Disney Princesses Will Not Return to Disneyland in 2026, Absence Confirmed
Disney Parks fans will be disappointed to learn that the popular Princess Nite will not be part of the Disneyland After Dark event series next year. The event, which became a fan favorite after its debut in 2023, will be skipped once again in 2026.
2026 Disneyland After Dark Event Lineup
On November 20, 2025, Disneyland Resort made a big announcement regarding its Disneyland After Dark event series. The park will host five themed after-hours events at Disneyland Park throughout 2026, with dates running from January to June. These exclusive, ticketed events will offer a magical, late-night experience in the park, featuring special character meet-and-greets, themed photo opportunities, entertainment, food and drinks, and early access from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on event nights.
The events will run from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., providing guests with a unique opportunity to experience the park in a whole new way. Tickets for the first two events—Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite and 70 Years of Favorites—will go on sale for Inspire Key holders on December 9, 2025, and all Magic Key holders on December 10, with general sales beginning on December 11. Tickets for the remaining events, including Pride Nite, Disney Channel Nite, and Star Wars Nite, will be available in early 2026.
Princess Nite’s Absence in 2026
While several after-hours events will return to Disneyland Resort in 2026, Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite was not included in the lineup. Next year will be the third in a row without the Disney Princess-themed event. Disney has not provided any official explanation for the decision.
Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite debuted in 2023. The royal after-hours event allowed fans to enjoy special character meet-and-greets with Disney Princesses, exclusive entertainment, and themed food and beverages.
Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite http://laurasmiscmusings.blogspot.com/2023/03/disneyland-after-dark-princess-nite.html Photo post! A look at this month’s fun evening at #Disneyland Coming next month: Throwback Nite! #PrincessNite
Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite https://t.co/Twby1EB5W7 Photo post! A look at this month's fun evening at #Disneyland Coming next month: Throwback Nite! #PrincessNite pic.twitter.com/8YPxXO5ydq
— Laura G (@LaurasMiscMovie) March 31, 2023
There’s still hope for Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite, though. The event debuted in 2023, the same year as Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite. However, that year, Pride Nite was not announced until long after Princess Nite, suggesting that more Disneyland After Dark events could always be announced depending on demand.
Have you ever attended Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite? Share your experience with Disney Dining in the comments!
