I’m a big proponent of getting to rope drop, taking advantage of early extra magic hours and getting on as many rides as you can in the morning before the crowds, but there is a different kind of Magic at night. The energy is different at nighttime when the lights come on and the parks are extra beautiful. Especially at Magic Kingdom, the music seems a little louder, the scents from Main Street are more fragrant and of course the brilliant lighting of Wishes fireworks and the Main Street Electrical Parade give an ambiance that just can’t be replicated during the day.
Here are my top picks for rides not to miss when the sun goes down:
- DUMBO. When Dumbo was moved and capacity doubled they also did an entirely new lighting scheme. The way the light bounces off the water is electric and the ride is the perfect speed and height to take in all the beauty of Fantasyland and parts of Tomorrowland all lit up.
- BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN RAILROAD. The spectacular lighting on this ride at night gives it an entirely different feel from the daytime as many of the details come to life and it almost seems faster! The best tip about riding this attraction at night is be sure to check the guide for when Wishes is taking place and hop on the wildest ride in the wilderness for one of the best Wishes views in the park.
- SPLASH MOUNTAIN. After you ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad trot next store to Splash Mountain. Make sure you keep your eyes open at the top of drop, it’s one of the best views of the Magic Kingdom, you can even see Cinderella’s Castle. Are you brave enough to have your camera ready?
- TWILIGHT ZONE TOWER OF TERROR. You think this ride is scary during the daytime? Try it at night! There is nothing quite like those doors opening and you see Hollywood Studios glowing before you in the darkness…..then you plummet.
- JUNGLE CRUISE. This ride in the daytime is a pretty tame boat ride through the jungle with some corny jokes, but at nighttime I would say this ride may even scare your little ones. Something about total darkness on a boat in the jungle is sure to give you chills. You may even hear some different jokes!
- TOMORROWLAND TRANSIT AUTHORITY PEOPLEMOVER. This is an elevated 10 minute tour of Tomorrowland where you can just sit back, relax and take in the beauty of the night.
- SEVEN DWARFS MINE TRAIN. Well let’s be honest, it’s nice to get on this ride any time of day when visiting Magic Kingdom but if you are lucky enough to go on at night I think you will like it even more. It’s the perfect location being right in the middle of Fantasyland. With every twist and turn you can see a different view of Fantasyland, and the final scene of the Dwarves’ home is so much more Magical and detailed at night.
- EXPEDITION EVEREST. With the new nighttime magic and extended hours coming soon to Animal Kingdom we are really going to be able to get some extra thrills from the Yeti at night!
- KILIMANJARO SAFARI. This ride was previously off limits to guests after sundown but starting Memorial Weekend this ride will be open at night! You will be able to venture out onto the savanna for a nighttime safari tour and see the animals in a whole new light. (even some new animals) During the nighttime safari there will be strategically placed lighting so you will get to view the rarely seen nocturnal habits of the reserve’s animals.
- TEST TRACK. I can’t leave out a ride at Epcot to experience at night. While this ride starts our indoors, the thrill factor takes place outdoors. Zippin’ around that track at night just makes you want to put both hands up in the air and scream as you whip around those turns. Try timing this ride with Illuminations for some seriously amazing views.
Remember, FastPass+ has new enhancements including once you use your first three FastPass+ selections you can now go on your MDE app and add more, you can even select your preferred time of day, so pick some of these attractions to experience at night.
If you need help planning your next Disney World vacation contact me, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner at MickeyTravels, for all your needs. Not only will I book your FastPass+ rides for your 60 days out, I can help you with dining reservations, tours, shows, and more along with answering any and all Disney questions you have to make your trip the most Magical possible. Did I mention my services are FREE? Contact me at mary@mickeytravels.com. We have some Amazing specials going on!
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