The Kiss Goodnight: Disney World’s Best Thing Few Guests See
Too few Walt Disney World fans know about the Kiss Goodnight at Magic Kingdom. If you just thought, “what’s that?” you’re not alone. The Kiss Goodnight is a little over 2-minutes long, and it is WDW’s way of saying “goodbye” (or “go home!” depending upon your perspective) to guests at the end of a long day in the park.
The Kiss Goodnight usually plays every 30 minutes after Magic Kingdom closes, and starts with Cinderella Castle “twinkling” as the music from When You Wish Upon a Star slowly builds.. This means that you could see it more than once in a single night–we once saw it four times in the same night…its magic wears off a bit after the second time, ha!
Since originally writing this post a few years ago, we’ve seen the Kiss Goodnight many, many times. (Even writing a follow-up further expressing our appreciation of it.) A few people have asked questions about the Kiss Goodnight that we figured we’d answer up front here, though…
The Kiss Goodnight still runs at Magic Kingdom as of Spring 2020. There are nights when it is (inexplicably) not shown, or runs on a different, more frequent schedule. There is no rhyme or reason to this, and we cannot explain why that occurs. Those nights are few and far between in our experience (<5% of the time), so if you miss it one night, try to catch it another.
It’s really only visible and audible from Main Street, so watching from another land is not possible. Finally, there is no Kiss Goodnight at any other castle park in the world. (Sorry, Disneyland fans.) The next closest thing is the seldom-seen burn off for IllumiNations. Those are really the major things to know, so let’s turn to why this little “moment” is so magical.
A narrator then greets the last of the guests in the Magic Kingdom, saying:
“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, on behalf of everyone here at the Magic Kingdom, we thank you for joining us today for a magic gathering of family, friends, fun, and fantasy. We hope your magical journey with us has created wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
Walt Disney said that the Magic Kingdom is a world of imagination, hopes, and dreams. In this timeless land of enchantment, magic and make believe are reborn, and fairy tales come true. The Magic Kingdom is a place for the young and the young at heart. A special place where when you wish upon a star, your dreams can come true.
Until we see you again, have a safe trip home. Thank you, and goodnight.”
Here’s a video I shot of The Kiss Goodnight:
Please excuse the poor quality, as that video was shot a decade ago (probably on an original iPhone–I don’t even remember), long before we ever started this blog. It was my very first upload to YouTube, and the only reason I posted it because there were no other videos of the Kiss Goodnight at the time. Despite happening nightly, it was relatively unknown online.
I wanted to write about the Kiss Goodnight, but it’s something that photos definitely don’t do justice. Most shots simply look like Cinderella Castle at night, albeit with minor color differences…and maybe some twinkling.
Throughout this post, there’s over 11 years of Kiss Goodnight photos, from 2008 until today! From a photography perspective, the Kiss Goodnight may not look different than normal lighting used on Cinderella Castle, but it is. Beyond the twinkling, there are a few color schemes not normally used throughout the night.
My favorite of these is at the very end, when Cinderella Castle is quickly bathed in mostly-white lighting, with extra intensity on the top spire (see above). I actually use photos of this ‘moment’ on the blog quite regularly, as I love the way this photographs and looks.
One of my first Kiss Goodnight photos is from August 18, 2008–a shot I shared in my “Top 30 Must-Sees” countdown on Flickr prior to our then-annual Walt Disney World trip.
On that list, I ranked the Kiss Goodnight as the #2 experience we were looking forward to (#1 was spending time with one another…so the Kiss Goodnight was basically the #1 Disney attraction) on that trip. That ranking and those words still ring true today.
To this day, the Kiss Goodnight is something we look forward to, always make an effort to see, and our day at Magic Kingdom isn’t quite complete without the Kiss Goodnight.
It’s safe to say that for something that lasts only about two minutes to be one of the most anticipated and memorable experiences at Walt Disney World, it must be pretty special.
