Welcome to this month’s Blogorail Blue Loop. Today we are sharing some lesser known Disney tips.
Staying in Magic Kingdom After Closing:
A Little Know Disney Tip
Main Street U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom after closing.
Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World is known as the Most Magical Place on Earth. There is so much to do. Oftentimes, a family can rush from one attraction and to the next and never feel like they can slow down and take in the atmosphere. The parks are often very crowded, too. Walt Disney said, “The Magic is in the details.” Staying in the Disney Parks After Closing allows families a way to take in the details.
A quiet sitting spot in Magic Kingdom on one of the side streets of Main Street U.S.A.
Magic Kingdom does not shut down abruptly at closing time. You still have about an hour to meander through the park. While the attractions will be closed as well as most of the restaurants, some of the shops and restaurants will remain open for up to an hour. Most of the park patrons will be rushing for the exit, but you do not have to follow suit. Here are five main benefits to Staying in Magic Kingdom after Closing.
Take in the Details
A fountain in Magic Kingdom.
Staying in Magic Kingdom after Closing allows you time to enjoy the details as crowds dwindle. We especially love New Fantasyland and Tomorrowland after dark. With less crowds, you can better appreciate the hanging lanterns at Rapunzel’s restroom, the Enchanted Forest by Belle’s Cottage, Gaston’s Tavern, the lights of Astro Orbiter, and the space age details of Tomorrowland. You will be gently funneled toward Main Street USA, but there is some extra time.
The Tangled restroom area with the hanging lanterns in Magic Kingdom
Photo Opportunities Abound
The Christmas tree and decorations on Main Street U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom.
Have your camera ready! Some of your best souvenir photos can be taken during this time. Unobstructed views and not feeling rushed with people (and strollers!) trying to run you over lead to some great photo shots. You can get pictures of your family without anyone photo-bombing you. It is likely the best opportunity to take pictures of Cinderella Castle.
The Magic Kingdom train station.
Late Night Snacks
Christmas Minnie Mouse’s in The Confectionery next to the candied popcorn on Main Street U.S.A.
Casey’s Corner, Main Street Bakery (Starbucks), and Plaza Ice Cream Parlor will usually remain open for a short while after closing. You can get a snack, a decaf latte’, or an ice cream cone to enjoy while you wander the park, take photos, or…
Casey’s Corner is a good place to eat hot dogs and burgers even after closing on the corner of Main Street U.S.A.
Shop on Main Street USA
Staying in Magic Kingdom after Closing allows extra time to find souvenirs in the shops along Main Street USA. They will almost always stay open for a full hour. Unfortunately, the shops are usually quite busy during this time! It is still nice to extend your day, though.
The theater on Main Street U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom is a place to relax and watch some old Disney short movies.
The Kiss Goodnight
Cinderella’s Castle lit up for the holidays as seen after closing in Magic Kingdom.
Every night after closing at half hour intervals, Magic Kingdom gives you The Kiss Goodnight. Cinderella Castle twinkles to the music of When You Wish Upon a Star while a narrator wishes you goodnight. This presentation telling what meaning Walt Disney wanted the park to have for guests is a favorite of many of us who know about it.
Be careful not to miss your bus or monorail! Make sure to keep track of time and be sure to know how long the transportation to your resort or to your car will be running. That could lead to a long walk!
I hope you find this helpful and can use this tip about Staying in Magic Kingdom after Closing to extend your fun in the Most Magical Place on Earth.
check out the other great posts from the Blogorail!
Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail Blue | Lesser Known Disney Tips Loop:
- 1st Stop – Saving Up for Disney | Disneyland Insider Tips -Make the Most of Your First Two Hours in the Park
- 2nd Stop – Magical Memories with the Mouse | With Package Pick-Up & Shipping, Disney Makes It Easy to Get That Perfect Souvenir Home
- 3rd Stop – Dad for Disney | Top Walt Disney World Transportation Shortcuts
- 4th Stop – Family Travel Escapades | Five Benefits of Staying in Magic Kingdom After Closing
I’d be more than willing to stay at the Parks after closing for all these reasons but my little ones are usually falling down tired! LOL One day we’ll make it past 10pm 🙂
We always love staying after closing. Many times we purchase a bucket of popcorn and sit and relax.
Wow I see if you had little ones it would be impossible! Although I raised a little night owl who is now 14!
We discovered the ability to stay past closing after we had been several times and it’s our favorite time; unless it’s too cold.
What a great idea! We have never done that even though I knew the park was open later. With my son being such a “night owl,” we really should do this.
Kim, we love it. You saw my “night owl” comment. LOL My mom has always called me a night owl, so I guess I have called my son that. He has stayed up late his whole life and homeschooling has allowed our “eccentric” schedule. We love it when the crowds thin down and it is kind of more magical after closing.
OMG I so wished I had done this I would have loved to have Disney to myself for a while xx
To be honest I am not a night owl, but the couple of times I have been in the parks at closing I ALWAYS take the leisurely stroll out. Epcot is also beautiful after everyone has left..
I have been too pooped as of late to stay after closing much. I haven’t stayed at Epcot after closing. I didn’t even know they let you.
One of these times, I’ll stay in the park after close. I’m usually too tired after getting there for rope drop.
I never get there early. If I did, I could never stay until closing for sure.
These photos are beautiful! I love staying behind at night.
Thanks! We love it, too.
The end of the night is also a great time to hop on one last ride since everyone who is in line by 11:59 (if the park closes at midnight for example) will get a chance to ride. I agree that it is a great time to take pictures. Thanks for sharing on the Disney Blogger Link Up
We have been able to “sneak” on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train several times at the end of the night. Thanks for doing the Link Up.