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Top 10 Walt Disney World Must Do Nighttime Attractions

Tomorrowland
Credit: Disney

Guests who enjoy a vacation in Walt Disney World love to spend plenty of time in the four theme parks enjoying the amazing attractions offered there. The attractions in each park range from thrilling to family friendly and classic and ensure that there is something for every guest to enjoy. While all of the attractions in Walt Disney World are amazing during the day time, some take on a new beauty or experience once the sun sets. From enhanced environments to added thrills, some attractions simply must be experienced at least once at nighttime. Here are the top ten Walt Disney World must do nighttime attractions for guests to enjoy on their next vacation.

10. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom is home to a very popular attraction that brings guests on the wildest ride in the wilderness. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has guests board runaway mine trains before whipping them through the mining town of Tumblweed. The adventure brings guests through eerie caves, collapsing caverns, and the town itself which is full of wildlife. Since most of the attraction happens outside, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is an entirely different experience once the sun sets!

9. Dumbo the Flying Elephant

One attraction in the Magic Kingdom that many guests consider to be a rite of passage when visiting the parks can be found in Storybook Circus. Dumbo the Flying Elephant offers guests the chance to soar high with Dumbo and offers beautiful views of the surrounding areas. Once the sun sets, Storybook Circus comes to life with charming popcorn lights and the fountains at the base of each Dumbo spinner become rainbow bright with a series of different colored lights.

8. Astro Orbiter

The Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland is home to two attractions that are stacked on top of each other and both should be experienced at nighttime. The Astro Orbiter is at the top of Rocket Tower Plaza and requires guests to take an elevator to reach it. Guests can then board rocket ships that blast them off around circling planets and galactic objects. Once nighttime falls, the Astro Orbiter makes guests feel even more as though they are flying through the darkness of space.

7. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

Found right underneath the Astro Orbiter is the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. The attraction brings guests on a tour of the area along the highway in the sky, offering the perfect views to people watch and check out the ambiance below. Once the sun sets, Tomorrowland comes to life with vibrant neon lighting that can be fully taken in from the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover!

6. Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain is found right next door to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland and it should also be enjoyed at night. The attraction brings guests on a journey with Br’er Rabbit who is in search of more adventure. While the attraction takes place mostly indoors, there are several outdoor portions which allow guests the chance to enjoy the nighttime, especially the final drop sequence into the Briar Patch below!

5. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom features an attraction that allows guests to take to the skies and enjoy the areas surrounding it. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin have guests board magic carpets of their own and take off high in the sky. Once the sun sets, Adventureland becomes even more exotic with lighting that resembles torches. An experience on the Magic Carpets of Aladdin at night offers a great chance to soak in the ambiance of the land!

4. Test Track Presented by Chevrolet

Epcot is home to primarily indoor attractions, however there is one that brings guests outside for a thrilling finale. Test Track Presented by Chevrolet allows guests to design their very own SIM cars and test them out on the track. The initial few tests conducted are indoors, but the final test which measure powers includes a high speed outdoor loop that becomes even more thrilling once the sun has set!

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3. Kali River Rapids

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is wonderful during the day, but absolutely beautiful at night! One attraction that guests love to enjoy once the sun has set in the park is Kali River Rapids in the Asia area. The attraction brings guests on a thrilling and soaking adventure down the Chakranadi River and demonstrates the dangers of illegal logging. Once the sun sets and it is dark out, Kali River Rapids becomes even more thrilling as every twist, turn, and drop is harder to see and anticipate!

2. Kilimanjaro Safaris

The Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to Kilimanjaro Safaris which is a favorite attraction of many guests. The attraction brings guests into the Harambe Reserve for a two week safari that offers up close and personal experiences with animals like giraffes, elephants, cheetahs, and lions. Once the sun sets, guests can enjoy a nighttime safari that is so quiet and amazing that they are sure to think they have really traveled to the forests and savannahs of Africa!

1. Expedition Everest

Disney’s Animal Kingdom features another attraction which brings a fabled beast to life. Expedition Everest brings guests deep into the Forbidden Mountain where they find themselves face to face with the Yeti. Guests who are brave enough to experience Expedition Everest know that a significant portion of the attraction occurs outside, a fact made all the more thrilling once night falls!

About Caitlin Kane

Caitlin Kane has been visiting Walt Disney World since she was a child and has developed a deep love and appreciation of the Disney Parks with a particular interest in the small details and history that can be found all around. Visiting every chance she gets, Caitlin loves to enjoy the ambiance of the Disney Parks and try something new every time. She can often be found eating and drinking her way through the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, riding the Haunted Mansion, sipping on a Lapu Lapu, pretending Illuminations: Reflections of Earth was still in existence, and enjoying seeing the magic through the eyes of her children. When not in WDW, Caitlin can be found at home in New York dreaming of a ride on Living with the Land and counting down the days until her next trip.