Disney World after dark is a completely different and unique experience. A lot of the planning focuses around attractions and nighttime spectaculars (like fireworks), but this article will aim to introduce you to the pros and cons for Disney parks when the sun goes down.
The Best Nighttime Disney World Park
…IS THE MAGIC KINGDOM
I’m not going to bury the lead, because the Magic Kingdom is definitely the best park to explore at night! That being said, there are a number of reasons why you should explore the Magic Kingdom after 7pm.
OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS
Big Thunder Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Splash Mountain, Jungle Cruise and even the Swiss Family Treehouse all have extra evening enhancements. Strategically placed lighting mixed with the lighter crowds will make your rides that much more cooler!
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PHOTOPASS NIGHTTIME PHOTOS
The best time to get your photo with the lantern from Tangled is definitely after dark. It’s worth standing in that huge line to get the opportunity because it’ll 100% become your Facebook cover photo!
EXTENDED LATE NIGHT HOURS
Imagine sitting in front of Cinderella Castle at midnight as the Kiss Goodnight starts to play…because that’s a situation that has literally brought tears to my eyes!
Magic Kingdom is by far the busiest park, so because of that, there are extended hours that can actually take you to 3am, or midnight on select nights for the general public.
It’s awesome to think that you can go and see the fireworks at EPCOT and then hop back over to MK for a couple hours of wandering and walking on attractions, like the Haunted Mansion and Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin.
ADDITIONAL POINTS FOR THE MAGIC KINGDOM
- Ambiance in New Fantasyland, classic feeling in Frontierland and the Neon jungle in Tomorrowland.
- Best fireworks presentation, because no matter what…castle fireworks will always win!
- Haunted Mansion at night is EPIC!
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PROS AND CONS FOR EPCOT
Pros
- Water features are better at night, especially the upside down waterfall at the Imagination Pavilion and the France Pavilion.
- Most attractions are walk-on, as everyone is waiting for the nighttime fireworks show.
Cons
- Most of Future World closes early, including major attractions, quick service dining and most of the outdoor vending.
- Once the fireworks start, the World Showcase closes.
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PROS AND CONS FOR DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM
Pros
- Expedition Everest is absolutely incredible at night
- Lighter crowds for Pandora: The World of Avatar…which could also mean that Navi River Journey is a walk-on.
- The park was built to be showcased after the sunset, so take advantage of the hidden gems
Cons
- Pandora: The World of Avatar’s bioluminescence lighting features are faded and less impressive
- Kilimanjaro Safari closes early due to the animal training procedures
- Lots of the ambiance is lost due to lack of lighting
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PROS AND CONS FOR DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Pros
- The icons are well lit, especially the Chinese Theatre, Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller Coaster
- Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is AWESOME at night!
- Fantasmic is a right-of-passage for Disney fans.
- Attractions like Star Tours and MuppetVision3D are walk-ons.
Cons
- Experiences like Walt Disney One Man’s Dream closes early
- The fireworks spectacular is fairly underwhelming
- DHS closes earlier than any other park, so nothing really to look forward to.
Final Thoughts
Disney World after dark is awesome, so although there are preferences to which park I’d like to be in at night…the real reason why I wrote this article was to share that any of the parks at Disney World are worth checking out.
