Tonight Disney has announced plans to allow guests to party the night away by leaving their theme parks open for 24 hours straight next month. They’re calling it the “Monstrous Summer All Nighter,” announced during today’s similarly-named press event and is part of Limited Time Magic.
The announcement came with the spectacle of Mike Wazowski arriving in larger-than-life fashion, projected onto Spaceship Earth, just as we had previewed yesterday – with the surprise addition of Sulley too.
Video: 24-hour party announcement with Mike and Sulley projections on Spaceship Earth
The all-night party will follow the precedent set by the successful One More Disney Day, which took place on February 29, 2012 in honor of Leap Day, providing guests an extra day of Disney theme park fun.
Though Walt Disney World’s event went off without a hitch, Disneyland became unexpectedly packed beyond capacity, leaving hundreds outside the turnstiles waiting to get in, while many more slept inside the park. So this time around, Disney is expanding the event to accommodate everyone.
The “Monstrous Summer” 24-hour event will once again take place at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, but the Disneyland Resort will be opening both of their parks: Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. The party begins at 6 a.m. on May 24, 2013, continuing until the parks close at 6 a.m. on May 25, in each respective time zone.
UPDATE: Disneyland’s Grad Nite is also taking place the same evening, May 24, at Disney California Adventure. As such, much of this park will be off-limits to those attending the “all-nighter.” Beginning at 11 p.m. and continuing until 3 a.m., Cars Land, Paradise Pier and the Tower of Terror will be reserved only for those attending Grad Nite.
Extra entertainment will be offered to ensure guests stay awake and excited throughout the event.
UPDATE (5/17/13): Here are the full details of all entertainment and offerings throughout the Monstrous Summer All-Nighter…
A Day and Night at Walt Disney World Resort
At Magic Kingdom park, enjoy the fun when Mike and Sulley take their turn as Grand Marshals of the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade. Watch along and wave, or make your way to an after-dark screening of Disney•Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. in Tomorrowland.
For a fun and fancy free Character encounter, join the delightful duo known as Chip ‘n’ Dale when they drop in to Town Square. Take some time to take some pictures, or head on inside Town Square Theater where you’ll find Mickey and Minnie.
Haven’t quite had enough? Then fill this magical cup of fun all the way to the brim and boogie down at a late night dance party in and around the courtyard of Cinderella Castle!
Rock Around the Clock at the Disneyland Resort
Over at the Disneyland Resort, hit up the dance floor at Disneyland Park! Get your groove going in Tomorrowland—courtesy of the TLT “Monstrous” Dance Club—or make your way to Mickey’s Toontown, where you can party alongside some of your favorite Disney Characters.
Looking for a more royal affair? Then enter the new Fantasy Faire Royal Theatre as it transforms into a late-night dance hall—complete with live music—or cross the Esplanade into Disney California Adventure Park*, where a variety of memory-making opportunities await!
Hit the road to Hollywood Land where you’ll find the freshly built Monsters University “dorms,” and check out the new Monsters University-themed float leading the always popular Pixar Play Parade. Don’t forget to stop by for a monstrous meet up where you can snap some photos with Mike and Sulley, and capture these magic moments for a lifetime!
Take Home a Sulley-Inspired Ear Hat
Looking to bring home something special from this all-night event? As part of Limited Time Magic, you can purchase a Sulley-inspired ear hat or a commemorative 24 Hours “It’s Eye-Mazing” T-shirt. Both will be available at select locations, including:
Emporium in Magic Kingdom park
Emporium in Disneyland Park
Elias & Co. in Disney California Adventure Park
Can’t make it to the parks for the occasion? You can still take advantage of a special offer to purchase the 24 Hour “It’s Eye-Mazing” T-shirt online, available while supplies last!
And for even more monstrous merchandise, lock your eyes on a few other newly created Monsters-themed items, such as some Mike “one eye” glasses!
Sweet Treats to Feed the Monster Within
Craving a tantalizing treat to fend off your ferocious appetite? Whether you’re headed to Walt Disney World Resort or the Disneyland Resort, there’s a series of all new sweets in store just for the occasion!
Be on the lookout for Monstrous cupcakes, cake pops and green and blue cotton candy, along with some new takes on long-time classics like the Monsters-inspired Mike and Sulley decorative apples.
Here’s a look back at the special welcome ceremony that kicked off the event at Walt Disney World last year as well as a summary of its final hours:
One More Disney Day welcome ceremony at the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World
One More Disney Day dance party at Cinderella Castle, Walt Disney World
Last time also offered excellent opportunities for photography at hours in which the parks are not normally open. A dense fog provided beautiful views across the Magic Kingdom and there will surely be many more photographers ready to snap away during this year’s event.
The announcement adds to what is already a busy weekend in Orlando. In addition to it being Memorial Day Weekend, a traditionally packed holiday, SeaWorld Orlando will be grand opening its highly-anticipated Antarctica realm on May 24. And Spooky Empire will be kicking off its 3-day May-Hem event on International Drive, this year enhanced by a first-ever second horror convention called Halloween Extreme. There are also rumors that Universal Orlando will soft open Transformers: The Ride 3D in time for the holiday weekend.
But those looking for the most late night (or early morning) fun can plan to head to the Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, and Disney California Adventure for another unique experience.