One of the biggest debates of the century is whether its better to visit Disney Parks in the morning or the evening. It can be difficult to choose the best time to visit Disney. When we mention “time,” it isn’t the time as in, what season or months to visit the parks, either. It is what time, either morning or night, to enter the parks. In this article, I will be discussing the positive outcomes of choosing one over the other. Let’s get started!
Morning Pros
1. Character interactions
If you visit the parks in the morning, you will get the opportunity to meet a lot of different characters. My recommendation is to visit Magic Kingdom for a good variety. Another good spot is Hollywood Studios, especially for devoted Star Wars fans and EPCOT has many character opportunities, as well (Princesses are commonly found in different countries, for example, Mulan in China, Jasmine in Morocco, and Elsa and Anna in Norway).
2. Fresher food
This does not mean your food or drinks will not be fresh in the evening. Disney cooks their meals throughout the entire day. However, your food will be the first batch either baked or cooked, for the start of the day. This is important to note for pastries or desserts at the confectionary. If you value being the first to receive a freshly baked (or cooked) meal, then going to the parks in the morning will guarantee this for you.
3. Shorter lines
The lines to the most popular rides will be short in the morning only if you rope drop. The key is waking up early to be there before the park opens (Disney resort guests only). So, if you plan on riding Rise of the Resistance first, make sure to be there before Hollywood Studios opens. The same goes for other well-liked rides across the parks such as Seven Dwarfs Mine train, Slinky Dog Dash, Avatar Flight of Passage, Remy’s Ratatouille adventure, etc….
4. Daytime Cavalcades
If you visit in the morning, surprise! Not only will you get to enjoy the daily opening ceremony in Magic Kingdom, but you will be able to see the floats that go around the park during the day. These are found in Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, currently. My favorite is the Adventure Friends Cavalcade which has so many iconic Disney characters. Most characters are walking so close that you can interact with a few who approach you.
5. Full advantage of the park
You will be so close to fully exploring the park if you visit in the morning. Disney parks have so much to offer, besides the rides. There are shows, parades, characters to meet, food and drinks to try, and so much more to see in the morning that gives you a fuller park experience than if you were to go a couple of hours before the park closes. You will also have more chances to ride most, if not all, of the rides in the parks if you plan accordingly.
Evening Pros
1. Firework shows
Going to the parks in the evening will guarantee you nighttime entertainment. This is available in all the parks except Animal Kingdom (currently not offering any nighttime shows). You can marvel at the colorful fireworks and projections as you take in the atmosphere and the refreshing weather. Most guests choose to visit the parks at night for the evening spectacles.
2. Resort amenities
If you decide to visit the parks in the evening, you can take advantage of the morning and afternoon to relax in your Disney resort. You can fully enjoy your resort amenities, such as the pools, the spa (if offered), fitness center, dining, etc… This is a great way to unwind without having to rush to the parks in the busy mornings.
3. Stack lightning lanes
Another wonderful opportunity that comes with visiting the parks in the evening is that you can start stacking your Genie + lightning lanes throughout the day (Starts at 7 am if you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort). You can build them up and end up with about 5-6 rides all set for you when you enter the parks. This is a great way to ride most of the rides without having to do a line at night.
4. Nighttime decoration
The evening lights all around make the parks look so magical. The most stunning park at night is Magic Kingdom, by popular demand. The decorative lights adoring Main Street are one of a kind and that peaceful feeling can only be felt experiencing it in real-time. I believe the evening decor is one of the best parts of Disney world.
5. Cooler weather
To fight the humidity and the Florida sun, visiting the parks in the evening allows you to experience refreshing weather. The temperature is cooler and breezy at night, which brings in a decent crowd to the parks. This is especially popular during the summer months where the nights are chilly compared to the hot daytime.
The answer is: there is no best time. Most guests love to take advantage of the day and others prefer the nighttime to complete their park checklist. Whether you are a morning person or a night-owl, you are sure to encounter great things during your visit. I hope, dear reader, this article helped you understand the various experiences you can have, depending on the time you visit the parks. The choice is up to you!
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Maria Mora
For as long as Maria can remember, there was always a Disney movie playing in her house. Whether it was The Little Mermaid, Dumbo, or Tarzan, she became enthralled with all things Disney. She has visited the Disney Parks over 100 times and on different continents! Her love of Disney goes hand in hand with her love of reading, which has motivated her through the years to become a zealous writer. She hopes that whatever she does helps her community. After all, with a little faith, trust, and pixie dust, anything is possible!
