Do People Stay Until Closing Time at Disney?? It's late!

Question

I'm on to the next part of planning. The itinerary for our three days in the parks.

Sooooo, Disneyland stays open until 12am!! What?? This makes it unique in terms theme parks near us that tend to open later and kick us out much earlier.... and it usually feels like a full day all the same...

Do people with kids actually stay until closing or does it clear out later? Do your kids (and you) just fall apart with three consecutive days of this?

CONTEXT

My kids are 9 and 11, but... they usually go to sleep between 8:30pm and 9pm. Sometimes they are up late for special events or weekends, but usually not consecutive days... and we also sometimes get crabbiness and exhaustion and irrationality when we push the limit.... ya know.... how we all act when tired. They also wake up at 6:30am though... but probably not if they stayed up until midnight.

OK.... So... my questions...

* Does the park get empty at night and lines get shorter? I could see it being fun to go until 12am, but think we'd probably need to sleep in the next day to make up for it.... or a nap???

*If you stay from open to close, are you and your kids able to do it for consecutive days or do you plan one or two days to stay up and the other to do more reasonably? Or.... It's DISNEY!! We cram in the fun and go with the flow for inevitable meltdowns and pack goodies to try to avoid them, stay awake, etc. (My kids aren't that young, so maybe they could do it??).

*Do you just pick your own bedtime and make a rule to leave by 10pm or _____?

***I think the fact that Disney is open really late is very cool and we may be able to make it.... I just want to prime us for success. If everyone is exhausted, I imagine waiting in lines, taking turns on which rides we do, etc. will all be more difficult.

SCHEDULE

We are going Tues-Thurs. 4/15-4/17. Thursday is our last day and we will be at only California Adventure (no park hopper any of the days), so we will be done by 10pm. If we chose one day to stay up to midnight, I'd think Wednesday.... just trying to figure this out practically as I start researching plans for the park days.

Answer

Disneyland staying open until midnight is definitely exciting, but it can be a challenge for families with kids who usually go to bed earlier. Here’s a detailed take on what to expect and how to plan for success.

Park crowds and lines late at night:

Yes, the park generally thins out later in the evening. Lines for popular rides often become shorter after 9 or 10pm, especially for rides that aren’t part of the nighttime shows.
Some rides, like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or newer attractions, may still have moderate waits, but overall it’s easier to hit more attractions quickly later in the night.
Shops, dining, and entertainment areas stay open, but some quick service restaurants may start closing around 9:30-10:00pm. Plan ahead if your family needs snacks or meals late at night.

Managing multiple consecutive park days:

Going from park open to close for three consecutive days is ambitious, even for kids aged 9 and 11. They might handle one long night, but it’s likely that the next day they’ll be more tired, cranky, or slower moving.
Many families pick one or two nights to stay late and treat the other days more reasonably, leaving the park by 8:30-9:30pm. This balances fun with energy management.
Consider taking midday breaks or even a hotel nap if you plan a late night. A 1-2 hour rest can help everyone recharge and enjoy evening attractions more comfortably.

Setting your own rules for bedtime:

Decide in advance what your “latest acceptable time” is. For example, leaving by 10pm on normal days and extending to midnight for a special day. Communicate this clearly to your kids so expectations are set.
Pack snacks, water, and small entertainment items to keep energy up and reduce crankiness. Treats can also help motivate kids to stay awake for special nighttime events.
Consider alternating rides or experiences among family members if some are too tired for certain attractions late at night.

Practical tips for your schedule:

Tuesday: Normal park day, leave by 9:30pm to ease into your trip.
Wednesday: Plan your “late night” day, staying until midnight to enjoy reduced lines and nighttime shows.
Thursday: At California Adventure, end by 10pm as planned, especially since it’s your last day and you’ll want a less hectic evening.
Use Genie+ or Lightning Lane selections strategically to minimize wait times and maximize energy for evening activities.

Overall, staying until midnight for one night is doable and can be a lot of fun, but it’s best to limit it to a single day so your kids (and you) can enjoy all three park days without exhaustion ruining the experience. Planning a slightly earlier exit on the other days and possibly incorporating a short hotel nap can make a big difference in enjoyment and mood.