Greetings programs! (If you didn’t know this line came from the classic 80’s movie Tron) this year my husband and I decided to attend a special ticketed event at Disneyland in honor of the special decade that is the1980’s. Tickets cost a $109 person and the event ran from 9pm to 1am that featured special character meet and greets, themed food, and entertainment.
Here is a quick rundown of activities and food happening during 80’s night:
80’s All Starz at Rivers of America
We ended up at the Rivers of America because we ate in New Orleans square. Once the music kicked off by cover band 80’s All Starz it was hopping! Apparently the band is a Disneyland and DisneyWorld regular and has been around for 15 years. They played a variety of 80’s hits from Devo, Bob Jovi, Billy Joel, and more. The band was set up on the rafts normally used to sail guests to Tom Sawyer Island everyday and it was awesome watching them sail back and forth while they performed.
Videopolis
I definitely wished we weren’t pooped by the time we got over to the Videopolis area because we totally would have jammed out. Apparently in the early 80’s Videopolis was a regular thing at Disneyland to attract the teenage crowd to the park. Don’t take my word on it and enjoy this clip from the dance party. Also don’t blame me if the Videopolis song gets stuck in your head.
Minnies DTV
We walked by Tomorrowland terrace while this was taking place but didn’t stop but it looked super cute. Guests could join Minnie Mouse and friends for a dance party. I thought it was awesome that they showed all the cool 80’s moves to the crowd so they could do them together. They also played the song “Totally Minnie,” by Brenda Russell of off the “Totally Minnie” soundtrack which is also totally still stuck in my head too. If you want to check out the rad dance party check out this YouTube video.
We definitely took part in the special food offerings with a cheeseburger mac and beef ravioli as our dinner. Both tasted better than those TV dinners I grew up loving for sure. For dessert we shared the sprinkle celebration cake and the butterscotch frozen yogurt shake. The highlight of the two was definitely the shake it was so creamy and delicious. I loved the butterscotch chips and cookie on top too. I think the cake was good not amazing as I thought the frosting was a little lackluster.
Now that I have been to a Disney after dark event I feel fully prepared for the next and have some tips for you! The event was pretty overwhelming (I mean, look at the program above, it’s MASSIVE) because there was a lot to do in short about of time so I’d suggest deciding what are the most important things you want to do and prioritize those. For example we really wanted to get merchandise so we figured people would start lining up ahead of time (& of course they were!!) and we got in the queue. Disney started selling before the event started so we were able to get what we wanted and be on our way. I also learned that some of the photo ops were set up early and now I know to try to find them ahead of time so we don’t miss anything! The character meet in greets lines are insanely long so if that is your goal line up ASAP for those!
I’d have to say just being at the park at night with everyone dressed in their 80’s finest was totally tubular and because Disney closes the park down just for people that have tickets the crowds are very manageable. As I get older I realize that Disneyland is more about the experiences than rides and getting as much done as possible. To have a special evening like this is a experience I will always treasure.
solidparent says
This looks like so much fun! I love the pictures, they really capture the beauty!
hawkandquill says
It seems like you had a great time and I know I definitely would too. I love DIsney so this so would’ve been the trip for me, ha.
Alexa Brooks says
Thank you!
catherine santiago jose says
Wow! This is such a different Disney experience that you’ve showed us. Loved the way they’ve create Disney into that 80’s feel.
Alexa Brooks says
Yes it was so fun!
Lyosha Varezhkina says
Looks so exciting! I would definitely love to share this tubular time with you!
Jackline A says
I had no idea that Disney had a 80s night. Looks super fun.
Alexa Brooks says
It was really fun!
Kevin Akidi says
Looks interesting, just the fact that it is at Disney would have sold me. I’m a Disney fanatic and proudly so. Great tips on how to navigate through the events.
Christopher Mitchell says
Looks like you had an absolute blast! I’d love to check this place out some time!
Fransic verso says
It looks amazing, I have been to Disneyland few times and it seems you have a nice time there.
Alexis says
What a fun night to enjoy the 80s again. We loved our time living in So. Cal and enjoying Disneyland!
Chris T. Hoov says
Looks like you had a great time there.. 😊