Home Attractions Top Reasons Why You Should Visit The Magic Kingdom at Night

Top Reasons Why You Should Visit The Magic Kingdom at Night

by Katiria Torres

Guests have a lot of options when it comes to touring the various parks at Walt Disney World. While the Magic Kingdom is magical at every moment of the day, certain attractions found there become even more amazing at night thanks to the sun setting. Extra Magic Hours at certain parks make it possible to start the day early or end the night late. Between the restaurants and entertainment at Disney Springs, the various nighttime shows and spectaculars at all of the parks, there is a lot to consider. But, here are the top reasons why Magic Kingdom is the place to be after dark!

 

1. Late Night Snacks

All of the snacks are the same at night as they are during the day, but we maintain that they just taste better – the popcorn as you leave the park, a Mickey pretzel, or just a traditional Mickey bar are all highlights and perfect additions to the evenings at the Magic Kingdom!

Tree House

2. Swiss Family Treehouse

Another attraction that gives guests a different view of the park is found at the Swiss Family Treehouse.  We enjoy climbing the stairs to the top during the fireworks show because it offers a completely different view than we are used to of the show, but also of the Hub and off into Tomorrowland.   

Boat

3. Evening Cruise

Another attraction that takes on an added sense of mystery at night is the Jungle Cruise in Adventureland. The other added benefit of a nighttime cruise is that you won’t have to sit in the sweltering heat when on the boat. 

Railroad

4. Walt Disney World Railroad

Another relaxing journey you can take at night is to climb aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad for a nighttime ride.  Not only is the experience completely different at night, you’ll be able to notice things about the railroad that you’ve never noticed before.  Guests won’t be able to ride around the time of the fireworks, so make sure to consult a Times Guide, but enjoy as many rides around as you’d like!

Castle

5. Nighttime Spectacular

Happily Ever After is the nightly fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom – this show is a combination fireworks display and projection show on Cinderella Castle. We love taking a break from a nighttime fun to grab an ice cream cone or a Mickey pretzel and look up to the sky! 
 

6. Astro Orbiter

The tallest ride in the Magic Kingdom, the Astro Orbiter is really on the “third floor” of the Magic Kingdom – guests will be able to see over all of Tomorrowland, Storybook Circus, parts of Fantasyland, and into the Hub.  

Night

7. Evening Extra Magic Hours

Between the four theme parks, Magic Kingdom offers guests the most time in the park after hours. During peak times, Magic Kingdom can be open to 1 or even 2 AM. Not only does the park take on a certain magical nature after dark, but at a certain point, guests will filter out allowing big fans to experience some of the flagship attractions with little to no wait and without having to use a FastPass!

Tomorrow

8. TTA at Night

As the night winds to the close, head to Tomorrowland and hop aboard the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. In addition to being a phenomenally relaxing ride, guests will be treated to views of the twinkling neon lights in Tomorrowland, cool breezes, as well as brief views of Cinderella Castle and maybe even the fireworks depending on your timing!

Frontierland

9. Frontierland Views

 The two attractions in Frontierland – Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain offer fantastic nighttime views. Thunder Mountain at night rides as a totally different attraction – we feel that the trains run a little bit faster and the light shimmering off of the Rivers of America and the rock formations give the attractions a certain air of mystery. Splash Mountain offers the better view as guests drop into the Briar Patch – for about a second or two, guests are able to see Cinderella Castle illuminated in white, blue, and purple light. Definitely worth getting a little wet!

Lights

10. Lights of Main Street

 Upon entering the park at night, guests will see Main Street, USA awash in light. Walking down the sidewalks of Main Street at night adds to the nostalgia of the land and not a characteristic that guests are able to experience during the day. 

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