Evenings in the parks are even more magical. My all time favorite park to spend the evening in is the Magic Kingdom. The beautiful lights, magical music and gorgeous illuminated castle make the Magic Kingdom a wonderful night time Walt Disney World excursion.
10. The People Mover
This smooth highway in the sky is the perfect way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the castle and Tomorrowland from the sky. The slow moving ride is perfect for children and allows guests a longer than normal ride time to enjoy the view. Even better, the quick loading process for The People Mover ensures relatively short wait times. Evening riders can often walk on with no wait at all. After all, it is the perfect ride for “people watching”.
9. Big Thunder Mountain
Thunder Mountain provides gorgeous views of Frontierland from the top of the coaster hills. Aside from an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the park something about the rugged western landscape in the ride feels just as “right” at night as it does during the day. The well-lit animatronic scenes mean that guests won’t miss ride details despite the evening shadows.
8. Splash Mountain
This Disney classic is perfect at night because it provides beautiful views of the castle and Frontierland. Because the ride gradually lifts guests higher they are able to continually enjoy the beautiful scenery as the boat climbs higher toward the final drop.
7. Liberty Square Riverboat
The riverboat actually closes at 7:30 each evening. However, guests that visit in the winter may get the chance to enjoy twilight on the boat as the sun sets. This slow moving ride allows guests ample time to enjoy the beautiful Magic Kingdom from Rivers of America. This view is unlike any other any the park and allows guests the opportunity to admire Liberty Square as it is ablaze with lights.
6. The Magic Kingdom Railroad
Taking the train around the Magic Kingdom is one of my favorite ways to unwind in the park. Taking the train around the park in the evenings is even more relaxing. Watching guests scurry through the entrance excited for evening festivities is so much fun. Sometimes riders can even catch a glimpse of the evening parade as they round the corner onto Main Street U.S.A.
5. Dumbo or Aladdin’s Carpets
Dumbo is the perfect ride to enjoy the beauty of evening fireworks from. Yes, the ride is short and the fireworks display lasts longer than you are in the air. The view is still pretty spectacular and can make the experience even more magical for little ones that enjoy fireworks. If you are in Adventureland during the fireworks display the same perks that apply to Dumbo are applicable at Aladdin’s Magic Carpets as well. There are a few more trees blocking the way for this ride but overall The Magic Carpets still provide a beautiful evening viewing area for fireworks and the castle projection from the top of the ride.
The dark cavernous ride queue of Pirates of the Caribbean seems even better designed in the evening. Riding this attraction after the sun goes down adds to the mystery and often ensures a shorter wait time.
3. The Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion seems even more sinister when guests board the Doom Buggy in the evenings. I always like to save this ride for extra magic hours to ensure a shorter wait time. This also means I generally end up riding it in the evening. Walking through the interactive ride line and being welcomed into the gallery by the grim host is much spookier in the evening shadows.
2. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
This new addition to Fantasyland is even more perfect in the evening. Something about the theming of the ride with the dark caverns of the jewel mine seems more right at night than during broad daylight. Becoming a part of this story is much easier in the evening.
1. Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid
The beautifully well-lit ride queue of this new ride is gorgeous at night. Because this ride can have some really insane wait times during the day my family always saves it for extra magic hours. The convenient location makes it easy to run to after watching the fireworks from the People Mover in Tomorrowland.
BONUS TIP: Consider planning and booking your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can trust like MickeyTravels. They’ll help you get the best Walt Disney World deal, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE! It’s genius!
