Night time entertainment in Walt Disney World (with the children)

When you visit Walt Disney World you spend a lot of your time walking around in the parks during the day, but it's not just the day you need to be thinking about. There's plenty of things to do at night too, not just visiting the parks but there are some other brilliant ways to enjoy a night out with the children in Walt Disney World.



Visiting the parks


The parks are open late - some staying open until 2 or 3 am sometimes (for on property guests) - which means you get to enjoy the parks during the night hours too. Simply walking around the parks at night can be an experience in itself because you get to see the park lit up. Disney manage to use lighting in such a brilliant way so the parks look completely different at night. 


Photo taken in Japan pavilion at Epcot, view of Spaceship Earth. Great for night time entertainment in Walt Disney World.


I've heard that Pandora at Animal Kingdom is amazing at night, Jocelyn over at The Reading Residence has a great video for you to check it out, and I can't wait to visit myself this summer. Seeing Magic Kingdom lit up at night is a beautiful sight and Epcot looks great too, especially Spaceship Earth.


Of course there's much more  to do than visiting the parks at night, there are shows, firework displays, and more.





Do not be fooled by its commonplace appearance. Like so many things, it is not what outside, but what is inside that counts.

The Merchant, Aladdin





Fantasmic!


An outdoors show that features fireworks, water effects, and even a giant dragon, it's sure to mesmerise your children. See your favourite characters in new places and watch as Mickey Mouse tries to save the day. 


Mickey Mouse fights a dragon during the Fantasmic! show at Hollywood Studios - a great show for night time entertainment with the children at Walt Disney World


Fantasmic! can get very busy and it is highly recommended to book either fastpasses or book a meal at Hollywood Brown Derby that comes with tickets for Fantasmic! When you go to the show they do expect you to get to your seat with plenty of time to spare and when you're leaving after the show be prepared for crowds of people doing exactly the same thing.



Fireworks shows




Epcot


I always love the fireworks show at Epcot where you get to see spectacular fireworks that light up the lake. Add to that the amazing lighting around the World Showcase and it's one not to miss. They play brilliant music during the show, and it's a track we've since bought because we loved it so much.



Magic Kingdom


Watch animations projected onto Cinderella's Castle in this amazing fireworks show. Again it has brilliant music and the last time we were there Cinderella's Castle was transformed into the Wreck It Ralph game through the projection. It was amazing, the children will love it. 


Cinderella's Castle lit up by fireworks at Magic Kingdom. Great night time entertainment for the kids at Walt Disney World.


Around the Magic Kingdom during the fireworks show it gets very busy but you can avoid some of the crowds by booking a dessert party where you get priority seating and a spot to watch the show from.



British Revolution


As well as the fireworks show at Epcot be sure to check out British Revolution - a live band that plays in sessions throughout the day and night. The evening shows are so good and it's great when your children start dancing in the UK streets while they listen to the British music booming out of the speakers. One of the best times to watch British Revolution is at dusk, just as the sun is setting, the lights are coming on, and the music begins.

I remember LP, at about 6 years old, dancing in the street because he loved the music so much. It was so great to see and a memory I will always cherish. 

Oh, and there's a pub nearby too so there's plenty of adult entertainment! 😉


The Rose & Crown pub at Epcot in Walt Disney World.



Hoop De Doo Musical Revue


One of our favourite nights out in Walt Disney World. Located at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground the Hoop De Doo Musical Revue features Claire de Lune, Johnny Ringo, Dolly Drew, Six Bits Slocum, Flora Long and Jim Handy who put on a musical show just for you. It's energetic and entertaining with songs, dancing, and comedy. Get ready to clap your hands, sing a long, and laugh until your sides hurt!





There is magic all around.

Mickey Mouse





You get to eat too - which is always a bonus! Food and drinks are included in the price and you get to enjoy fried chicken, BBQ ribs, salad, cornbread and the best Strawberry Shortcake I have ever tasted. It's an all-you-can-eat thing too so if you finish your food and want more simply ask, although I'm not sure you'll be able to finish it all - I would be seriously impressed! There's always plenty of food and I don't think we've ever finished everything. I remember one time one of the actors stood by our table and saw that the boys didn't like the look of the beans and started to talk to them about the beans. Then all of a sudden he burst into song - all about beans! 😂

It is a late night, so I wouldn't recommend doing this if your little ones are tired. We tend to have an afternoon break if we have Hoop De Doo booked, it gives us a chance to recharge ready for a late night.

This is one to book ahead of time - like way ahead - because the best seats get booked up quickly. But it is definitely one that should be on your list.


You can find great night time entertainment in Walt Disney World, even with the children!



So far these are our favourites but after our trip this summer I'll be updating the list if we need to add anything. 

Is there anything here you like the sound of?


If you enjoyed reading this post you might enjoy The best places to eat in Walt Disney World theme parks or if you're looking for some activities closer to home why not check out my post about our half -term antics entitled 10 things to do during half-term.

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