Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Image: CL Photographs, Flickr (license)

You might think of the Tower of Terror as an indoor ride, but those seconds where the doors of the tower open to the park below can make all the difference in your overall experience of the attraction. During the day, you’re shocked by the light as you’re throw into the sun then plunged down the elevator’s shaft. At night, the transition from light to dark isn’t so dramatic, making the experience far more enjoyable. For just a moment you’ll have an outstanding view of the park, lit for the night, before you fall.

Another perk of experiencing the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at night is the hidden figure you’ll get to see. Look at the upper windows of the Tower Hotel and you’ll find a ghostly man peering out once the sun goes down.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train 

Image: Josh Hallett, Flickr (license)

A significant portion of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is outside, making this a great pick for evening excitement. Whizzing around the mountain that houses the dwarfs’ mine is particularly fun in the cool evening air, with the lights of the Magic Kingdom shimmering around you. The scene in Snow White’s cottage seems more aptly placed at night as well. As an added perk, you’ll sometimes find that the line shortens as the park begins to empty near the end of the day.

Big Thunder Mountain

Image: Tom Caswell, Flickr (license)

Built around a ghost town, the chilling storyline for Big Thunder Mountain has a spooky air to it. Riding at night, you can best appreciate how the caverns are meant to feel haunted by the souls of lost miners. The trains, pulled by supernatural hands, can indeed feel a little ghostly as you zoom through a darkened landscape, lit strategically to highlight the best features of the attraction. If you want Big Thunder to really take your breath away, hop in line at night. This is the way to do it.

Whether you’re a frequent visitor to Walt Disney World, or you’re planning you first visit, try earmarking these attractions for a visit after dark. You’ll enjoy an outstanding experience that simply isn’t available during the day.