From bioluminescent tours to theme park events, here are Orlando’s best nocturnal activities.
Orlando may put you in a sunshine state of mind, but we have plenty of adventures by moonlight as well. Nocturnal tourism — or noctourism — is all about exploring a destination after dark, when the crowds have thinned and it’s just you, the moon and an unforgettable night under the stars. And because this is the Theme Park Capital of the World, we couldn’t resist including some of our most beloved after-hours theme park events as well. From serene bioluminescent adventures to buzzworthy late-night events, here are some of the most magical nocturnal offerings in Orlando.
Orlando vacation planning made easy — and free. Make a complimentary appointment with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planners at a time and date of your choosing for the latest insider advice, special offers and more ahead of your next visit.
Gator Night Shine at Gatorland
Nicknamed the Alligator Capital of Orlando, Gatorland is home to hundreds of alligators and crocodiles. One of the most spine-tingling ways to see them is on the Gator Night Shine Tour, an after-hours expedition where you’ll traverse the alligator breeding marsh and see hundreds of glowing eyes follow your every move. You can even feed the alligators, if you dare.
Save on discount tickets: Gatorland
Glow Tours at Epic Paddle Adventures
Epic Paddle Adventures has several late-night tours to choose from, including four evening options near downtown Orlando. Join a breathtaking sunset paddle or happy hour tour through scenic Lake Ivanhoe, or light up the night on a glowing paddleboard or clear kayak tour. They also feature seasonal bioluminescent kayak tours in the Indian River Lagoon for an unforgettable summer day trip.
Discover: Outdoor Adventure
Night Hikes at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Ever wondered what the animals do when the zoo closes for the day? Join a fascinating, after-hours Night Hike at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens to find out! This nocturnal adventure includes up-close animal encounters in the Discovery Center followed by a guided, flashlight-led tour of the zoo. See our event calendar for the next upcoming night hike. Ages 5+.
Discover: Orlando Zoos
Night Airboat Tours at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures has been whisking visitors through the outskirts of the Florida Everglades for over 30 years, and their lineup includes breathtaking daytime, sunset and nighttime tours. While you’re likely to see alligators at any time of day, these nocturnal creatures are most active after dark. Either way, you’re sure to have a blast on a high-speed boat ride through untamed Florida wilderness.
Discover: Unique Orlando Experiences on the Water
Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
See zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and more on an immersive, after-hours safari adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Over 30 African animal species live on the savanna, so hop aboard an open-air safari vehicle and try to find them all using the provided night vision device. No theme park ticket is required, so grab some tapas and African wine at Jiko with the money saved before your tour. Ages 8+ with adult guardian.
Discover: Disney Resorts Collection
Firefly Nights at Oakland Nature Preserve
Spot hundreds of fireflies on a seasonal night hike at Oakland Nature Preserve. The outdoor oasis stays open late on select nights from March to April to allow for self-guided visits of the 1-mile boardwalk trail. Keep an eye out for fireflies and listen for alligators, birds and more wildlife in the surrounding area as you stroll. This unique eco-adventure is just 20 minutes west of Orlando in the city of Oakland, accessible by car or via the West Orange Trail.
Discover: Orlando Nature Trails
Bioluminescent Kayaking
Witness one of the most awe-inspiring natural phenomena in Central Florida on a bioluminescent kayaking tour. As you paddle in the dark, glowing comb jellies, algae blooms and more microscopic creatures appear as glowing ripples of light. BK Adventure offers bioluminescent kayak or paddleboard tours all year round, and you’ll have even more options in the summer months with seasonal tours from Epic Paddle Adventures, Get Up and Go Kayaking, and Viking Eco Tours.
Seasonal After-Hours Events at Orlando Theme Parks
Chill out with special after-hours events at your favorite Orlando theme parks, including seasonal options at Walt Disney World® Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando and Universal Orlando Resort.
Save on discount tickets: Orlando Theme Parks
Water Park Events
Splash into cool summer fun at Orlando’s incredible water parks with ticketed after-hours events from April – September. Options include Universal Volcano Bay Nights at Universal Volcano Bay, AquaGlow at Aquatica® Orlando, and Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Each event features high-energy entertainment, tasty food and drink options, and lower wait times for your favorite attractions.
Discover: Orlando Water Parks
Disney After Hours
Not content to limit the fun to water parks, Walt Disney World® Resort also has evening events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, and EPCOT® throughout the year. Join the exclusive Disney After Hours celebration for three hours of lower wait times, awesome snacks, character meet and greets, and more. You’ll also be able to enter the park early for a little taste of the daytime fun in store at Walt Disney World.
Discover: Orlando Theme Parks
Late-Night Halloween Events
Party like a creature of the night at separately ticketed events throughout the Halloween season. Frightful options include Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort and Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando, both recommended for ages 13+. Speaking from experience, it’s next-level cool to see a full moon hung low over the streets of these terrifying events.
Discover: Halloween Events
And if you’re looking for family-friendly fun, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is an awesome after-hours option with trick-or-treating, fireworks, a parade and more. Find even more daytime fun at SeaWorld Orlando and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort.
Late-Night Holiday Events
Walt Disney World® Resort also boasts two holiday celebrations after regular park hours. They include the family-friendly Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and the adult-oriented Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Discover: Holiday Events
Our remaining holiday theme park events are generally included with day admission, but we have seen late-night tours and events like Coasters After Dark: Christmas Edition at SeaWorld Orlando in recent years. Stay tuned for additional details as they are announced ahead of the holiday season.
Places to Stay for a Noctourism Getaway
Extend your nighttime tours and activities into a full-on nocturnal getaway at unique campsites and outdoor accommodations in the Orlando area.
Discover: Places to Stay
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Did you know you can go camping at Walt Disney World? Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground features tent and RV sites along with fully renovated cabins, all set in 750 acres of pine and cypress forest. Catch an outdoor movie by the fire, join in the revelry of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, and finish the night listening to the enchanting sound of the wind in the trees.
Glamping at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo
Escape to the great outdoors with glamping, firepits and more outdoor fun at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo. This unique getaway features teepees, cabins, wagons and more unique glamping options, plus premium cottages for anyone in your group who prefers a more traditional experience. But don’t just sleep under the stars. Explore wild outdoor activities like the Saturday Night Rodeo and Saturday Street Party.
Stay Connected to Orlando
You never know what we will dream up next. Connect with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planning Services for free, personalized assistance, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Threads and YouTube for valuable offers, exclusive tips, fresh attractions and the latest events. You can also subscribe to our eNewsletter for more information from Orlando: Theme Park Capital of the World.
Have feedback about this blog? Let us know.
