The 6 Best Disney World Rides to Experience at Night

These Disney World rides offer completely different vibes once the sun sets - and trust us, they're far better at night. In my opinion, when the sun sets at Disney World's theme parks, the experience only gets better. Nighttime brings cooler temperatures, obviously, but it also shows off the theme parks and resorts in an entirely different way. Lands are illuminated, entertainment glows to life, and the thrills become even more exciting - if you choose the right attractions, that is. After sunset, a number of Walt Disney World rides become more intense and more incredible. Nighttime brings different views and a different feeling to coasters and slow-moving staples alike.

1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

When it comes to the best Disney World rides to ride at night, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad wins hands down. Board one of the runaway mine trains once the sun has set and Magic Kingdom is dark, and you'll have a more thrilling experience. The atmosphere alone is exciting - at night, the lighting on the rockwork and canyons surrounding the coaster's track give the whole mountain a glowing, otherworldly vibe. The shadowy twists and dips along the route also make each turn more surprising, and it's far more fun to speed in and out of its tunnels.

Plus, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad feels faster at night. There's something about the darkness that takes away visual points of reference, intensifying the ride experience and making those trains really feel like they're flying.

Lastly, the views you'll be able to catch while riding Big Thunder at night are incredible. As you're speeding along the track, keep your eyes trained on the sights of the Magic Kingdom beyond those rock formations. You'll be able to see the twinkling lights of Frontierland and even catch glimpses of Cinderella Castle glowing in the distance - a sight you won't see so clearly in the daylight. Time your ride just right, and you'll even have a chance to watch the fireworks explode overhead.

2. Expedition Everest

Expedition Everest is one of the most thrilling rides at Disney's Animal Kingdom, but riding it after sunset delivers an even more intense experience. After all, facing off with a yeti while the sun is shining is one thing - encountering those glowing eyes in the dark is quite different!

If you have the chance to experience Expedition Everest at night, it's totally next level. The coaster feels a bit more ominous and dangerous in the dark, and when your coaster train shoots backwards, it's even more disorienting. It's harder to anticipate drops and turns, making for a more unexpected ride.

Of course, it's worth noting that getting the chance to ride Expedition Everest in the dark is kind of rare. Since Animal Kingdom closes earlier than the rest of Walt Disney World's theme parks, you may only have the chance to ride at dusk. I recommend trying to make this the last ride of the day if you happen to visit on a day the park is open later.

Another option is to stay at a deluxe level Disney World Resort hotel so you can enjoy Extended Evening Hours at Animal Kingdom (just make sure to check the schedule first!). During these events, the park is open later, offering the chance to get in a nighttime ride on Expedition Everest.

3. TRON Lightcycle / Run

Sure, TRON Lightcycle / Run is a high-speed thrill ride any time of the day. But once you've seen the ride's glowing canopy illuminated at night, it's hard to say it's better to ride while the sun is up.

TRON Lightcycle / Run is one of Walt Disney World's best rides to experience at night. That illuminated canopy shines brightly, and it genuinely feels like you've entered the Grid when you shoot out of the ride building and into the open air of Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland. Those vibrant blue and orange lights offer a more visually stunning experience come nighttime (and you don't need to worry about being blinded by the bright Florida sun).

Along with those enhanced digital-feeling visuals, riding TRON in the dark feels transportive. Yes, you'll be able to see Tomorrowland spread out beneath you while outside. But the darkness will keep you immersed in the ride's storyline and atmosphere more thoroughly.

Plus, like other Walt Disney World thrill rides, experiencing TRON in the darkness of nighttime does make it feel like you're moving even faster. And who doesn't love even more speed when you're in a heart-stopping lightcycle race?

4. PeopleMover

Magic Kingdom's PeopleMover may not be the most thrilling attraction, but it is one you'll want to try at night. This relaxing ride offers a tour of Tomorrowland while it glows, with neon signs, attractions lit up, and views that stretch into other areas of the theme park.

As you kick back, relax, and cruise at just 7 miles per hour, the PeopleMover will offer up gorgeous views of sights like Space Mountain's iconic exterior, Cinderella Castle, and even the Astro Orbiter, all illuminated and looking incredible after sunset.

If you really want a great experience, try timing your ride on the PeopleMover with Magic Kingdom's scheduled fireworks display. You won't be able to catch the entire show, but there really isn't anything like cruising around Tomorrowland while you see the fireworks overhead from a variety of different vantage points. Bonus: You'll get to sit down and be off your feet, versus standing on Main Street or in the hub.

5. Slinky Dog Dash

I'll admit that Slinky Dog Dash is rarely on my must-ride list during a day at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Because Toy Story Land is notoriously sunny, unshaded, and hot, I tend to avoid this coaster as best I can. But if I'm in the theme park after dark, you can bet I'm headed here.

Once the sun sets, Toy Story Land changes completely. Yes, the temperatures cool down, but the land also comes alive with glowing lights everywhere. And Slinky Dog Dash is particularly eye-catching, with lights illuminating the coaster's Tinkertoy supports, the oversized Christmas lights strung overhead, the track, and the characters who appear as you whizz by onboard Slinky Dog.

As you're riding this family-friendly coaster, you'll also have some great nighttime views. Like I mentioned above, Toy Story Land as a whole becomes even more charming once it's dark. You'll get standout views of the land as if you're toy-sized - and as an added perk, the skyline of Hollywood Studios after sunset from a distance will also have you feel like you're flying faster.

6. Astro Orbiter

Astro Orbiter isn't the most thrilling ride in Magic Kingdom, but it is a Disney World classic. This Tomorrowland staple is pretty similar to the theme park's other aerial carousels (like Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin), but its views are really unmatched - particularly at night.

When the sun sets and Magic Kingdom becomes illuminated, you need to ride Astro Orbiter. As you spin in your rocket, you'll be able to take in sights like the glowing Cinderella Castle, the blue hues of Tomorrowland beneath you, and even the hub. This unassuming attraction is often skipped, but it offers some stellar fireworks and parade views, too,

While I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to ride Astro Orbiter during the day (those same views are a lot duller in sunlight), it's a completely different experience at night. This ride delivers some spectacular hidden views. And best of all, you typically won't find an extra-long wait time here, especially when other nighttime entertainment is taking place.

There you have it, my top 6 favorite Walt Disney World rides to experience at night. Are you’re ready to experience these awesome rides at night yourself and you don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to us at All About the Magic Travel! We monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, and resort. Plus, we share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Let’s get your next Walt Disney World Resort vacation on the books! Contact us today to start planning!

Melisa Barron, All About the Magic Travel