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Things To Do At Disney In Night!

If you think Disney is magical during the day, wait until you see Disney at night! The sights, lights, and sound all combine to offer an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. When the sun goes down, that’s when iconic entertainment takes the floor – introducing Disney After Hours.

This amazing experience of Disney at nightis a one-of-a-kind separately ticketed nighttime event that lasts three hours at the Animal Kingdom or the Magic Kingdom. The event is separated into:

• Disney After Hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• Disney After Hours at the Magic Kingdom

What Goes Down At The Magic Kingdom After Hours?

Disney After Hours at the Magic Kingdom starts from 10 pm to 1 am. Here are the best rides and attractions that you shouldn’t miss:

Astro Orbiter

Astro Orbiter, formerly known as Star Jets is an adrenaline-pumping attraction that will spin you high above the Magic Kingdom in rockets that are reminiscent of Buck Rogers. Warnings for those who are afraid of heights! Apart from taking your rocket up above, you’ll also ride an elevator to reach the loading area. Astro Orbiter will offer you breathtaking views but be careful, this is much higher compared to Dumbo.

disney world at night

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is set in the middle of a landscape that’s designed to mimic Monument Valley. Set during the Gold Rush in a flooded mine town called Tumbleweed, this rollercoaster offers 20 audio-animatronic figures such as chickens, donkeys, possums, and the legendary rainmaker, Professor Cumulus Isobar.

The attraction is also designed with antique mining tools that add to its authenticity. Besides this, you’ll smell a hint of sulfur as you pass by the phosphorescent pools and witness the red eyes of the inhabitants of the cave. If you are a thrill-seeker, claim your position at the back of the train since it is more thrilling compared to the front.

Best Nightlife at Disney World Florida

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin is by far one of the most enjoyable attractions that you’ll find in Disney World. You’ll be in the midst of a huge arcade game, flying up points, and shooting lasers as you make your way to the final battle with Zurg, the evil emperor. You will ride in a XP-37 Space Cruisers that are designed to seat two people.

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Disney Princess Greetings at Princess Fairytale Hall

When you enter this royal court, you’ll be greeted by your all-time favorite Disney Princesses like Aurora, Cinderella, and more. This meet-and-greet place is situated in the middle of Fantasyland and it brings two unique meet-and-greet experiences. Currently, guests can meet Cinderella, Elena, Tiana, and Rapunzel. However, this could change at any time. The Castle Courtyard look of the place features stained glass windows, stone walls, and high ceilings – a true replica of a castle that’s fit for a princess.

It’s a Small World

Though there have been slight changes and alterations to this ride, it is still the most colorful attraction in Disney and is loved and adored. The original concept for It’s a Small World was developed by Mary Blair and it features a ride that was dripping in gold and white. The iconic large smiling clock face is recognized by millions as the trademark of "iIt’s a Small World".

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Jungle Cruise

The Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom will take you along the four continents in 10 minutes. The original version of the ride was designed and built to replicate the True Life Adventure Series of Disney. However, it wasn’t quite as popular back then as it is now since it is one of the funniest attractions that you’ll come across Disney World.

Mickey’s PhilharMagic

Mickey’s PhilharMagic is an incomparable 4-D attraction at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The attraction took 3 years to finish and it combines the creativity and efforts of Walt Disney Imagineering teams and Walt Disney Feature Animation to transcend Disney Magic to the big screen. Watch this attraction and follow the mishaps of Donald as he tries to steal the show from Mickey’s Orchestra.

Discover Disney After Hours

Peter Pan’s Flight

Peter Pan’s Flight is still one of the most sought after attractions at the Magic Kingdom even after 30 years. This pioneer Disney ride still embraced its low tech mechanisms that make use of glow in the dark paint to depict special effects. Even without the fancy animatronics, this ride still captures the heart of Disney goers. It is a pretty simple ride, especially if you compare it with the latest ones. But still, people keep coming back to Peter Pan’s Flight as if it was their first time to ride it.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Upon riding Pirates of the Caribbean, you’ll hear the familiar music that’s popularized by the hit movie, "Yo ho, yo ho, a pirates' life for me." If you are into the whole pirate scene, then you might want to try this one out. However, though ride enthusiasts disagree with the planned modifications, the movie made this ride better. The Pirates of the Caribbean have fast loading and each boat can hold at least 30 passengers.

