Over the years, we have written many posts about how the Disney Parks have a little extra magic at night. The lights come on, the crowds thin out and the atmosphere changes. Sometimes that is due to extra entertainment or a nighttime spectacular. Other times it’s simply due to a beautiful, secluded area. Whatever the reason, I prefer most Disney Parks once the sun goes down. Full disclosure: I am a night owl and always have been.

With all of these ravings about nighttime in the parks, a top ten list about the best lands at night is in order. With my never-ending love for lists on the internet, it’s time to delve into this situation. Joking aside, hopefully this list is helpful to anyone planning what to do with their evenings in the parks.

This list will only include the Disney Parks in America and is mainly looking at overall atmosphere of the land instead of attractions. I will take into account some rides that are especially fun at night but I’ll mostly be relying on sights, sounds and shows – also known as ‘The 3 S’s’ (okay, I made that up). I’ll also include a few lands that are in both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom and won’t specify as most of the atmosphere is the same.

Before we get to the list, here’s a few honorable mention. Africa, in Animal Kingdom, has some wonderful entertainment, lighting and an interesting attraction (Kilimanjaro Safaris) at night. There just isn’t much open at night so it doesn’t make the list. Similarly, Hollywood Studio’s Echo Lake is a beautiful and serene spot to sit at night. There’s not much else going on but that’s part of the appeal. It just narrowly misses the top ten. Lastly, Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland is in a holding pattern while the Cars area is getting worked on. To the list!

10. Fantasyland

I included both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom versions in this but for separate reasons. Disneyland has great lighting that really augments the color of the area at night. That stretches all of the way to Small World. Plus, riding the teacups, Dumbo and Matterhorn at night is the best time to do it. The parade route through this area is also a great place to watch a late showing with fewer crowds.

Magic Kingdom has more space than Disneyland and the lighting is somewhat odd because of it. However it makes the list because of the section from Gaston’s Tavern through Storybook Circus (New Fantasyland). Parts of that area are a little dark and if you go late enough then Storybook Circus looks like a ghost town. I don’t think this is exactly what they were going for but it is interesting to me and an odd feeling. No matter which coast you’re on, Fantasyland at night is the best time to ride attractions there as many families have cleared out of the popular dark rides. For what it’s worth, I definitely prefer Disneyland’s Fantasyland compared to Magic Kingdom.

9. Pandora – World of Avatar

To be perfectly honest, I was slightly underwhelmed with Pandora at night at first. I don’t think that the lighting in the area was completely sorted out. It was not quite bright enough for the plants and mountains to really stand out like they do during the day. Still, the bioluminescent areas are ambitious and beautiful. On our latest visit I came to enjoy Pandora more at night. Having smaller crowds in the area makes Pandora seem far more peaceful, combining that with cool lighting makes for a serene experience.

8. Tomorrowland (Magic Kingdom)

Short ride or not, Tron Lightcycle Run has reinvigorated Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland at night. The awning and long lines, paired with the Space Mountain glowing facade makes this a beautiful area. I specified Magic Kingdom for this land because Disneyland’s version really shows some age. I hope that both areas continue to improve but Magic Kingdom shoots ahead thanks to the bike coaster.

7. Asia (Animal Kingdom)

A thrilling coaster that’s best experienced at night? Check. Beautiful nighttime lighting that feels organic to the theme and back story? Check. Wonderful and quiet areas to roam around? Check. Asia has it all, and maybe should be even higher on this list. Now we just need to convince Disney to have it open late more often.

6. Discovery Island (Animal Kingdom)

Animal Kingdom boasts some of the best nighttime entertainment of any park and it is prevalent in Discovery Island. The area has a party atmosphere that Disney often tries to capture but hardly ever succeeds at. Instead of a DJ playing popular songs on a stage, live music is abound and dancers are all around. I just pull up a seat, hopefully with a drink from Nomad Lounge, and watch people enjoy themselves. If that’s not your thing then head over to the Tree of Life and enjoy the Tree of Life Awakenings. The whole area at night fits Animal Kingdom exceptionally well, again, when it’s open.

5. Main Street

People say that ‘there is just something about Main Street’ and it seems like a cliché at this point. The entrance to the park does have a special aura because of the way it’s designed. The reveal of the castle, framed by the Main Street shops is spectacular. Along with that, the area envelops you in a simpler time.  At night that aura is intoxicating with brilliant fireworks shows and a golden glow. On the west coast, Main Street is full of character and stunning with the Matterhorn hanging overhead. In Magic Kingdom, the castle towers above all and is especially picturesque. Please bring back the Kiss Goodnight!

4. Cars Land (California Adventure)

Cars Land is exceptional anytime but is best at night. The neon is warm and inviting.  All of the attractions in the land are best experienced at night. Maybe the highest compliment I can give Cars Land is that I never want to leave the area. I just grab a seat and people watch, soaking in the atmosphere.

3. New Orleans Square (Disneyland)

Live jazz music, beautifully lit backstreets, a foreboding mansion and a glorious show along the river make New Orleans Square one of the best nighttime lands. This land’s colors show beautifully at night. Riding the land’s two attractions, getting a bite to eat while listening to live music, watching Fantasmic! and then sticking around the area for some side street wandering is a perfect way to spend an evening in Disneyland. It’s the quintessential Disneyland experience at night.

2. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge 

The newest land on the list may eventually move up to the top spot. While Galaxy’s Edge may have a few flaws, the nighttime environment and lighting is certainly not one of them. It’s hard to fathom a land looking any better than this, with cool blues mixed with yellows and grays of the buildings stretched throughout the gigantic area. Black Spire Outpost is phenomenal to walk through, the Millennium Falcon is iconic, and there are quiet areas to enjoy. I especially love the walk in Disneyland from Rise of the Resistance back out to Critter Country. There’s not as much to see but the soundscape is best experienced at night.

1. World Showcase (Epcot)

As much as I love all the other lands on this list, World Showcase is the clear choice for number one. World Showcase’s idea is for guests to experience other cultures and realize how small of a world we live in. Unity is the goal. While we don’t love Epcot’s nighttime spectacular, it still is a show that everyone gathers together and watches. Walking around World Showcase after the show ends and the crowd thins out is still the most peaceful place in any Disney Park. World Showcase makes for a wonderful night, running a gauntlet of beautiful emotions.

Those are my top-ten lands at night. What would your list be? Let us know in the comments! Planning a Disney trip? Check out our Travel Guides to help get you there! Here’s a link to discount tickets at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. If you enjoy what you’re reading here on Wandering in Disney please subscribe to the blog via email or WordPress and like our social media pages. You can find all of those things on the right side of this page. Thank you very much for reading, we appreciate it!