What to Do at Walt Disney World After Dark

Enjoy a different fireworks vantage point

Each night at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom Park, guests enjoy the nighttime spectaculars, Harmonious and Disney Enchantment, respectively. For a new perspective on these dazzling displays, book a fireworks cruise. Each cruise takes place on a chartered boat that can seat up to ten guests of all ages, and includes a captain, assorted snacks, and drinks. Harmonious viewing at EPCOT takes place near the International Gateway near World Showcase Lagoon. Disney Enchantment viewing takes place at Seven Seas Lagoon. No matter which fireworks show you choose to enjoy, each boat comes with synchronized audio onboard so you’re truly immersed in the show just as if you were in the parks.

Sip on cocktails around the Disney resorts

There are over 25 different hotels and resorts to explore at Walt Disney World, and each of them has a signature bar where you can treat yourself to something stronger than a Dole Whip. While you could drive yourself around to each resort, getting past the security guard can be tough without a confirmed dining or hotel reservation. Instead, consider a bar crawl via monorail or Disney Skyliner. (This works well if you’re already staying at one of the hotels these transportation services go to and from.)

For the monorail, you can stop at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa for drinks and appetizers. Those choosing the monorail route should stop at Enchanted Rose Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa not only for its charming Beauty and the Beast theme, but also for its tequila-based Garden Daisy cocktail, which is light and refreshing with hints of citrus and cucumber. If you’re staying at a Skyliner resort, you’ll have access to Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk, and Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. One must-visit spot is Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort, where the bar seating is first-come, first-served. The house-made ricotta cheese paired with the “Modern Fashioned” cocktail, an old fashioned infused with vanilla bean, is a fantastic choice here. When you get to each resort, ask the front desk where the bar or lounge is and enjoy.

Watch the Electrical Water Pageant

For over 50 years the Electrical Water Pageant has been floating across Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake at Walt Disney World. The show features lighted floats and synchronized music, including a brand new segment that highlights Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary. The water pageant stops in front of each of the monorail resorts, along with Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground for nightly performances. Depending on which resort you’re staying at, the water pageant will float by at a different time. The front desk at each of the hotels it passes can assist you with figuring out showtimes as it changes based on the season and what time Magic Kingdom’s fireworks are set to go off each night. Don’t feel the need to grab a spot early, because anywhere along the beach at any of the hotels is a great viewing location. If you have a room facing Seven Seas Lagoon or Bay Lake, you may also have a good view from your private balcony, especially at Disney’s Polynesian Village or Disney’s Contemporary Resorts.