The Force – it’s calling to you. Just open your wallet. In an all-too-last-minute scheduling, Disneyland Paris has opened bookings for a brand new “Star Wars Night” ticketed after-hours event, happening at Disneyland Park on 16th December. To mark the opening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens at cinemas, the night will include privatised access to Discoveryland, character appearances and exclusive entertainment, souvenirs and merchandise — but at a steep price of €85 per person. Details about the event are now provided on the official website as follows:

Join the galaxy’s most unforgettable party where the lucky few will celebrate the universe’s most eagerly-awaited movie! Make your experience of this epic moment absolutely stellar! On December 16^th, share the opening night of Star Wars: The Force Awakens like you never dreamed possible! Be among the lucky few to take this history-making moment a step beyond… in a galaxy not so far away. Venture into the darkness for an exclusive after-hours party at Planet Disneyland^® Park. The Programme Don a costume to show your allegiance to your favorite side of the force so you can live the part to its fullest! Take home a commemorative ticket – a unique souvenir for lightyears to come. Revel in the excitement of witnessing Discoveryland take on a new dimension with specially designed intergalactic décors, outer space photo backdrops, special appearances from the saga’s legendary Characters and constellations of thematic activities.

• The Force is calling! Enter the gateway tunnel and you are there! Welcome to a red carpet experience where you will be one of the stars that light up the universe. And you’re in good company, because VIP celebrities will also make a special appearance, adding that extra little sparkle to this intergalactic event.
• Special appearances from the saga’s legendary Characters
• Join Jeremy Bulloch (who played the mythical bounty hunter, Boba Fett) and expert collector, Patric Girod, in an exclusive live Star Wars presentation. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as they share with you their adventures and experiences in a famous galaxy far, far away.
• Strutt your stuff at the Dance Party fuelled by dazzling visual and sound effects
• Confront the Dark Side on “Planet” Videopolis where Darth Vader patrols against the likes of you and the rebel alliance!
• Feel the full power of the Force in the spectacular Star Tours attraction
• Bring home limited edition merchandise for your legendary collection
• Taste the Star Wars menu at the Hyperion café
• Visit the Star Wars make up station to look the part of your dreams
• Celebrate the legend with an intergalactic “light and sound”grand finale that’s sure to awaken The Force within you. But beware the Dark Side! Darth Vader and Storm Troopers are on hand to capture something deep inside you…your attention…so that you can have an out-of-this-world experience like no other!

Unusually, guests are encouraged to dress in costume, with some provisos:

Guests are exceptionally authorized to wear Star Wars-themed costumes during this special evening event. However, we reserve the right, at our discretion and at any time, to prohibit certain costumes such as those which completely obstruct vision and/or if we consider the costume/accessories/make-up shocking or inappropriate for our younger guests and their families. You may be asked to remove your mask at the entrance of the event. Likewise, we reserve the same rights for accessories that could be considered dangerous on attractions (e.g. capes, sticks, etc.) or could affect safety or security within the Park. Guests who would like to wear a Star Wars Character costume commit to refrain from posing for photos and from signing autographs.

The event itself takes place from 8.30pm to midnight, with access to Disneyland Park included in the ticket from 5.30pm. And the prices? Two packages are available online: one includes access to the event and an exclusive lanyard for €85 or £70, while the second also includes a framed collector’s movie poster, 2 FastPasses and “more privileges” for 600 ticket holders at an eye-watering €150 or £123. Both tickets can be purchased online here, under “special parties”. A third package also includes tickets to an IMAX 3D screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, in its original language, at midnight in Disney Village, plus a Disneyland Paris hotel stay and park tickets. This is bookable only via the booking hotline on 08448 008 898 (UK, Monday to Friday 9.00am – 8.00pm, Saturday 9.00am – 6.00pm – Sunday 10.00am – 5.30pm; Calls cost 5p per min from BT landline, other networks may vary) or 0825 300 500 (France, 0,15 €/min). Car parking is not included, but has a special rate of €10 for ticket holders after 4.30pm. Discounts for Annual Passport Dream holders are available, only via the booking hotlines. For British fans, it’s sure to be confusing and disappointing that the online price of £70 is a full £10 more than the current exchange rate of €85. Even worse, €150 should actually equate to around £105, a full £18 less than the price they’re charging UK visitors.

With a somewhat hazy schedule of exclusive events and access to the regular Star Tours attraction (original 1987 version) listed as a perk, it’s difficult see precisely where the value will come for that entry price — likely justified by a relatively small capacity and need to make the event worthwhile (read: profitable). It comes at twice the price of the full-park Disney’s Halloween Soirée events on 31st October each year and over one-third the cost of the top-tier Annual Passport Dream. Star Wars fans could also instead see the film itself at least five times over in IMAX 3D — does the force of a few hours of rare character appearances and limited merchandise have a stronger pull? It’s going to be a tough sell. Nevertheless it would still be a good thing if, alongside some honest feedback on the pricing, the event is deemed a success. Perhaps it could pave the way for different after-hours events through the year, providing new experiences for fans and a welcome extra revenue stream for Disneyland Paris. In particular, it would be good to see the retirement of the original (and last) Star Tours early next year commemorated in some way. Last ever flight to Endor? Now that might be something worth opening your wallet for. — Updated 18:01 to add additional programme details, third package, costume information.