Bring on the Night, Bring on the Magic!

Bring on the Night, Bring on the Magic

The setting of the Florida sun brings about a magical transformation at Walt Disney World. It’s then that the Imagineers are able to unleash their full palette of ideas, transforming entire lands into massive theatrical sets, complete with dramatic lighting and a myriad of colors. Add to that mix some atmospheric background music, special effects and subtle details, and you have a whole new world to explore and enjoy, one that is vastly different to the one you experience when the sun is out.

Setting the Mood
One of the more subtle transformations that you will experience is the changing ambience of your surroundings. Nearly every land in each park undergoes a change as the evening wears on. For example, Main Street USA takes on a carnival like atmosphere as hundreds of bright white lights illuminate the buildings and store fronts. The same transformation takes place in Fantasyland-in particular watch how Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel turns into a luminous explosion of light, evoking the fairytale fairgrounds of days gone by. But it’s not all carnivals and old-fashioned charm. Over at Adventureland, the darkness brings on a more mysterious change. Gone is the exotic whimsy of playful camels and colorful carpets. As the daylight disappears, a mysterious calm descends over the area, transporting you to the darkest corners of unexplored jungles and uncharted lands. And speaking of mysterious, there’s nothing quite like approaching the foreboding structures of the Haunted Mansion and the Tower of Terror under the pale moonlight. Throw in a clap of thunder and a lightning flash or two, and you have the makings of a particularly spooky setting! Too creepy? Then head on over to Tomorrowland to experience an explosion of kinetic color, or to Future World in Epcot where you’ll get a real sense that you’re visiting a city of tomorrow.

A Whole New Experience
Many attractions take on an entirely new feel in the darkness of night. Two of the Magic Kingdom mountains top the list in that regard, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain. While most of Splash Mountain takes place inside, a ride in the evening will afford you a spectacular view right before you take the final plunge; that of Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain lit up in a dazzling display of colors. But look quickly, the view won’t last long! Thunder Mountain offers a more dramatic transformation. As you hurtle through the rocky passes and ghost mining towns, the darkness envelopes you and makes the experience vastly different from that of a daytime ride. In an odd way, it seems much quieter…and much further away. Needless to say, the initial journey into the bat-filled cave is far more creepy, particularly since there’s no light at the end of the tunnel! Speaking of creepy, the biggest transformation occurs at the nearby Jungle Cruise in Adventureland. Normally light-hearted and whimsical, the Jungle Cruise becomes an entirely different place when the sun goes down. As you depart from the boat docks, you’ll be plunged into a dark and mysterious jungle, far away from civilization. It’s a spooky jungle at that, especially as your searchlight cuts through the inky blackness of the night. And you haven’t even reached the temple yet…those snakes and tigers seem a lot more menacing when the sun goes down! Throw in a light rain shower and you have the makings of a foreboding adventure (but at least your tour guide is still there with a joke or two at the ready).

Painting a Mood With Light
The art of illuminating all of the attractions and buildings at Walt Disney World creates unique challenges…and opportunities. Not content with merely providing some street lamps and the occasional spotlight or two, Imagineers take full advantage of the darkness to create colorful displays that not only enhance the varied architecture in the parks, but remake entire areas into dazzling new destinations. For example, visit Tomorrowland at night and see how the futuristic-retro lighting transforms the area into a kinetic, intergalactic metropolis. A ride on the TTA is especially rewarding after dark…and your journey into Space Mountain is even more breathtaking. You can also catch a glimpse of Cinderella Castle, and that is where you’ll discover some of the most spectacular lighting effects in all of Walt Disney World. As you watch the castle you will notice that it continually changes color, from orange to green to the most vibrant blues and purples you’ll ever see. And be sure to stick around for the grand finale, the Good Night Kiss, when the castle is bathed in a dazzling pattern of lights, bidding you a memorable farewell. Not to be outdone, Spaceship Earth becomes a colorful glowing orb at night as a rainbow of spotlights light up the giant geosphere in stark contrast to its normally monochromatic daytime appearance. Another spectacular transformation occurs at Liberty Square, when the Liberty Square Riverboat is awash in hundreds of brilliant white lights. The sight of the riverboat gleaming brightly on the Rivers of America, with its reflection dancing on the rippling waters underneath, is a sight you won’t soon forget.
But it’s not all about big, splashy displays. If you look closely you’ll discover a treasure trove of subtler effects. Watch for the flickering streetlamps in Frontierland, or the fiberoptic light patterns swirling in the ground in Innoventions Plaza. See if you can spot the criss-crossing spotlights of the Hollywood Studios (a particularly curious sight if you’re in Epcot). And speaking of subtle, keep an eye out for the shadowy figures in the upper floor windows on Main Street.

This is only a small sampling of the magic that happens when the sun goes down. As you tour Walt Disney World you’re sure to find some of your own favorite moments. But no matter where you are, take the time to soak in all of the ambience that the nighttime brings.

And keep an eye out for that second star to the right…

(You can read more about the magic that the setting sun brings in the premiere issue of Celebrations Magazine!)

Is it true that there were no Disney characters in Epcot when it first opened?
Amanda, San Jose

A Disney park without characters? Actually, yes! As strange as it may seem, when Epcot first opened in 1982 there wasn't a character to be found. Why? Well, as Epcot evolved from Walt Disney's City of the Future to the park that we know today, the driving concept became that of a continual World's Fair, where Guests could see and experience the latest technologies in science, communication, transportation and energy (among others). World Showcase would provide a place where Guests could learn about nations across the globe. With this concept in mind, the original idea was that Epcot would be its own, self-contained entity, with no relation to the Magic Kingdom...hence no characters (nor any character merchandise for that matter). In time, however, Epcot became just as synonymous with Disney as the Magic Kingdom, so gradually the characters were introduced. Today of course you can find Donald Duck in the Mexico pavilion, Nemo at the Seas pavilion (along with his friends), and Hidden Mickeys galore!

Is it true you can sit up front in the monorail?
Bill, Philadelphia

Yes, and if you're lucky enough to experience that magical moment it's a thrill you'll never forget! Most people don't think of the front cab is a place that Guests can sit, but there's actually room for four (plus the pilot of course!). It's not an easy seat to get however. Despite the fact that a lot of people don't know about it, enough do to make it a 'hot ticket'. If you would like to sit up front ask the Cast Member attending the gate. If the cab is open it's all yours! It obviously helps to get there early (i.e., right after the previous monorail has pulled away), so you can be the first to ask...it's first come, first serve. And if there are already people riding in the front you'll need to wait until next time. It goes without saying that your odds are much greater when things are slow and there aren't as many people riding.
If you're lucky enough to get a seat (and with some patience and persistence you have a pretty good chance of doing so), you're in for a special treat. Kids get an added bonus of receiving the much-sought-after "Monorail Co-Pilot License" card...that's a souvenir you'll cherish forever. (Grown ups can usually get one too, if they ask very nicely...!)

Haunted Mansion • Magic Kingdom

One of the more subtle additions included with the recent renovation is in the wallpaper seen during the opening moments of the ride. Be sure to pay attention...you'll be treated to a spooky surprise (did those eyes just blink at me??).

Can you figure out where this picture was taken?
HINT: I wish this were easier...

Answer next issue!

Answer to Last Issue's Mystery Photo:

San Francisco set at the Streets of America in the Hollywood Studios

(click here to see the full image)