Space Mountain

After more than 40 years, Space Mountain is still standing strong as one of the most popular attractions in Disney World. If you compare it to modern roller coasters, it is pretty simple. It doesn’t have any upside-down loops or accelerated speed, but what sets it apart from its contemporary counterparts is its theme. Space Mountain will let you ride in a rocket ship and the next thing you know, you’re making your way to outer space.

Space-Mountain

Splash Mountain

Another attraction on the list of most popular rides at the Magic Kingdom is Splash Mountain. It is inspired by the 1946 animated film entitled “Song of the South”. The log ride features the laughable attempts of Brer Bear and Brer Fox to catch the clever Brer Rabbit as he tries to find his laughing place. Splash Mountain is a water ride so expect that you’ll get wet throughout the ride. While this can be a cool ride during hot days, wet clothes can trigger chills on colder nights. Bring a raincoat if you don’t want to get wet and shiver the whole night.

Exploring Disney After Hours At The Animal Kingdom

Disney After Hours at the Animal Kingdom begins at 9 pm to 12 am. Here are the most exciting and fun rides and attractions that you can try:

Avatar Flight of Passage

Your adventure will start on an uphill expedition on a huge root structure, on top of a bridge above waterfalls going to an ancient totem garden. Floating passageways will guide you towards a cave-like structure where Ikran – the great-winged banshees – are honored through paintings and glorious totems. After that, you’ll sojourn inside a once abandoned facility of Resources Development Administration or RDA that has a partially developed laboratory.

Na’vi River Journey

Na’vi River Journey is a special, lyrical journey along with an extravagant visual setting that continues to get better as you go farther and farther. The bioluminescent movements of the plants that surround you reveal spectacular scenes that will leave you in awe.

Disney at night
The adventure begins as guests sail in reed boats down a mysterious, sacred river hidden within the bioluminescent rainforest on the Na'vi River Journey. The full beauty of Pandora reveals itself as the boats pass by exotic glowing plants and amazing creatures. The attraction is within Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park in Walt Disney World. (Photo courtesy: The Walt Disney World Resort)

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Walt Disney World visitors will find out for themselves about the hair-raising legend of the Yeti upon riding Expedition Everest. For thrill-seekers who want to experience highly-accelerated train adventure with coaster-like excitement that will take you to a close encounter with the fearsome Abominable Snowman, this ride is for you.

Dinosaur

Dinosaur is an incredible ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As guests enter the museum-like Dino Institute, they will witness glorious fossil exhibits and walls that are enveloped in life-size casts of actual dinosaur skeletons.

It’s Tough to Be a Bug!

Visitors will sojourn on winding roads that will lead them to the Tree of Life. From there, they will enjoy spying on more than 325 creatures.

TriceraTop Spin

TriceraTop Spin accommodates at least 4 visitors in one triceratops vehicle that tilts and rises as they go around a huge top. Prepare to be awestruck as cartoon comets glide around you while dinosaurs appear as you turn around.

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The Tree of Life Awakens

The Tree of Life Awakens is a project show that awakens the tree that has enchanting fireflies – reviving every animal that is carved on its branches and trunks.

Rivers of Light

This colorful show is housed at the Discovery River of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme park, in between Expedition Everest and Discovery Island. You’ll see live performers and music, water screens, floating lanterns, and moving animal imagery in one show.

It showcases the true beauty of every living thing here on Earth. The show starts with storytellers riding a lantern-adorned boat that will set on the river banks for an amazing dance performance that will combine light and water to call the spirits of the animals.

Be sure to save at least one evening to spend with Disney After Hours. Disney World at night brings the legendary magic to a new level!