Witness mesmerising night-time shows in Florida

If you aren’t too exhausted by your day out at the theme parks, meeting and greeting your favourite characters and experiencing some thrilling rides and attractions, why not stay into the evening to enjoy some amazing light shows and firework displays?

Both Disney and Universal put on some incredible shows, so make sure that you find time to visit several of the suggestions we cover below to get the full Orlando experience!

To Disney first, and the newest and most spectacular firework, laser and light show in the history of Magic Kingdom – Happily Ever After.

Happily Ever After (Disney’s Magic Kingdom)

Making its debut in May 2017 and replacing the former Wishes show, Happily Ever After is the grand finale to your day exploring Magic Kingdom. The 18-minute extravaganza runs on a nightly basis and is centred on the 189ft tall Cinderella’s Castle right at the heart of the park.

Here, your favourite Disney stories are brought to life through state-of-the-art projections that transform the castle into locations and iconic scenes from over 25 Disney classics right through to modern-day favourites including: Aladdin, Brave, Frozen, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Moana, Mulan, Tarzan, Toy Story, Up, Wreck-It Ralph and Zootopia.

Follow this story of dreams, adventure, friendship, love, adversity and triumph which is complemented by a clever use of lasers, immersive lighting, an original, rousing score recorded by a 75-piece orchestra based on the films and, of course, plenty of fireworks!

As the display comes to a close, watch as Tinker Bell flies across the night sky sprinkling a little pixie dust on the crowd below. It’s sure to be the fairy tale ending to your magical day.

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth (Disney’s Epcot)

Over at Epcot there is also plenty to see in this around-the-world experience, culminating in the IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth show at the World Showcase Lagoon.

Here, you will see a 12-minute display that represents Earth’s past, present and future. It begins with its birth, depicted by stirring music, flames and fireworks exploding from the lagoon. From the Inferno Barge, balls of fire are launched 18 metres into the night sky, followed by the sight of a glowing globe which drifts across the surface of the lagoon, and on its surface reveals the history of mankind. As the display comes to a close with a fantastic display of choreographed fireworks and lasers, the sphere opens to reveal a blazing torch.

Night-time safari tour (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)

If you are paying a visit to Animal Kingdom, the fun doesn’t stop as the evening rolls in. You can head out on a night-time safari looking around the Harambe Wildlife Reserve where you will bear witness to the nocturnal life of the park’s many residents.

Rivers of Light (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)

The main night-time event at Animal Kingdom is the 15-minute long Rivers of Light show, which aims to celebrate the natural world in all its glory. Combining light, water and sound with live performances, this immersive experience is different to the other offerings around the parks, though if you are looking for fireworks you may be a little disappointed. However, if you are looking for a beautiful light display filled with animal folklore it is definitely worth checking out. You might even want to consider the Rivers of Light Dining Package, which will allow you access to premium seats after your meal.

Pandora - The World of Avatar (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)

There is more to see at Animal Kingdom at night, and you might want to consider checking out Pandora – The World of Avatar, where as evening falls, the world’s bioluminescent flora glows brightly. It’s well worth a visit during the day, but the spectacular scenes at night are when Pandora truly comes to life and really shouldn’t be missed!

Tree of Life Awakenings (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)

As the sun goes down, the iconic centrepiece to the park, the Tree of Life, also comes to the fore. This stunning sculpture is adorned with 325 carvings of animals, and as daylight fades they are brought to light by the fireflies which flit across the trunk in an impressive projection that occurs around every ten minutes from dusk until the park closes.

Fantasmic (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)

Alternatively, head over to Hollywood Studios to experience Fantasmic! an outdoor musical spectacular that runs on select nights at the park. Seated in an amphitheatre that curves around the lagoon, here you will be enchanted by fireworks, lasers and gallons of dancing water that bring to life Mickey Mouse’s imagination as he calls up costumed characters and scenes from Disney’s films including: Aladdin, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid and The Lion King, and faces-off against the villainous Evil Queen, Ursula the Sea Witch, Cruella De Vil and Maleficent!

If you want to attend Fantasmic!, seating opens 90 minutes before the show starts, so remember to arrive early to guarantee you get a spot. It’s also worth noting that if you are in the first couple of rows you might get a bit wet during the performance! Additionally, if you dine at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, Hollywood & Vine, or The Hollywood Brown Derby as part of the Fantasmic! Dining Package, you are guaranteed show seating in a reserved area.

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)

The other big show at Hollywood Studios is Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, where in a galaxy far, far away, state-of-the art projections place you inside iconic scenes from the film franchise, including the latest addition to the saga, Solo: A Star Wars Story. Fight your way past the Trade Federation’s battle droids and even launch a strike on the Death Star! With the use of lasers, fireworks and John Williams’ rousing musical score, this is one crescendo to your evening that no Star Wars fan would want to miss!

Disney Made with Magic merchandise

For a little extra Disney sparkle you can be part of the experience at all of the venues that we have already mentioned, with the Disney Made with Magic accessories. These are available to buy at various points around the park or online, and light up at key moments in sync with the entertainment.

If you haven’t had enough of the theme parks though, head back into Universal to see the night-time shows they offer…

Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle (Island’s of Adventure)

You’ll find plenty of Hollywood magic in the day at Universal Studios, but if you are there in the evening you should make time to experience the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle, in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Here, on select nights from Hogsmeade village you will be able to watch as projections representing each of the four Hogwarts houses are wrapped around the castle to music from the films.

NEW Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration (Universal Studios)

Recently opened in summer this year to complement The Nighttime Lights, Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration is based around the lagoon and combines impressive panoramic water screens, pyrotechnics, dancing fountains and fantastic projections that recreate iconic film moments, including the Harry Potter series, The Fast & the Furious, Jurassic World, Despicable Me and many more. This is a great show for any movie buff!

Outside of Disney and Universal there are a few special events this summer at other parks that will make the most of your night-time visit.

Electric Ocean (SeaWorld)

Select nights until 2nd September 2018

Over at SeaWorld, on select dates through to September, experience the Electric Ocean event, where you get the chance to see glowing sea creatures, listen to DJ entertainment, and watch the amazing Ignite fireworks and fountains display which recreates the colours of the sea above the park.

Summer Nights (Busch Gardens)

Select nights until 5th August 2018

Or how about soaking up the summertime experience at Busch Gardens for the Summer Nights extravaganza? Running until 5th August, after dark the park stays open until 10pm and you can get in the party spirit as you dance in themed areas and ride on the attractions. Afterwards round-off your day with a fireworks show and special entertainment on Friday, Saturday and Sunday over at Gwazi Field.

Whatever you prefer to do in the evening there are plenty of choices! From the major events to some more low-key options, there is bound to be something that you’ll want to revisit time and time again.

As these are primarily outdoor shows, and the weather might affect them, remember you should always double check that they will be on before you go, as you wouldn’t want to be disappointed.

In addition, some events only run on select nights, so definitely check the schedule before making plans!

Is there anywhere you think we have missed? Let us know of any suggestions for night-time shows and events at the parks that you would like to see covered, and if you have any photos you would like to share, as ever we’d love to see them!