When night falls on Walt Disney World, there's even more magic to behold! From spectacular shows to unique ride experiences to fabulous fireworks, there's plenty more to do when the sun goes down. Here is a list of my top 10 favorite nighttime fun picks to see, do, and experience at WDW (in no particular order):
#1 - Wishes fireworks spectacular A staple of any WDW vacation, the sky over Cinderella Castle comes alive each night in the Magic Kingdom with amazing fireworks and classic Disney music during Wishes. Narrated by Jiminy Cricket himself, Wishes celebrates the wishes and dreams we all have, and why it's important to always believe in them with all your heart. Plus, Tinkerbell takes flight high above the Magic Kingdom to kick things off, spreading extra pixie dust over the park. Definitely a must-do for guests of all ages and families of all sizes! Be sure to secure your viewing spot within plenty of time before the show is set to begin, as the prime areas in front of the castle and on Main St. USA fill up quickly! #2 - Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade Originally from Disneyland in Anaheim, California, Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade now marches through the Magic Kingdom each night amongst thousands of twinkling lights synchronized to some of Disney's most iconic music. Featuring the famous Disney characters including Alice, Pinocchio, and Cinderella, among others, this parade will get your hands clapping and toes tapping along to the music, and is sure to leave a smile on your face. This is one of my favorite parts of the day at the Magic Kingdom, and one parade I will never get tired of seeing! Prime parade viewing locations are on Main St. USA and within the castle hub, so be sure to get your spot well before step-off. You can also snag a great spot along the route in Frontierland, which usually draws a smaller crowd. #3 - Celebrate the Magic castle projection show This one-of-a-kind show is truly one you have to see to believe. Cinderella Castle literally comes to life right before your eyes as it changes color, shape, and texture, in a 10-minute experience celebrating the magic of Disney animation, song, and story. Featuring scenes and songs from some of the classics like Dumbo and The Lion King, as well as newer stories like Wreck It Ralph and Frozen, this show will really make you believe in magic. Plus, some segments in the show change throughout the year based on the seasons, holidays, and events, so there's something new to see each time you watch! Celebrate the Magic normally takes place between the Electrical Parade and Wishes, so I recommend picking a spot for the parade that will also give you a good vantage point for both the projection show and fireworks. The ideal viewing spots are in the castle hub by the Partners Statue or on Main St. USA. You will not be able to view Celebrate the Magic behind Cinderella Castle. #4 - Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios Easily my favorite stage show on WDW property, Fantasmic! takes place in the outdoor Hollywood Hills amphitheater inside Disney's Hollywood Studios on most nights. The show takes you on a journey through Mickey's powerful imagination, featuring giant water fans, pyrotechnic effects, fireworks, floats, and a giant dragon. You'll be able to see your favorite characters and hear their iconic songs, including those from Beauty & The Beast, Pocahontas, Fantasia, and more. Be sure to get your seats early for this one, especially if you take in the early show on double-show nights. Also be aware that since this is an outdoor production with many performers and technical effects, inclement weather can cause delays or cancellations. #5 - Electrical Water Pageant An often unnoticed or forgotten entertainment offering, the Electrical Water Pageant lights up Seven Seas Lagoon in front of the Magic Kingdom on most nights between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM. It can be viewed from multiple locations around the lagoon, including from the exit to the Magic Kingdom and the WDW resort hotel bus stops. We always like to take a second and watch the floating parade go by as we leave the Magic Kingdom for the day for one last dose of nighttime magic. #6 - Illuminations: Reflections of Earth World Showcase lagoon in EPCOT comes to life during this 12-minute firework, fountain, and pyrotechnic display celebrating our earth. Featuring an original score, Illuminations reminds us all of our past, cultures of the present, and the hope for a prosperous future together. This spectacular show can be seen from many vantage points around World Showcase, and we especially like to enjoy it between the France and UK pavilions toward the back of the park, where there is a small seating/private party area that is close to one of EPCOT's two exits. Be sure to secure your spot well in advance of show time, though! #7 - Glow with the Show specialty ear hats Want to become a part of the nighttime entertainment? Well be sure to pick up a pair of the innovative Glow with the Show Mickey ears! These special ears sync up with the music and colors of various nighttime shows and spectaculars, including Wishes and Fantasmic! to put you right in the middle of the show. Ears can be purchased all around Walt Disney World for only $25 (see link above for participating shops), and serve as a great souvenir to bring back home in memory of your vacation. Plus, you can bring them back to WDW again and again! Now for some attractions that become a little more magical at night... #8 - Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom Get a whole new perspective on "the wildest ride in the wilderness" when you board the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at night! Not only will you experience a shorter wait time while Wishes is going on, but you'll actually get to see the fireworks while riding! Plus, it's a great time to catch some of those intricate Disney details under the nighttime lighting. #9 - Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom Already one of Disney's most intricate and ornate attractions ever developed, you get an entirely different experience riding Expedition Everest at night. While Disney's Animal Kingdom park typically closes earlier than the other theme parks, you can usually get an hour or so of darker time depending on when you choose to visit WDW. When you reach the top peak, you can see for miles, and might even be able to see some of the other theme park icons like EPCOT's Spaceship Earth. #10 - The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios This is a nighttime must-do! Riding the Tower of Terror at night really puts you in the attraction's story during the fateful night back in 1939 when five people mysteriously disappeared from an elevator inside the Hollywood Tower Hotel during a storm. You also get a unique view of Disney's Hollywood Studios as the elevator doors open during your free fall. Plus, wait times are shorter during Fantasmic! showings. There are countless other things to see and do when night falls on Walt Disney World, so don't be afraid to stay up a little late and enjoy the fun. You are on vacation, remember? Be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/ for more information on these entertainment offerings and attractions, including seasonal nighttime offerings. Check back for more posts on Holidays at Walt Disney World and those experiences. Until the next post, see ya real soon!
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About MeA twenty-something alumni of the Disney College Program looking to help others plan the Disney vacations of their dreams! Living that Disneyland AP dream in SoCal. Archives
February 2018
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