9 Places that Come Alive at Night at Disney World

The sweltering Florida sun is finally at rest… but that doesn’t mean you should do the same! In fact, if you think Walt Disney World is the place to be during the day – wait until the sun sets and get ready to watch these awesome places that come alive at night!

9 – Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom

Out of all six lands at the Magic Kingdom theme park, Tomorrowland is our favorite place to be at night. With the neon-colored lights, techno/space-style music, and attractions that seem to glow – we purposely make sure we spend time in Tomorrowland at night. We especially recommend riding the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover to catch all the nightly sights!

8 – Electrical Water Pageant Outside Magic Kingdom

Glowing sea creatures and bright boats make their way across the lagoon outside of Magic Kingdom with a musical tune setting the stage… or the “water stage,” we suppose! This boat parade can be viewed from multiple areas, including the Polynesian Resort, Grand Floridian Resort, Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Towers, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness. It’s a fun, family activity watching the lagoon come to life! 

7 – Tower of Terror and The Haunted Mansion

For one reason or another, we feel like Disney World’s creepy attractions seem even creepier at night! Watch as night falls and Hollywood Studio’s Tower of Terror illuminates with a frightening appearance. The screams seem louder and the flashes of light as the elevator opens and closes can be spotted from down below. Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion is another attraction we recommend at night. The ghosts in the graveyard are even creepier and the darkness just sets the tone for what’s inside the mansion. These “spirited” attractions come “alive” even though you might prefer for them to stay asleep!

6 – World Showcase at Epcot

Stroll around the World Showcase at night and be in awe of the way each country turns into magnificence in the dark! Lively music and activities are at hand, especially at bar/lounge locations such as Rose and Crown Pub in the United Kingdom or near the margarita stand in Mexico. Plus, of course, “Luminous the Symphony of Us” must be mentioned as it fills the World Showcase lagoon with impressive fireworks and water features.

5 – Theme Parks – In Front of Iconic Symbols

Disney World’s four theme parks all have an iconic park symbol to boast about. Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle is probably the most alive at night with the different colors that light up the Castle before, after, and during the projection show and fireworks. Epcot’s Spaceship Earth can’t be missed with its elegant lighting. Hollywood Studios goes all things Star Wars as the Chinese Theater that hosts Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway seems to turn into a big-screen TV with accessories like fire and lasers! Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life was feeling left out but is kicking it up a notch now with the Tree of Life Nighttime Awakenings (which runs seasonally), which exudes a natural, calming vibe that matches the theme park perfectly.

4 – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Hands down, one of our favorite places to visit at night is Disney’s Hollywood Studios, to catch its fantastic nighttime show, Fantasmic! Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios is a great show that fills the nighttime air in a fantastic, Mickey-filled way! It’s a classic and fan favorite of many.

3 – The Boardwalk

Whether you prefer a quiet stroll or an active atmosphere, the night at Boardwalk is an awesome place to be! Stroll hand in hand with your loved one along the beautifully lit Boardwalk while enjoying an ice cream. Or, get ready to dance and drink the night away at the Atlantic Dance Hall! Need a happy medium? Check out Boardwalk’s Jellyrolls to catch the lively dueling pianos, or stop by to sip on some tasty magic at the Abracadabar.

2 – Animal Kingdom Nighttime Experiences 

Animal Kingdom’s additions of night experiences prove that wilderness and exploration never cease! You can head to Animal Kingdom now and enjoy night experiences that will bring out your adventurous side in so many wild ways! At night Pandora – The World of Avatar transforms into an entirely new experience. The bioluminescent plants of Pandora illuminate the land at night, giving breathtaking views of the Pandora landscape that are completely different from the daytime experience. You don’t want to miss Pandora after dark! Animal Kingdom also boasts a projection show on the iconic Tree of Life known as “Awakenings.” After night falls, be sure to look to the Tree of Life for a beautiful display of vibrant colors and incredible animal artistry. Thankfully, this show takes place after dark every 10 minutes until the park closes, so you’ll have several opportunities to see the Tree of Life awaken. Note these “Awakenings” are only offered seasonally, typically in the winter months.

1 – Disney Springs

Between floating in the night sky on a massive balloon known as Aerophile, bowling with friends at Splitsville, catching the Drawn to Life at Cirque du Solei, lounge hopping from one desirable restaurant to another, or getting your fill at one of the food trucks… Disney Springs is the place to be at night! Regarding the entertainment, the shopping, and our favorite part – the eating and drinking- we actually prefer visiting Disney Springs at night versus during the day!