It goes without saying that for that thing to be the second most anticipated experience at Walt Disney World, especially given the myriad of amazing sights, sounds, tastes, etc., it must be out-of-this-world, jaw-droppingly [insert string of adjectives here] amazing.
Such is the Kiss Goodnight, the proverbial icing on the Cake (Castle!) for us. After a long day in the parks, we can’t help but just stop and watch the Kiss Goodnight, completely frozen and unable to move. For us, the combination of the beautiful light display and hearing about the meaning Walt Disney wanted the parks to have for guests does it every time.
We both still get choked up by the Kiss Goodnight…to this day…even after seeing it more times than I can count.
Being in an almost-deserted park as the ‘young at heart’ during Walt’s favorite time of day, we can’t help but think of his influence, and how special it is to walk alone in the last park he envisioned and take it all in.
The Kiss Goodnight demonstrates what makes the place inherently special and transcendent of the concept of a “theme park.” Simply put, the Kiss Goodnight concisely states and embodies the ‘Magic of Disney.’
Even though it’s almost impossible to explain, this pretty much sums up why we feel the Kiss Goodnight is so special, and why it gives me goosebumps every time I see it. It’s not an amazing, state-of-the-art attraction.
It’s one of those little things that elicits an emotional response from us, and is therefore one of the most important experiences we can have at Walt Disney World. Besides the TTA, it’s likely the “attraction” we experience most on each trip we take to Walt Disney World.
Even though the Kiss Goodnight is the absolute best time to take photos of Cinderella Castle, most of the time I just find myself standing there gazing at the Castle in awe, paralyzed by the beauty of the moment. Not everyone will feel the same way.
If they were to see it, I suspect most visitors to Walt Disney World would probably shrug it off, thinking it of very little significance in the grand scheme of their vacation.
However, I’m convinced that most people who “get” the Walt Disney World theme parks would get goosebumps if they were to stand in a mostly-empty Magic Kingdom and watch and listen to this on a tranquil Main Street USA.
It’s special not just because you’re in the park at such a peaceful time, essentially by yourself with Cinderella Castle, but also because of the significance of the words in Roy O. Disney’s Walt Disney World opening day dedication speech.
The Kiss Goodnight embodies and reminds us exactly why it’s so great and special to get to experience Walt Disney World–and why so many of us are lifelong fans. If you haven’t stayed to experience the Kiss Goodnight before, you should definitely make an effort to do it at least once. It absolutely belongs on everyone’s WDW Bucket List.
Beyond that, being a Disney fan who has seen the Kiss Goodnight makes you part of an exclusive club (we ought to have a secret handshake!). Not many people can muster the stamina it takes to be in the park that late, so those who answer “yes!” when asked if they’ve seen the Kiss Goodnight are among the most passionate of the passionate Disney fans…or perhaps we’re all just the craziest? Either way, there’s something to be said for making the effort to be in the Magic Kingdom during that peaceful and special time of night, and having the Kiss Goodnight put the cherry on top of a day of wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
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Your Thoughts
Are you part of the club? What do you think of the Kiss Goodnight? If you haven’t seen it, does this post make you want to stay up late for it? Do you agree or disagree with our take here? Think the Kiss Goodnight is overrated? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
This may have already been said in the comments but I couldn’t find it while I was skimming – it is played every 30 minutes, but is the first one 30 minutes AFTER park closing or right AT park closing? Thanks for the post!
30 after.
I know I have seen this at Disneyland several times over the last 18 years as an AP but none of them have been during the last 5 years. Does anyone know if they still do it there?
I work at Disneyland and I have never even heard of this, lol
Just one word …. sigh
Howdy from a fellow Hoosier up in South Bend!
The ‘Kiss Goodnight” always gives me goosebumps!
It is one of those details that truly make WDW special. It is something that I have told many people that they should try to experience,
The other advantage of waiting around to the see the kiss goodnight is it lets the crowd and monorail lines thin out leaving you with an easy exit so it is a win-win.
Yep. The difference between leaving right when the park closes and after The Kiss Goodnight is that you wait that 30 minutes in the park instead of in line for a bus/monorail/boat!
