What attractions are best experienced in the dark (evenings)?

[isabellea]

I'm a WDW vet looking forward to our first Disneyland trip in April (adult-only trip). I know some attractions/rides might be down for refurbishment during our stay but let say everything is open, what outdoor attractions do you prefer experiencing at night? Is there any we should do both during the day and evening?

 

[pennym]

Alice - coming out on the vine at night is lovely. And Storybook canal ride is cute at night too.

 

[Indiana Scott]

Jungle Cruise and Matterhorn.
And frankly, just roaming around the park. Disney doesn't light the park like a stadium so the park takes on a whole different vibe at night. Parts can even be nearly empty and it's fun just exploring them.

 

[GenGen22]

I would have to say Radiator Springs Racers has a really nice view of the mountains all lit up at night. A must do!

 

[lalasmama]

Radiator Springs Racers
Grizzly River Run
Matterhorn
Jungle Cruise
Storybook Canal Boats

 

[Wahlee]

I really like both Big Thunder and California Screamin' in the dark, although Screamin' tends to be hard to catch in the dark since it closes early for WoC.

 

[BlueSuitDonald]

What time do th parks usually close at night during June/July?

 

[lalasmama]

What time do th parks usually close at night during June/July?

Midnight for DL. I think DCA is 10pm or 11pm, but can't remember.

 

[whoever]

Pretty much all of them where you transition from light to dark ON the attraction. Matterhorn, Splash, BTMRR, Alice. All dark rides (it takes your eyes up to 15 minutes to adjust to low light levels so you miss out on SOOO many details riding during the day). Anything with a vista where the night lights of surrounding attractions are beautiful. Basically the entire park.

 

[mich311e]

Peter Pan because your eyes are better adjusted

 

[Canadian Harmony]

Big Thunder Railroad - SUPER fun!
Racers in DCA is amazing at night with the lights outside.

 

[22Tink]

Big Thunder is neat at night and really cool if you can time it when fireworks are happening! I also love California Screamin' and Radiator Springs at night.

 

[tarheelalum]

What time do th parks usually close at night during June/July?

During those months Disney California Adventure usually closes at 10 pm and Disneyland usually at 11 pm on week nights and 12 pm on weekends.

 

[ExcitedMama]

Great question Isabellea! The only one I've definitely experienced is Carsland which is great during the day and night. At dusk it's fun to watch the lights come on.

 

[figment_jii]

I would also say that most outdoor attractions are fun to ride at least once in the day and once at night. I especially like the Jungle Cruise, RSR, Storybook Land Canal Boats, Casey Junior, the Train, and the Mark Twain at night. (Note that the Mark Twain might not be running after dark due to Fantasmic!.)

 

[ADLFAN]

I would say the Matterhorn, Casey Jr. Circus Train, the Carousel, the Teacups, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder, and Jungle Cruise for sure! Over in DCA, I love Radiator Springs Racers (I think the rest of Cars Land is also better after the neon lighting at dusk which is definitely worth catching), the Swings, and Grizzly River Run.

Have fun planning!

 

[Rabb it]

Love Jungle Cruise at night, Racers too!

 

[Keels]

If you can time BTMRR during fireworks, it's amazing.

RSR is really great at night as well, as well as Luigi under the lights.

 

[KBinCO]

it is still my goal to ride RSR at night! We just couldnt make it happen on our trip last week due to early park closures.
We did do Jungle Cruise at night which was fun.
All of Cars Land looks great at night. Do all the Cars rides at night if you can- but try to work out the RSR FP times so you don't have to wait, or do the single rider line.

 

[Lm3js]

My vote is the teacups because I really love the chinese lanterns lit up. I also like doing the Haunted Mansion, Tower of Terror (GoG) and Pirates at night because of the spooky vibe. Bugs land is really neat to walk around at night as well.