Disney California Adventure® Park can close early on Grad Nite event nights to transition into the private party.

So if you’re planning a family trip in May or June, double-check park hours before you commit to a dinner reservation you’ll never make.

Who This Event Is For (And Who It’s Not)

This one’s specifically built for graduating high school seniors celebrating with their school group.

It’s the “one last night together” thing—rides, music, characters, and that giddy feeling of being out late with your friends in a place that normally closes before your group chat does.

If you’re not a senior or not part of an organized group, you can still visit Disneyland® Resort during Grad Nite season.

You just won’t be able to access the private party portion in Disney California Adventure® Park.

What Makes Disneyland California Grad Night Special

It’s the exclusivity. Disney California Adventure® Park turns into a seniors-only after-hours party, so the energy feels bigger, the music hits harder, and the whole park turns into a celebration zone.

It’s also the flexibility. Grad Nite 2026 lets groups choose from three different ticket styles—so you can do the private party only, add a full day at DCA, or go all-in with both parks before the night event.

Option 1 is the “night owl” plan.

You get entry to the Grad Nite private party at Disney California Adventure® Park, which runs from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM.

It also includes a short early-entry mix-in window before the party officially kicks off.

Pricing is lower on weekdays (Monday through Thursday) at $129 per person, and slightly higher on weekend nights (Friday and Sunday) at $134 per person.

Option 2 is “DCA all day, then party all night.”

You spend the day in Disney California Adventure® Park, then stay for the Grad Nite private party later.

Weekday pricing runs $159 per person, while Friday/Sunday dates run $179 per person.

Option 3 is the “we came to Disney and we mean it” plan.

It’s a Park Hopper-style ticket that lets you visit both Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park during regular hours, then finish with the Grad Nite private party in DCA.

Weekday pricing is $239 per person, and Friday/Sunday pricing is $259 per person.

Finally, it’s the core memory factor. Graduation is already emotional, and then you’re doing it in a Disney park at midnight with your friends—so yeah, it’s going to feel like the final scene of a coming-of-age movie (in the best way).

Parking, Pricing, and How Far You’ll Walk

Parking fees are separate from Grad Nite tickets, so plan for that cost.

Disneyland® Resort lists standard theme park parking (car or motorcycle) at $40 per day, with preferred parking at $60 per day.

The main theme park parking areas are:

  • Toy Story Parking Area
  • Mickey & Friends Parking Structure
  • Pixar Pals Parking Structure

From Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals, the tram service takes guests to the Main Entrance Esplanade (between Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park).

From Toy Story, buses handle the ride. Either way, expect a short walk on both ends—so keep shoes comfy, even if your outfit is doing the most.

Build the Anaheim Trip With Tripster

Book your Disneyland tickets and bundle with hotels and vacation packages with Tripster here.

Whether you’re planning a Grad Nite season visit (and want to avoid the “why is this park closing early?” surprise) or you’re turning graduation into a full Disneyland weekend, Tripster keeps the whole plan in one place—tickets now, details later, less chaos overall.

©Disney


Details

Start Date:

May 8, 2026

End Date:

June 12, 2026

Categories:

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Written by Destiny Serrano

Destiny is a Destination Content Writer at Tripster, combining her travel expertise with a passion for clear, reliable storytelling that helps families plan...


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