My family of 4 paid $300 for an after-hours Disney World event. It's a great deal for early park access, live music, and more.

Terri PetersJul 6, 2023, 22:42 IST

Disney's H2O Glow Nights is an after-hours event that runs for a few months throughout the year.Terri Peters

I visited H2O Glow Nights, an after-hours event at Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon water park.
For $75 a ticket, we got unlimited ice cream, ride access, character interactions, a DJ, and more.

Disney World is known for its four theme parks, but the Central Florida property also offers two water parks — Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

At Typhoon Lagoon, Disney World's tropical-themed water park, there are 11 water attractions ranging from waterslides to a wave pool. Typhoon Lagoon closes at 8 p.m. most days, but on select nights, it holds H2O Glow Nights, a special after-hours ticketed event that runs from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

My family of four has been visiting Disney World water parks for years, but until recently we'd never attended an after-hours event at one. We decided to give H2O Glow Nights a try and were impressed by what parkgoers receive for the cost of an event ticket.

In fact, this after-hours event is my new go-to recommendation for people who want to visit a Disney water park and get the most value from their money. Here's what it was like.

A ticket to H2O Glow Nights costs more than daytime park admission.

The after-hours events come with perks, though.Terri Peters

With an H2O Glow Nights ticket, you get early access to the water park.

Typhoon Lagoon can get crowded during the day.Terri Peters

When we arrived at Typhoon Lagoon, we quickly secured some beach chairs.

Put your towels on chairs so when you're off tackling waterslides your spot is secure for later.Terri Peters

The limited number of after-hours tickets sold means less time waiting in line … and fewer people.

We didn't have to wait for most attractions.Terri Peters

The short wait times were already worth the price of our tickets.

We didn't wait long for the lazy river.Terri Peters

The DJ dance party on the beach is a highlight of H2O Glow Nights.

My family loved dancing to the DJ's music.Terri Peters

During a thunderstorm, the lifeguards pulled double duty as trivia guides.

Disney really knows how to keep an event feeling special even when the weather gets rough.Terri Peters

We saved money by packing a cooler of snacks.

We could've bought food but we chose to bring some from home to save money.Terri Peters

We quickly learned the key to a great H2O Glow Nights experience is to just have fun.

The night felt fun and silly.Terri Peters

Based on our experience, H2O Glow Nights will be something we do every summer.

We'd totally return to H2O Glow Nights.Terri Peters

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