Nightlife & the Arts in Walt Disney World Orlando

Don't assume that all after-dark activities revolve solely around adult bars and expensive shows. A wealth of free shows is performed at Epcot's pavilions and stages at the Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Even if you head back to your hotel for an afternoon nap or swim, you can always return to a theme park to catch the fireworks show. Get information on WDW nightlife from the Walt Disney World information hotline (407/824-2222 or 407/824-4500) or check www.waltdisneyworld.com. Disney nightspots accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. And cash. Lots of it.

Top 5 After Dark Experiences

Cirque du Soleil — La Nouba. If you haven't yet seen one of the surreal Cirque du Soleil shows, or if you have and you were wowed, you'll love this high-energy acrobatics performance.

Blue Man Group. How many marshmallows can one Blue Man catch in his mouth? It's worth your while to head over to Universal's Sharp-Aquos Theatre to find out.

House of Blues. This concert hall in Downtown Disney is the best live-music venue in Orlando and always hosts major headliners.

IllumiNations. Epcot's nighttime spectacular, featuring lasers, fireworks, and floating movie screens, is a not-to-be-missed crowd-pleaser.

SpectroMagic. Millions of tiny white lights decorating the floats, carriages, and even costumes in this parade will absolutely mesmerize you. Kids can't tear their eyes away from the spectacle and usually end up watching the whole thing with their mouths silently agape.

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