Night of Joy
Have you ever wondered about Disney's annual Night of Joy? Trying to figure out if its a good fit for your vacation? Not to worry we have you covered!
I grew up going to Night of Joy almost every year. It was a tradition for my family and has always been one of my favorite Disney events. This year is the 29th anniversary of Disney's Night of Joy and is sure to be a fun-filled weekend! I have broken down some of the Night of Joy basics along with some tips for you to consider.
What is it? Night of Joy is a contemporary Christian music festival at Magic Kingdom held every year that features live performances by contemporary Christian music superstars in rock, pop, and gospel.
When is it? The 2011 dates for Night of Joy are September 9-10. Night of Joy is an after-hours event, with guests normally being let into Magic Kingdom around 4 pm and the concerts starting around 7:30pm.
Who is playing? There are several well-known Christian artists playing at the Night of Joy this year. Friday's headliners include the Newsboys, Jeremy Camp, and Skillet, and Saturdays headliners are MercyMe, TobyMac, and Jars of Clay. For a complete list of artists check out this news article on Night of Joy.
How much are tickets? Admission for one of the two nights is $51.95 if purchased in advance, and $59.95 if purchased the day of the event. A two-night ticket will run you $92.95. Group ticket discounts are available. Regular park admission will not get you into the event. In the past tickets would sell out a few weeks before the event but in the past few years that has not been the case. I would suggest purchasing your tickets in advance so that you are guaranteed admission.
Is everything open during Night of Joy? No. Disney keeps a good number of rides and attractions open but not everything is guaranteed to be open.
Tip: It may be possible to do the attractions that are shut down during Night of Joy right when guests are allowed in, usually around 4:30, before the regular park hours are over.
Which park does Night of Joy take place at? Traditionally Night of Joy has taken place at Magic Kingdom, with it being held at Hollywood Studios in 2008 and 2009. Not to worry though it has been moved back to Magic Kingdom. You really can't beat a concert at Cinderella's Castle!
How can I tell if I would enjoy it? Let me start by saying Night of Joy is a lot of fun. Even if you don't like Christian music or aren't very familiar with it you can still enjoy the event! However if you can't stand to be around large groups of teenagers then I would advise you to pass up this Disney event. While the place isn't filled with teenagers it can definitely feel like it at times.
You also need to be able to handle a pretty late, tiring night at Magic Kingdom because the event lasts until 1 am. We rarely stay that late but I still depend on an afternoon nap and a large fountain Coke to make it through the night!
How bad are the wait times? I'm not going to lie the wait times can be long but you just have to know how to work the system! We normally only listen to one full concert and a few partial concerts, so we ride the more popular rides, i.e. Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, during the other big concert times. This is a big help in beating the crowds. Also if you know the park well enough you can get around a lot quicker, i.e. never ever
walk in front of Cinderella's Castle unless you absolutely have to!
Have you ever gone to Night of Joy? What are your favorite memories from Night of Joy? Is it something you would consider?
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Mase wrote on Fri, 08/19/2011 - 15:53:
I would love for me and my family to go to this. Would love to see Disciple there with Skillet, and everyone else. One of these years we will pull it off...
Kasey O'Connor wrote on Sat, 08/20/2011 - 12:17:
You should definitely try to go at least once. I'm a little sad I won't be there this year.
Sandy wrote on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 15:23:
This is our first year to go-so, you can get there early? What time are you allowed in? Also, would you suggest taking a folding chair (we're certainly not teenagers!)
klay green wrote on Mon, 08/27/2012 - 13:55:
What rides are exactly going to be open at 4:30. name them all the ones that are going to be open thanks.
Kristen K. wrote on Tue, 08/28/2012 - 12:42:
Klay, Disney doesn't release what will and won't be open. However I would assume everything should be open at 4:30.
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