A vacation to Walt Disney World wouldn’t be complete without late nights. Whether you’re planning to spend all day in the parks, or splitting your day at the parks with a break, the nighttime shows at Walt Disney World are the best. And well worth the watch! With 360-degree fireworks shows, musical projection shows, and live performances, there is something for everyone! Here are all Nighttime Shows at Disney World you can find at each park, throughout the year.
Adding a nighttime show to your Disney Vacation takes some planning. Mainly, because many of the shows at each park take place just before closing. This means you have to plan to either stay all day in the parks, until close or plan to come back if you choose to break during the day. And let’s face it if your break involves going back to your resort, and getting ready to go out again as it gets dark, may be tough.
Happily Ever After Fireworks | Magic Kingdom
This iconic Magic Kingdom Fireworks show is one for the ages. We love it so much, we have even pulled together all the Happily Ever After Lyrics so you can memorize them ahead of time. While this is one of the most popular shows at all of Disney World, it is sometimes difficult to find a good spot. mainly because die hard fans start saving their spots about an hour ahead of time. And that still doesn’t guarantee that someone won’t hoist a child over their shoulders directly in front of you. As such, we highly recommend getting the Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party package if you want to be guaranteed a good spot, and have some treats before showtime.
Does Every Disney Park have Fireworks?
No! Animal Kingdom does not have fireworks. Only Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios have a fireworks show as part of their Nighttime Spectaculars.
Do You Have to Hold Your Spot for Fireworks at Walt Disney World?
Yes! Magic Kingdom’s Fireworks show gets crowded fast, due to the layout of the park. As a result, it’s best to save a spot for you and your family about 60 minutes ahead of the showtime. While this may seem excessive, there will be many people holding their spots much earlier. Both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios have a better layout that allows for more people. This means, heading to the area about 30 minutes before showtime is adequate.
A Kiss Goodnight | Magic Kingdom
This closing show at Magic Kingdom Park happens a few minutes before the park closes, typically around 11 PM or Midnight. Less of a flashy show and more of an homage, this show features Walt Disney’s goodnight message to everyone in the park. Be sure to stand close to the castle so that you can hear the audio track as you watch the sparkles on Cinderella’s Castle. This is a good show to watch if you’re staying out late.
Electrical Water Pageant | Magic Kingdom Resorts
If you’re staying at one of the nearby Magic Kingdom Area Resorts, you are able to see the Electrical Water Pageant. This pageant feature floats that light up as they float along set to classic Disney electrical music. Much like the Main Street Electrical Parade, there is a sense of nostalgia with this show and it’s well worth the watch! Resorts with a viewing of this pageant include the following. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds. For the best spot, we recommend heading to the Geyser Point Bar and Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Once there, you can head to the outdoor seating area, for an up close view of the water.
Luminous the Symphony of Us | EPCOT
Shown on the lagoon at EPCOT Park a new nighttime spectacular. Called, “Luminous The Symphony of Us”, this show tells the story of us and includes familiar Disney music celebrating all cultures. This beautiful show can be seen from a variety of places around the World Showcase. And if you want to sing along, be sure to check out the EPCOT Luminous Lyrics ahead of time. You will recognize loads of Disney Music and familiar lyrics.
Live Concerts at America Gardens Theatre | EPCOT
During the annual EPCOT Festivals, you can see live entertainment as part of the nighttime show lineup. Each Festival has its own concert series and a variety of times that are offered. All are offered at the America Gardens Theatre. There are typically 30-minute performances shown at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM.
- Festival of the Arts: The Broadway Concert Series features classic music and performers from Disney’s Broadway classics!
- Flower and Garden Festival: The Garden Rocks Concert Series highlights bands from the good old days performing fan favorites.
- Food and Wine Festival: The Eat to the Beat Concert Series features pop and rock artists playing popular tunes.
- Festival of Holidays: The Candlelight Processional is an annual holiday tradition. This retelling of the nativity story is narrated by a celebrity speaker and accompanied by a full orchestra.
Wonderful World of Animation | Hollywood Studios
This show at Hollywood Studios takes place on the facade of the Chinese Theatre and features film scenes from the last 90 years in Disney and Pixar history. Sleeping Beauty, Coco, The Incredibles, and more are all part of the show. Hosted by our favorite cartoon Mickey Mouse himself this show displays projections, pyrotechnics, and light effects. Show length: 12 minutes.
Fantasmic! | Hollywood Studios
Shown in the Hollywood Studios amphitheater, this show features Mickey Mouse, 50+ performers, a 40 ft dragon, and a show filled with water displays, color, and magic! Favorite films like Pocahontas, Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Lion King are all featured. This is an outdoor show with bleacher seating and well worth the time during your Hollywood Studios day.
Tree of Life Awakenings | Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom typically closes early and therefore doesn’t have evening entertainment. However, with varied hours throughout the year, you can see some evening entertainment in the summers and through the holidays. Check park times and the entertainment schedule for availability. This nighttime show at Animal Kingdom is a projection show featuring sparkling lights, soft music, and scenes from nature. This is a beautiful show, and if you’re lucky enough to be at Animal Kingdom in the evening, we highly recommend this one! Plus, during the holidays, it gets a festive overlay.
Disney Springs Drone Show
Seen over the lake at Disney Springs you can get your fill of a drone show filled with Disney characters and music. Featuring over 800 Drones, this summertime show, called Dreams that Soar, is sure to morph and change by next summer. But as of right now, we’re leaving it in this post, as its a free Disney show you can experience without needing a park ticket. And perfect for summer travelers.
Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular Fireworks | Magic Kingdom Halloween
Shown during only Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park, this Halloween fireworks show features Mickey and Friends as they explore a haunted house! Hosted by Jack Skellington himself, you can see projections from classic Halloween Disney films on Cinderella’s Castle. Along with spooky music to set the scene.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks | Magic Kingdom Christmas
This Christmas fireworks show at Magic Kingdom is shown during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. A beautiful display featuring music and lights, this show is sometimes also shown during Christmas week at Magic Kingdom. Be sure to check the entertainment schedule in the My Disney Experience App, if you’re hoping to see this show.
Candlelight Processional | EPCOT Festival of Holidays
By far one of the best ways to ring in the season, the Festival of Holidays features the Candlelight Processional, which is a retelling of the annual reading of the nativity story. Shown nightly throughout the festival Narrated by a celebrity speaker this is a must-see show for Christmas at Walt Disney World. If you’re traveling during the busy holiday season and have this show on your must-do list, then consider grabbing the Candlelight Processional Dining Package, so that you can have dinner and a guaranteed seat at the show.
Sunset Seasons Greetings | Hollywood Studios Christmas
One of our favorite shows at Hollywood Studios for Christmas is Sunset Seasons Greetings. This show projects seasonal scenes onto the Hollywood Tower Hotel facade and stories onto the Sunset Boulevard billboards. The entire street comes alive at nighttime with snowfall, music, and shows. This show happens regularly throughout the holiday season, and you don’t need a party ticket to see it!
Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday | Animal Kingdom Christmas
During the holidays Animal Kingdom stays open a little later to show a holiday version of Tree of Life. With scampering wildlife, snowfall, and pine tree scenes, this is a beautiful show honoring the winter season. One of the best holiday shows, and one of the best nighttime shows at Disney World, Animal Kingdom at Christmas is already pretty magical during the day. But if you can stay just till close, and see this show, it’s well worth it!
Nighttime Shows at Disney World
No matter what your plans are for your Disney World Vacation, be sure to add at least one nighttime show to your itinerary. With spectacular fireworks and shows featuring all your favorite Disney characters, it’s well worth the evening!
Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she’s watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.
