Night time "must see"

[HopLow1968]

We're going in off-season for 5 days in October; Wed - Sun. Since it's off-season, night time will be limited on weekdays.

Twenty years ago when I used to frequent the parks a lot, I remember there was a big difference in ambiance between day and night. I actually preferred the night time.

Which attractions, areas, activities do you consider "must do" at night?

Which attractions, areas, activities, do you consider so much better at night that you would recommend somebody's first exposure to it be done at night?

 

[chickapin parterre]

Radiator springs for sure for first time at night!!!! I have yet to see it during the day as i love the night so much. so little magic left for me in the park, that RS fills in the need. Also Casey junior at night rather than daytime. Canal boat both day and night. Dumbo at night. late into the night in NOS. Billboards in autopia. Folks share of the Mark Twain at night. Fireworks on thunder. Toontown, small world.

My concern for you is the statement "Off season" last week of September to jan , there is no off season, especially in in the 60th

 

[figment_jii]

In October, the parks tend to operate on shorter schedules on weekdays (Mon to Thu), but they should still be operating on fairly long hours on weekends (Fri to Sun). Last year, DL was open from 8:00 am to midnight on Sat and Sun and DCA was open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. The weekday hours were shorter and more variable (you can get a sense of the hours from last year in the wdwinfo calendar archive). It's worth noting that fireworks and F! are likely to only be presented on Sat and Sun (there will probably be fireworks on Friday, but they will be for MHP...see note below). WoC is generally presented nightly, but we do not yet know what PtN's schedule will be during the non-peak season.

Note: We do not yet know what this year's schedule will be for Mickey's Halloween Party. However, assuming that they keep a similar schedule, there will be parties on Friday nights in October. Assuming that things stay the same, the parties will be held in Disneyland. That means DL will close at 7:00 pm, but, DCA remained open until midnight on Fridays (based on last year's schedule). So even if you go from Wed to Sun, you will still have three days (Fri, Sat, and Sun) when the parks will be operating on a nearly-peak season schedule.

 

[momtohms]

Ditto Radiator Springs at night! Also, you can ask a cast member in the area earlier in the day and they'll tell you what time the lights go on. It's usually right after sunset, I believe? They play the "Sh Boom" song from the movie and the buildings light up one by one and some of the cars (I know we saw Mater & Lightning McQueen for sure) go driving up the road.

 

[HopLow1968]

"My concern for you is the statement "Off season" last week of September to jan , there is no off season, especially in in the 60th" - So I hear. But I was thinking "off-season" as in park hours.

" So even if you go from Wed to Sun, you will still have three days (Fri, Sat, and Sun) when the parks will be operating on a nearly-peak season schedule." - We're buying MHP tickets for that Friday. I guess I'm just greedy for night time stuff and want to make sure that my gf gets the best "introduction" to Disneyland possible. Thats why I am asking the question about which things should be introduced at night.

So it sounds like Cars land and RSR at dusk as the lights come on is a good idea. Why IASW at night? The lighting on the facade?

 

[chickapin parterre]

Yes, Lighting on the facade......sometimes I become absorbed into other special night areas in the park i.e. thunder/fireworks, that I forget to show the first timers Small world at night. Or the first timer were not so impressed with day time small world that there is never a request to return at night. As my son no longer rides autopia, I have no desire to return to autopia, but nighttime is great with all the lights and billboards and all the shadows. Plus, putting in more time at Radiator Springs, I just forget the magic from decades ago that happens at night in Disneyland.

 

[minnie mum]

I don't mean to hijack the thread, but DD and I have no interest in fighting the insane crowds for F!, the fireworks, or the PTN parade. What lands or areas will we have to avoid while these are going on? For instance, I think I read that part of Fantasyland is closed during the fireworks, and POTC and Critter country is almost inaccessible during F! True?

 

[Disney Kidd]

I love Disney at night! As others have said, Radiator Springs and Big Thunder are great at night! The entire Cars Land is spectacular at this time as well. I also like Tower of Terror at night and a few others like splash, jungle cruise, and Matterhorn - but I think these are equally cool during the day.

 

[awinangie]

My experience is that everything but Tomorrowland can get pretty horrible. Stay far away from Frontierland. If you want to go to Critter Country, plan on just staying there a while. I hope others have better advice.

As far as nighttime fun, I also like Astro Orbitor at night. And Thunder Mountain... And I always love Splash Mountain.

 

[Indiana Scott]

DL is a wonderful at night. I appreciate the fact that they don't light it up like a football field.
My must-do is the Jungle Cruise. It takes on a whole different feeling at night and the "show" is different as well..

 

[momtohms]

DH and I rode Thunder Mountain just after midnight, that was a blast! I love that ride in the dark. I didn't even think about Jungle Cruise at night, adding that to my "to do" list for our next trip!

 

[offwithyourhead]

Everything is completely different at night! I love Cars Land, the Pier in DCA, Fantasyland, Main Street, and especially around Halloween, Haunted Mansion would be great if you're're queuing and get to walk through and see all the cool stuff they have in the line in the dark. It's funny and spooky enough to really get you in the mood for the ride.