Best Magic Kingdom Attractions to Ride at Night

The nighttime hours at the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks are a completely different experience than the daytime hours. At Epcot the sidewalks twinkle in Future World and the World Showcase pavilions light up, and I still get lost in the dark at Disney's Hollywood Studios. I haven't yet experienced the Animal Kingdom after dark but it's on my "to do" list. And my favorite park after dark? The Magic Kingdom.

What are your favorite after-dark attractions at the Magic Kingdom?

For me, there's nothing quite like walking right down the middle of Main Street U.S.A. after dark, seeing the street lit up and watching Cinderella Castle change colors. But something else happens too: certain attractions become different experiences once the sun sets. So today we're going to take a look some of the best Magic Kingdom attractions to ride after dark.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: The first couple of times that I rode this attraction were during daylight hours and I was immediately hooked. I love this "family-friendly" coaster. But last November I had the chance to ride the Mine Train after dark and the darkness took the ride to a different level. During the day the twists and turns are fun and funny, but at night they almost sneak up on you. Plus, watching the darkened Magic Kingdom whiz past you is quite thrilling.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train after dark!

Dumbo the Flying Elephant: The only time I'll ride Dumbo the Flying Elephant is after dark. I don't bother wasting a FastPass+ for this attraction, rather we just visit the ride after dark and wait in a much shorter queue. (Shhh! Don't tell anyone!). There is something so magical about the lights and the water feature on Dumbo that makes it much more fun at night. If you haven't experienced "Dumbo After Dark"...you gotta try it!

Dumbo the Flying Elephant is a great after-dark attraction!

Jungle Cruise: A few years ago we didn't have a chance to ride the Jungle Cruise until dusk. It wasn't completely dark yet but the impending darkness gave a whole new look to the cruise down the rivers of the world. The darkness also added a level of creepiness to the river temple scene. If you ever have the chance to ride Jungle Cruise after dark, take it!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain: These are two of the Mountains of the Magic Kingdom that are a must-do after dark! (Space Mountain is already IN the dark, so we won't mention it). The views of Cinderella Castle - and the rest of the Magic Kingdom - that you get from these two attractions after dark are incredible and gorgeous!

Take the Jungle Cruise after dark!

As much as I love all those attractions after dark, there is one attraction that I have always loved better after dark.

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover: This is the ultimate, must-ride-after-dark attraction if only because you get an "eye in the sky" view of Tomorrowland and Cinderella Castle! Plus, you can watch the crowds grow in the hub as folks find their perfect spots for viewing Celebrate the Magic and Wishes. Tomorrowland is one of my favorite areas after dark in the Magic Kingdom, which is probably why I put the PeopleMover at the top of the list.

Tomorrowland from the PeopleMover!

What are your favorite after-dark attractions at Magic Kingdom? Leave us a comment and let us know!