There was a period of time, when the kids were tiny, that we never saw the parks in the dark. A good night’s sleep was critical for our middle son and, afraid of the repercussions the next day, no one wanted to upset his routine.
No. One.
Fast forward a few years later and we re-discovered the joys of Disney in the Dark.
- Magic Kingdom – There is nothing like entering the Haunted Mansion while it is dark and eerie outside. Or, as you round the corner on Splash Mountain, catching a glimpse of the castle all lit up. Racing cars at the Tomorrowland Speedway is so much more pleasant during the cooler evening hours. Everything is a new attraction when you experience it in the dark.
- EPCOT – Illuminations is a must for every visit, of course, but Test Track takes it to a whole new level of excitement as you scream through the track in the dark.
- Hollywood Studios – Tower of Terror. In the dark. Need I say more?
- Animal Kingdom – You need to attend during prime season and/or be a resort guest to experience this park in the dark. (Although, there are rumors going around suggesting that evening hours will be added more regularly, especially with the Avatar section opening.) Typically closing at 5pm, visiting Animal Kingdom at night is a unique and special experience. The sounds are amplified. Expedition Everest is newly thrilling.
And you mustn’t forget the nighttime fireworks and lightshow displays. We recently attended Walt Disney World with my sister, who hadn’t visited in over 10 years. One of our favorite things to do, while everyone is watching Wishes (the evening fireworks show at Magic Kingdom), is to race around and ride the attractions with little or no wait, due to the fact that everyone else is watching the show. But my sister, who loves fireworks, wanted to join the throngs of people and enjoy the display. My sons groaned, as their aunt, grabbed their hands to slow them down. And I have to admit. It was nice to oooo and ahhhh for a bit. Disney does night time entertainment like no other.
- Magic Kingdom – Wishes is the evening fireworks show. For best viewing (and an easy get away once it’s over) watch from the front of the park at the train station. Or, if you have older children with you, behind the castle has some great spots, where the fireworks seem to go off right over your heads.
- EPCOT – Illuminations is my favorite evening light show and fireworks performance. Set to music over the water in World Showcase. Our favorite viewing area is in Norway while we enjoy dessert purchased at the Kringla Bakeri Og Café.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Fantasmic is a nighttime spectacular that is held in an outdoor amphitheater. A bit dark and loud, we had to avoid it a few years because one of our little ones did not like the “boom booms.” Seating is plentiful and we don’t find it necessary to get up front for a great view. With that in mind, you’d still need to arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before the show to make sure seats are available for your entire party.
- Animal Kingdom – As of today, Animal Kingdom does not have an evening fireworks/light show. But rumors abound of a nighttime show beginning as early as Spring 2016.
Whether you are trying to cram in a full day or you’re capitalizing on a second wind after a mid-day rest at your resort, visiting Walt Disney World theme parks after dark is definitely a must-do!
