{"id":349,"date":"2017-11-05T01:25:16","date_gmt":"2017-11-05T01:25:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.themeparksforgrownups.com\/?p=349"},"modified":"2019-12-15T19:31:33","modified_gmt":"2019-12-16T03:31:33","slug":"disney-after-dark","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themeparksforgrownups.com\/disney-after-dark\/","title":{"rendered":"Disney World After Dark: Dining & Entertainment for Night Owls"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cRaging nightlife\u201d isn\u2019t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Disney. But just because it\u2019s Disney, doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s only for early risers. When the sun goes down and most of the other guests are heading out, you can keep the party going with a variety of activities. I\u2019m not saying this is Las Vegas, but you do have some options if you’re hopped up on Dole Whips at 9:00 pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I used to be a magic morning kinda girl, but lately, I’ve found that going into the parks later in the afternoon and staying all the way until close is something I can get used to. The other option is to go early for park opening, leave for most of the afternoon then return for more fun. Whatever your preference, there’s a lot to do at night in the parks and resorts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hours and times I’ve listed may vary, so always double-check park and dining hours on DisneyWorld.com<\/a> before making plans.<\/strong> Also, dining closing hours means they will seat you until those closing hours, but won\u2019t kick you out until you\u2019ve finished your meal. Just, try not to take too much advantage of coming in right at closing. Servers gotta sleep too!  Later reservations are much easier to get, as opposed to dining around the typical dinner hour of 5:00-7:00 pm as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disney Springs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Disney
CC by Chris Murray<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Let’s start with the obvious place to stay up late. They’ve been trying their darndest to appeal to young 20 something’s in this area for years and I think they’re finally getting around to it. Most restaurants and shops and are open until 11:00 PM (and later)<\/strong> and the Starbucks is open until midnight<\/strong> to keep yourself from falling asleep.  There’s always excitement happening at Springs like live “street” performers and other artists scattered about. It’s my favorite place to go on our first night in town since you don’t have to pay to get in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Edison:<\/strong> Open until 1:00<\/strong> am.<\/strong> This swanky bar\/lounge\/cabaret\/nightclub\/restaurant just opened this year and people are loving its nighttime entertainment. The live band, dancers, and singers begin their big band era show around 10:00 pm. On Thursdays through Sundays they charge a cover of $10 after 10:00<\/strong> as well.  After 10:00 pm the restaurant becomes 21 and over and a “venue-appropriate” dress code is requested. You can read about Disney Dress Codes on my post here.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar:<\/strong> Open until midnight.<\/strong> The Tunnel Bar is Maria and Enzo’s counterpart lounge. It has a prohibition-era speakeasy theme where you enter through an unmarked door into a dark “tunnel” restaurant. They serve cocktails, small plates, and full meals in an “underground” bar. Very cool little spot to grab a drink before heading over to The Edison for some dancing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Star Wars–Secrets of the Empire Hyper-Reality Experience:<\/strong> Open until 10:45 pm. <\/strong>This experience opened recently in Disney World and just opened at Disneyland’s Downtown Disney as well. Your chosen team is sent undercover to achieve a mission for the rebellion where you\u2019ll interact with sets and experience sensory and immersive technology.  I’ve heard nothing but good things about it, but have been warned that if you are claustrophobic or experience vertigo, you should avoid it. This is for ages 10+<\/strong> and is 29.95 per person<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Splitsville:<\/strong> If you\u2019re taking a break from the parks, Splitsville is a great place to hang out. There\u2019s a bowling alley food, frozen drinks, and creative martinis served until 12:30. You should really reserve a lane<\/a> ahead of time if you plan on bowling, just to be safe. Odd Tip:<\/strong> They say the sushi is really good here. Who knew I could trust sushi from a bowling alley? Lane reservations go as late as 11:45 and the alley is <\/strong>open until 1:00 AM.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

AMC Dine-In Theatre:<\/strong> This movie theatre has undergone quite the transformation since I was a Cast Member. A full menu is available with options like cheeseburgers, desserts, even cocktails. When you\u2019re low on popcorn, press a button and *poof* your server appears without you getting up in the middle of the movie. Great idea for an evening flick!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

House of Blues:<\/strong> Ah yes, the old standby. House of Blues is still rockin’ after all these years and all the transformations. Check the schedule here<\/a><\/strong> to see when the live concerts will be taking place at this venue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bongos Cuban Cafe:<\/strong> Open until 2:00 am.<\/strong> The rumors have started that Bongo’s will soon be another casualty in the renovations.  There’s still time to visit this happening venue! On Friday and Saturdays, they have a live band play with dancing. It’s like a nonstop party over there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raglan Road-Irish Pub and Restaurant:<\/strong> Fish n\u2019 Chips, live music, and traditional Irish dancing until 1:00 AM. The lively venue pays homage to Disney Spring\u2019s wilder years and is madly popular among the younger Cast Members. A great place to have a pint and let loose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few honorable mentions for getting a late meal. You can find the full list of restaurants at DisneySprings.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n