When planning your Walt Disney World vacation you’re probably thinking about sunny Florida days filled with early morning rope drops and mid-day splashes in the pool. But the fun doesn’t stop when the sun sets at Disney World and there’s SO MUCH to do after dark!

Our good friends at Small World Vacations (our preferred travel partners here at DFB!) have some great tips for making the most of your nights at Disney World – including tips on the best dessert parties, nighttime shows, and much more!

Note that as Disney World continues its reopening post the pandemic shut-downs, various events and experiences identified below might not be available. Things are changing constantly, so we’re listing several options below even though they may not be available at the moment. Be sure to check with Disney to see what experiences will be available during your trip. And check back with us here at DFB or with our friends at Small World Vacations for more Disney World news and updates, as well as more answers to your questions.

Fireworks, Dessert Parties, and Nighttime Shows

If you’re thinking about watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks (currently the new Disney Enchantment fireworks show is available), consider adding on one of the Magic Kingdom fireworks dessert parties — currently themed to Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.

The Magic Kingdom 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant feature special desserts, hot and cold beverages, and preferred viewing of the fireworks. It’s a great way to see the show and enjoy something special with the whole family.

Due to the popularity of the Fireworks Dessert Parties there are actually now 3 different versions you can enjoy in Magic Kingdom. There is a “Treats & Seats” version where you enjoy dessert as you watch the fireworks from Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant.  There is also a Pre-Party where you enjoy dessert at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant before the fireworks, and then go to a viewing area (standing only) in the plaza garden.

And, finally, there is an After Party version where you enjoy the fireworks from the standing only viewing area first and then head to Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant after the show for dessert. You can click the links above to read our FULL reviews of these experiences.

Over at EPCOT you can catch the Harmonious nighttime spectacular. If you want to enjoy EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular from a unique spot, you can book a dining package to enjoy the show at a waterside table at Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room or Spice Road Table. Click here to see our full review of the EPCOT fireworks dining package.

Plus, don’t forget about the super popular Frozen Ever After Sparkling Dessert Party where you can enjoy specialty beverages and desserts, preferred viewing of the current nighttime show, and an after hours ride on Frozen Ever After in the Norway Pavilion. Note: The Frozen Ever After Sparkling Dessert Party is currently unavailable. Check back for updates.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios you can choose from three nighttime events: Fantasmic!, Wonderful World of Animation, and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. Note: The Wonderful World of Animation has returned. Fantasmic! is set to return in 2022. Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular is temporarily unavailable.

If you’re making plans to watch Fantasmic! you can book the Fantasmic! Dining Package at select restaurants. This package typically includes a meal at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, Hollywood & Vine, or The Hollywood Brown Derby and reserved seating at the show. Note: Fantasmic! is currently unavailable but is set to return in 2022.

Wonderful World of Animation is the park’s nighttime projection show that transforms the façade of the Chinese Theater through unforgettable moments from beloved Disney films.

Star Wars fans will enjoy Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, the nighttime show featuring projections on the Chinese Theater with music and fireworks. A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party takes place before Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular and features Star Wars-themed desserts and drinks. Note: Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular and the accompanying dessert party are temporarily unavailable.

After Dark at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom wasn’t always a nighttime destination, but once Pandora – The World of Avatar opened it quickly became a fan favorite place to visit after dark!

Even if you’ve explored the land of Pandora during the day, you must visit again at night for the full experience. After dark the bioluminescent plants shimmer, flowers and trees glow, and the ground comes alive with an ethereal luminescence. You truly feel like you’re visiting another world.

Pandora isn’t the only nighttime fun at Animal Kingdom! Back in 2019, a new progressive dining experience — Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night — debuted in the park. Note: Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night is not currently available.

On your way out of the park be sure to catch the Tree of Life Awakenings, if available. During the holiday season you can typically catch the holiday version of this show. And even if the Tree of Life Awakenings are not available, be sure to look for the special Beacon of Magic moments that take place on the Tree of Life during Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebrations.

Disney After Hours

In the past, Disney After Hours has been held on select nights at Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In 2021, 2 special themed After Hours events took place in Magic Kingdom — Disney After Hours Boo Bash, and Disney Very Merriest After Hours.

Note: At the moment, additional dates for the traditional After Hours events have not been announced for the parks in the future. Check back for updates.

At this separate ticketed event you can enjoy unlimited snacks (Mickey Ice Cream Bars and popcorn), bottled soft drinks and bottled water, character meet and greets, and shorter wait times at popular attractions. Each Disney After Hours event typically lasts three hours with the start times at either 9PM or 10PM depending on the date and park.

Guests with Disney After Hours event tickets may be able to enter that park as early as 7PM with their Disney After Hours Ticket.

Remember that Disney After Hours is a paid event with a limited number of tickets for sale. It is different than Early Theme Park Entry or Extended Evening Hours which are offered to select Disney World hotel guests.

In the past, we’ve also seen special After Hours events offered, like “Disney Villains” After Hours in the Magic Kingdom.

This party featured Disney Villains, special villain-themed eats and sips, and a stage show called “Villains Unite the Night” featuring Hades and Meg from Hercules along with Jafar, Dr. Facilier, Maleficent, and more.

Check out our full review of the Disney Villains After Hours!

Holiday Parties and More!

Magic Kingdom typically hosts two nighttime holiday parties in the fall and winter — Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Note: In 2021, both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party were canceled. In their place were Disney After Hours Boo Bash and Disney Very Merriest After Hours. Details about the 2022 Christmas party has not yet been announced. Check back for more updates.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is returning in 2022 and takes place on select nights from August through October and includes trick or treating in the park, the Boo-To-You Parade, a special fireworks show, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular, specialty eats, and more.

In 2019 guests could also enjoy Cruella’s Halloween Hide-Away in Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. Guests could “indulge in savory hors d’oeuvres with a taste from the Witches Cauldron—a kettle of gooey and creamy spinach dip with ciabatta crostini, assorted Halloween flatbreads and more.” We haven’t received all the information on this year’s offerings quite yet, but we do know guests of the party will receive a Halloween-themed 50th Anniversary celebration commemorative print!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party typically takes place on select nights from November until December, and includes the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, and holiday fireworks hosted by Minnie Mouse, plus complimentary cookies and hot chocolate!

Of course, Disney fun after dark extends beyond the theme parks. Be sure to check at your hotel’s front desk for information about activities that are being offered, including nighttime outdoor movies, s’mores making, campfires, and more.

There is so much to do after dark at Disney World and our friends at Small World Vacations are ready to help you plan your next adventure!

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