Out in the real world, the cover of darkness can rob attractions of their prime features. At Walt Disney World, however, the shadowy environment simply becomes another tool that Imagineers use to enhance your experience and highlight exactly what you’re supposed to see. There’s a reason indoor attractions – known as dark rides – are so popular. The controlled setting gives Imagineers more sway over what you see and experience.
At night, outdoor attractions become dark rides in their own right. Lighting and effects that are unseen during the day suddenly come into play, enhancing your experience and giving you a whole new look at an otherwise familiar ride. Here are some top Disney attractions you simply must experience at night.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Image: Tim Pierce, Flickr (license)
Night safaris used to be reserved for special events or exclusive encounters. However, Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s new nocturnal persona has made after-dark safaris a regular affair. Since this is a relatively fresh offering, it should be at the top of your list of must-see features at Disney. At night, you can glimpse a whole new side of the African savannah, where intimidating predators slump into sleep, and nocturnal creatures come out to prowl. The safaris are newly lit to evoke images of the setting sun and rising moon, and your evening safari guide will provide you with fresh information, not featured in the daytime ride.
Jungle Cruise
Image: Suzanne Lozzi, Flickr (license)
The rivers of the Jungle Cruise take on a more mysterious air at night, making this is a popular pick for an evening boat ride in the Magic Kingdom. The darkness is a perfect mask for some of the less-realistic elements of the ride, adding to the enchantment. Something about the cover of darkness also seems to make those skippers a little rowdier, which can make for a hilarious cruise if you’re lucky enough to get someone who’s in the mood to veer a bit off script.
Liberty Square Riverboat
Image: Loren Javier, Flickr (license)
The Liberty Square Riverboat offers excellent views of the Magic Kingdom from the Rivers of America, circling Tom Sawyer Island. Not only will you get a good look at the park in all its evening glory, you’ll also get to see attraction scenes with their alluring lighting. Features like the burning cabin are particularly stunning once the sun sets.
Splash Mountain
Splash Mountain’s steep waterfalls and bumpy rivers are much more exciting under the cover of darkness. The ride’s signature drop into the briar patch is particularly breathtaking at night. With the castle lit in all its magical glory, you’ll have one of the best views in the park for those brief seconds before you take the plunge. For the best experience and a certain added thrill, keep your eyes on the castle as you drop.
Expedition Everest
Image: Jeremy Thompson, Flickr (license)
As you climb the initial hill on Expedition Everest, you get unparalleled views of all of Walt Disney World. There’s nothing quite like seeing it at night, when the parks and their icons are beautifully lit. You’ll see the resort sparkling beneath you as you climb the mountain.
Once you’re racing through the adventure of Expedition Everest, you’ll enjoy the dark for something else entirely. The shadowy elements make your twists and turns around the mountain just a bit more breathtaking. If you’ve only experienced this roller coaster in daylight, you’re missing out. It’s time to try it at night!
Test Track
Image: CL Photographs, Flickr (license)
While the majority of Test Track is inside, its most stunning feature is the outdoor track that circles the building. The track is lit to make your race more exciting, and the nighttime atmosphere adds a sense of daring to your experience that you simply can’t get in the glaring light of day. Test Track also tends to have shorter wait times in the evening, in case you need a little more convincing.
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Image: CL Photographs, Flickr (license)
You might think of the Tower of Terror as an indoor ride, but those seconds where the doors of the tower open to the park below can make all the difference in your overall experience of the attraction. During the day, you’re shocked by the light as you’re throw into the sun then plunged down the elevator’s shaft. At night, the transition from light to dark isn’t so dramatic, making the experience far more enjoyable. For just a moment you’ll have an outstanding view of the park, lit for the night, before you fall.
Another perk of experiencing the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at night is the hidden figure you’ll get to see. Look at the upper windows of the Tower Hotel and you’ll find a ghostly man peering out once the sun goes down.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Image: Josh Hallett, Flickr (license)
A significant portion of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is outside, making this a great pick for evening excitement. Whizzing around the mountain that houses the dwarfs’ mine is particularly fun in the cool evening air, with the lights of the Magic Kingdom shimmering around you. The scene in Snow White’s cottage seems more aptly placed at night as well. As an added perk, you’ll sometimes find that the line shortens as the park begins to empty near the end of the day.
Big Thunder Mountain
Image: Tom Caswell, Flickr (license)
Built around a ghost town, the chilling storyline for Big Thunder Mountain has a spooky air to it. Riding at night, you can best appreciate how the caverns are meant to feel haunted by the souls of lost miners. The trains, pulled by supernatural hands, can indeed feel a little ghostly as you zoom through a darkened landscape, lit strategically to highlight the best features of the attraction. If you want Big Thunder to really take your breath away, hop in line at night. This is the way to do it.
Whether you’re a frequent visitor to Walt Disney World, or you’re planning you first visit, try earmarking these attractions for a visit after dark. You’ll enjoy an outstanding experience that simply isn’t available during the day.
