7 Things We Love To Do At Night At Walt Disney World

There is plenty to do at Walt Disney World during the day, but what about in the evening and into the night? The fun doesn’t stop just because the sun goes down. Here are seven things that we love to do at night, and we hope that you will love them as well. Sleeping didn’t make the list, although partway into your vacation that might be your favorite nighttime activity.

7. Late Night Dining

Some Walt Disney World restaurants stay open pretty late. Have a snack instead of a normal dinner, and make a reservation for a full dinner as late as possible. Many of the Disney Springs restaurants take reservations after 10:00pm, and you can find plenty of resort hotel restaurants that are also open that late. If you’re not in the mood for a full meal, stop by the hotel food court and enjoy a late night snack. You can also order room service, even the Value Resorts have pizza delivery.

6. Disney Springs

There is more to do at Disney Springs at night than have a late dinner. Many of the restaurants have bars or lounges that do not require a reservation. There are plenty of other nighttime activities as well. You can catch a movie or go bowling. There is live entertainment, including street performers and the world class musical acts at House of Blues. Disney Springs is fun any time of day, but things really come alive at night.

5. Free Movies and Campfires

If your night isn’t going to go too late, you might need something fun to do with the kids. How about a campfire and a free movie under the stars? Check at your resort’s front desk to see what is going on and where, there are campfires followed by free movies shown nightly in several different locations. If you’re looking for even more of a campfire, head to the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort for Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long. You can purchase a s’mores kit and toast marshmallows with your kids, then everyone will sing campfire songs. There will be two special guests joining in on the fun. Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long runs nightly, weather permitting. You don’t need to be staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort to join in on the fun.

4. Ye’Haa Bob Jackson

If you’re looking to laugh well into the evening, stop by the River Roost Lounge at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside for Ye’Haa Bob Jackson’s show. He performs at least twice nightly, Wednesdays through Saturdays. Ye’Haa Bob Jackson is a Walt Disney World icon, and he is hilarious. Every show is different, and his antics are something that you need to see for yourself. Ye’Haa Bob Jackson’s show is appropriate for families, but if you have young children you might want to take them to the first show so that they’ll still be able to get a good night’s sleep.

3. Disney’s BoardWalk

There is a lot to do after dark at Disney’s BoardWalk. (And no, Disney’s BoardWalk and Disney Springs are not the same thing.) Street performers will entertain you for free each evening from 7:00-10:00. Your family can rent a surrey bike. Shopping is easy, the stores aren’t nearly as crowded as some other Walt Disney World locations. Art lovers will want to stop in Wyland Galleries. You can order pizza or ice cream, catch a game on TV, or enjoy fine dining. The adults might want to check out Atlantic Dance Hall or Jellyrolls. Both are open into the wee hours of the morning, and are strictly for those 21 and older.

2. Fireworks

The fireworks at Walt Disney World are special, but it is possible to make them even more spectacular. Think about leaving the end of the night Magic Kingdom crowd behind and watching the fireworks at Disney’s Contemporary Resort instead. The view from California Grill is one that you will never forget. If you don’t want to leave a park, consider a fireworks dessert party. A fireworks cruise is another favorite way to enjoy the show. Think outside the box when it comes to Walt Disney World fireworks, and you’ll love them even more.

1. Stay in the Park

The best thing to do at Walt Disney World in the evening is to stay in the park of choice as late as possible. If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel you can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours when they are offered. If there are evening hours you’ll be able to stay in the park after it has closed to the general public. Even if there aren’t Extra Magic Hours, it’s fun to stay in a park until it closes. Many families can’t make it too late into the evening, so the crowds will die down somewhat and there will be shorter lines. Once the park has officially closed, hang back and let others leave before you and your family clear out. There’s no reason to rush, especially if you have a car.