After coming to the parks since I was a little girl, participating in two Disney College Programs and spending a summer here fulfilling seasonal hours, you could say that I know Walt Disney World pretty well. Visiting the parks on my days off is no question, but I don’t normally spend the whole day there – just have to complete my must-do’s. In my new top five Disney series, here are the top five things to see at night in the parks!
Every night, no matter what Walt Disney World park you visit, there is a nighttime spectacular to end a perfect day. Even Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which used to close early every night, has joined in the fun of having their own nighttime shows. What’s there to see? Check out my list below!
1. Wishes
I may be biased because I work in the Magic Kingdom, but I think Wishes is the best nighttime show of them all. The story pulls at your heartstrings; the fireworks seamlessly go together with the story and it just the perfect end after a long day at the Magic Kingdom. Make a wish and do as dreamers do!
2. Illuminations: Reflections of Earth
Like Wishes, Illumination: Reflections of Earth is the perfect nighttime show for Epcot. Telling the story of the very beginning of Earth to where we are today, Illuminations uses the entire World Showcase to tell this story, complete with lights, lasers and of course, fireworks. Keep an eye out for the amazing floating Earth globe on the lagoon, which is the true star of this show.
3. Fantasmic
Some may say that this show is outdated, but I love it nevertheless. Taking place every night at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Mickey is forced to take on the villains who try to ruin his dreams. Featuring characters and scenes from “Pocahontas,” “Aladdin,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast” and more, this show has water effects, fireworks, lasers and is all-around fantastic! Mickey has many costume changes in this show, including my favorite on of all, Steamboat Willie!
4. Symphony in the Stars
“Star Wars” has definitely awakened Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year, and the Star Wars fireworks are evidence of that! Enjoy your favorite scores from the movies set to fireworks and you have an amazing show that you will never forget. This is the “Wishes” for every “Star Wars” fan!
5. Awaken Summer! (New at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.)
Now, I haven’t gotten a chance to see the show myself at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but many of my friends have and they love it! Who doesn’t want to see the Tree of Life lit up in cool lights and projections? After seeing this show, head on over to Kilimanjaro Safaris, which has a nighttime safari now!
What is your favorite nighttime spectacular attraction at Walt Disney World? Let me know in the comments!
