Nighttime Fun at Walt Disney World

Whenever night falls in Walt Disney World, no one ever has to be afraid of the dark because of all of the light-up merchandise that can be purchased throughout the World.  This type of merchandise has been available for years, but lately, Disney has taken lighting up the night to a whole new level.

Glow with the Show Ears recently debuted at Walt Disney World in October, and these Mickey Mouse ears lend a whole new layer of entertainment to both Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios and Wishes at the Magic Kingdom.  These ears are not just festive nighttime accessories; they are actually stunning pieces of technology. Chuck Davis, Disney Entertainment Technology Director, explained how the technology in these hats works in a video that was released in June of 2012 when these ears made their first appearance at World of Color at Disney California Adventure.  Each hat has a unique serial number and works like the infrared that can be found in a television remote.  Because the hats have different serial numbers, Disney can control each hat differently; even each ear can light up differently on each hat.  Because of this technology, Disney can create “geographic spatial effects” that are amazing when an entire amphitheater full of people have the hats. 

Of course, I couldn’t wait to try out my ears at Fantasmic.  The show is enhanced with the Glow with the Show ears because the whole theater is full of color when certain sections of Fantasmic occur.  For example, when Monstro the Whale splashes water, all of the ears turn blue, and the theater emulates the look of water.  Overall, the Glow with the Show ears are a fun addition to Fantasmic, and I can’t wait to see how they will work with the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights in November. 

       Glowing with the Show is not the only option for nighttime fun.  You can also purchase festive light-up necklaces for Halloween and Christmas.  Many restaurants also sell specialty drinks that come with a pirate or Ariel glowing character that can be clipped onto your clothes.  There are characters that spin and light up as well as light sabers and wands. Disney has even begun selling glow-in-the-dark t-shirts and sweatshirts with iconic characters and pictures of Cinderella Castle.  I am a huge fan of glow-in-the-dark merchandise, so I may have to purchase one of these shirts!  Finally, if you want to create your own magic, just stop by your local Dollar Store and pick up some of the bracelets or necklaces that light up when you pop them.  Many stores sell a large number of these accessories for a small amount of money. However you decide to enjoy nighttime fun at Walt Disney World, take the time to experience a nighttime spectacular like Wishes or Fantasmic or Illuminations.  You won’t regret it! Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!