8 of the Best Walt Disney World Attractions to Enjoy at Night
For most visitors, the basic strategy when it comes to Walt Disney World attractions is to cram in as many as you can as quickly as you can before the sun goes down! And though that is certainly a good strategy for families with small children with early bedtimes, guests shouldn’t overlook the fact that some of Walt Disney World’s most iconic rides take on a new look and feel when the sun goes down. So take advantage of evening park hours, extra magic hours or even one of Disney’s spectacular After Hours events and give these awesome attractions a try!
1. Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Magic Kingdom
This first attraction offers nighttime fun for the entire family! Storybook Circus is whimsical any time of day but at night it becomes something truly special with all of the beautiful midway lights! From atop your own personal Dumbo, you’ll be treated to magical views of Cinderella Castle and Fantasyland all lit up! The swoops and drops in the dark also add that extra thrill for tiny tots!
2. Splash Mountain – Magic Kingdom
One of my family’s favorite rides to tackle once the sun goes down is Splash Mountain in Frontierland. As you drift atop the mountain at the start of the ride you are treated to some pretty fantastic views of Magic Kingdom! Also, there’s no feeling quite like making that final plunge under the cover of darkness. For a special treat I recommend riding during the fireworks. It’s nothing short of magical!
3. Expedition Everest – Animal Kingdom
On a clear night, you can enjoy sweeping views from atop Expedition Everest where you’ll see Spaceship Earth and the Tower of Terror all lit up at night. Then there’s the fact that the ride becomes even more thrilling when you make that backwards plunge and encounter the Yeti in the dark. For these reasons Expedition Everest should definitely be top of your nighttime list!
4. Tower of Terror- Hollywood Studios
What’s more terrifying then free-falling down an elevator shaft in a spooky hotel? Doing it a night! From the moment you head down Sunset Boulevard, you’ll be greeted by the ominous glow of the Hollywood Tower Hotel in the distance. The property definitely becomes even eerier when the sun sets adding to the thrills. However, the best bit is getting those incredible theme park views when the elevator shaft opens revealing Hollywood Studios all lit up! This is another great ride to enjoy during the evening fireworks display for a special treat!
5. Slinky Dog Dash – Hollywood Studios
Disney’s all-new Toy Story Land is nothing short of whimsical any time of day but there’s something absolutely captivating at seeing all of Andy’s toys frolicking at nighttime. Slinky Dog Dash provides the perfect high-speed vantage point from which to take in the entirety of Andy’s backyard and to enjoy some surprising twists and turns!
6. Test Track – Epcot
Though the majority of Test Track takes place inside, during the race track simulation doors open and guests are treated to a nighttime lap around a gorgeously lit up Epcot! Nighttime is definitely the right time to enjoy this attraction for extra thrills and shorter wait times!
7. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Magic Kingdom
The rocky terrain and ominous mineshafts become even more thrilling when experienced at night. You definitely get jostled a bit during this ride and all of the twists, turns and unexpected bumps become that much more difficult to predict at night! From high atop this Frontierland Mountain, you are also treated to some awesome views of Magic Kingdom!
8. Jungle Cruise – Magic Kingdom
Though this classic Adventureland attraction may seem rather tame of today’s standards, it does add an extra element of fun at night making it a perfect option for evening visitors with tiny children. Many of the highlights of your river journey are lit beautifully at night. Even the backside of water is slightly more magical! And don’t worry, the skippers are ready with their hilarious hijinks any time of day!
So next time you are paying a visit to Walt Disney World, why not make it a late night? Any of the attractions on our list and dozens of others are sure to please nighttime visitors of all ages!
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