Tip Tuesday: The Magic Kingdom at night

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

As we move through Fall and approach Winter, the days continue to get shorter and shorter. This means we're spending more of our time in the parks in the dark. Personally, I really enjoy being in the parks at night. Everything takes on an entirely different look and feel as opposed to during the daytime.

Of course, nighttime is when some of the evening spectaculars take place, most notably Wishes!, the Main Street Electrical Parade, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth and Fantasmic! But beyond these eye-popping productions (I highly recommend them all), are some additional gems that come out only at night.

This week, we'll examine some of the gems at the Magic Kingdom - even the seasoned WDW veteran just might discover an entirely new experience.

Tomorrowland:
Just being in Tomorrowland at night is a sheer spectacle. Just being in the middle of all that neon is just plain eye candy. Be sure to ride the PeopleMover for some great vantage points of Tomorrowland at night. The Tomorrowland Speedway also takes on a different perspective at night.

Adventureland:
Ride the Jungle Cruise at night. The "jungle" takes on an entirely different life at night and the skippers are a lot of fun at night. It's well worth it. Trust me. The entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean takes on a more sinister look as well.

Liberty Square:
There's nothing like the Haunted Mansion at night. Once the sun goes down, the Haunted Mansion really comes into it's element. From the simulated lightning effects to the down right spooky nature of the place, the Haunted Mansion is an absolute must do at night. This also is a good place to catch the Main Street Electrical Parade (aside from Main Street itself).

Frontierland:
Splash Mountain really becomes something new at night, especially all those outside sections. The view just before the big drop is really incredible, but look quickly, because you're going to be dropping fast! Big Thunder Mountain also is an entirely new attraction at night with all the different lighting on the rocks.

Fantasyland:
In it's current state, Fantasyland might be a different story at night as some of the key attractions are going down as part of the massive expansion of this land. Nevertheless, I could just stare at Cinderella Castle for hours at night, especially when the holiday lights are up. Fantasyland at night is worth it just to see Cinderella Castle. If you get a chance to ride Dumbo before it closes (presumably sometime next year), it's a neat experience at night. Who knows, you might even find a character or two joining you, sometimes just before the park closes. No promises, but it's been known to happen at times.

Main Street USA:
Stroll down Main Street USA. All the different signs light up and you can't help but be transported back to a time nearly forgotten. The charm of Main Street really comes out once the lights come on. Of course, this is the prime location to watch the Main Street Electrical Parade and Wishes, but not the only location. I'll talk about alternative viewing locations in an upcoming post, possibly next week.

Toon Town Fair:
As this land is about to close in just a few months, there's not much to say about Toon Town. If you get the chance to stroll one last time before it closes forever, do it.

Coming up in a future post, we'll examine the evening gems at Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney and the various resorts.

Until next time, have a magical day!