Florida Guide > Night Life
Night Time in Orlando
There is something so magical about Orlando and it can be even more magical (if that is possible) at night.
Although our girls are in, or nearly in their teens now, we still go to Magic Kingdom at night. With the Castle all lit up everything seems to take on a different feel. The Wishes Firework display is one of the best I have ever been to and it can be seen from many places in the Park. Be sure to stay until closing time as you can usually quickly get on rides that would normally have long waits. Rides like Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, as well as the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean must be tried, as they seem so different at night. The views as you go around the outside curves Splash Mountain are terrific.
We always try to go to Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios on our last night, somehow it is such a fitting end to all the magic. I believe a Dinner Package will get you reserved seating but there are such fantastic views from the majority of seats you can just go and queue. Do not be tempted to leave before the Finale; it brings a tear to many eyes. Be prepared when you leave however as it takes sometime to exit the show.
A Dinner Package to get preferred seating for Illuminations is also an option at Epcot although we have never personally tried it. We enjoy sitting in Mexico with a margarita to watch them! The Illuminations is especially enjoyable for all ages and it is great to see all the children in the dark with their glowing necklaces and batons.
You can stroll along the Boardwalk watching the buskers, the caricature artist, or the fortuneteller. Be sure to stop in at Seashore Sweets for ice cream or candy and the teens may enjoy going to ESPN's game arcade.
Friends of ours caught a boat from Port Orleans Riverside after dark and cruised to Downtown Disney. Apparently there is New Orleans type music piped in and the lights from the resorts and shops were beautiful. On the way to Downtown Disney the captain asked Disney trivia questions as well as giving facts about the sites. On their way back it seems the shopping and lights of Downtown Disney had made the children were very sleepy and they were ready for bed, this is quite unusual in Florida!
For many, Downtown Disney is the place to head for when the Parks are closed, it feels so lively and vibrant. The Lego and Disney Stores are the favourites with the little ones whilst teenagers will enjoy Disney Quest, the Magic shop and Virgin Records.
If you want to dine at Downtown Disney the Rainforest Café is great for all the family followed by ice cream and frozen bananas at Ghiradellis.
At the end of the night when you return to your villa if you still have the energy you can go for a nice relaxing dip in the pool.
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