I’d take an empty Main Street over a bus line any day of the week!
We experienced this for the first time on a trip to WDW a few weeks ago. It is definitely an enjoyable (if short) show! I found it more difficult to photograph than I expected, as the castle changed colors fairly quickly. Or maybe I was just distracted watching it so I didn’t realize how long it actually was. 🙂
We got to see it probably at least a half dozen times while there, as Magic Kingdom was open later than the other parks almost every night. My photography kept us in the park (as with you guys) till we were the last ones there one night, and the 2nd to last ones there another. There is just something very special about enjoying main street almost on your own and catching the “kiss” right before you are the last ones to leave the park.
Shutter speed should be 3 seconds or less during The Kiss Goodnight. I always use bulb mode when I do photograph it.
Apropos of nothing else in this post, but how does one become one of the Kool Kids with an avatar. It doesn’t involve that “Faceberg” thing, does it?
Nope! No connection to facebook. You go to https://en.gravatar.com/ and register under the email address that you use to do your commenting and upload a photo there. It won’t go back and add your photo to old comments (such as this one!) but it will use a photo from then on.
I think they will let you in until official closing time. Mainly because you might actually be coming over to meet a family membe or make a last minute purchase on main street.
One of my favorite park moments. I have to agree the videos do not capture the way it makes a Disney fan feel. I am usually sitting at Casey’s waiting on my daughter who is catching a last ride on one of the mountains and it seems just as it about to begin, she will run up and say, “Look Mom, the Kiss” Love it.
40 (almost 41) years ago, an adventuresome couple from the dairy farm went to Disney World for their honeymoon. Obviously there was only one park, but we lovebirds loved every bit of the Magic. Forward 25 years later, four children, still dairy farming, when our entire operation went up in flames. We lost our business, cows, feed, and wondered where we go from this situation. We never had the opportunity to take our kids back, so we decided to take a vacation to Disney World after the fire. We stayed at the Magic Kingdom until closing, listenend to the music, dreamed our dreams, wished upon a star, and now, 15 years later, are successful being Dairy Farmers once again. Both my husband and I can tell you exactly where our family was, arms in arms, listening to the wish and goodbye. Of course, we got hooked, and have made many many trips back, in 2014, two times coming up. Thank you, Tom, for the video, to get sentimental.
Great story, it gave me goosebumps–very good to hear that you’ve rebounded!
Aaaannnd…I’m in tears at my desk at work. Disney Magic has helped me through some tough times as well. Wonderful story!
I know this post was from a while ago, but that is an amazing story and now I know it is what I will be thinking about when I watch The Kiss Goodnight, Thank You 🙂
God bless
Def. DORK, noun: Someone who has odd interests, and is often silly at times. As I was reading this post, and now while I am writing this comment, I was/am listing to ReedyCreekRadio.com (which is awesome). I know… Disney overload much? Never! You won’t believe it, but I swear on Mickey the “Goodnight Kiss” from Magic Kingdom started playing. Talk about chills… the music alone is enough to make me well up. We have never seen this show and I didn’t even know about it until this post. Once I see this in person I know it will be “Niagara Falls”. That’s why I love Disney. I have been more times than I can count but continue to find new and incredible details. This is definitely going to be on our list of things to do on our next visit!
Are you saying that this qualifies as an odd interest?! I’d say it’s about the COOLEST INTEREST EVER. 😉
Just curious where the best place to stand and get pictures of the castle during the goodnight kiss?
where are the photos in the post taken from?
We’ll be down in just over a week and this is indeed the top of my bucket list for our trip. I’ve never seen and haven’t watched any videos of it so I’ll be surpised (and I’m sure I’ll cry because I’m a sap like that). Can’t wait!
Sarah has a good point about WDW being a “theme park”, although I cannot think of a better word.
I’ve tried to formulate into words what it is about Disney that is special to us. After all, we live ~2 hrs from Kings Island and 2.5 hrs from Cedar Point. Either of those places has more “E-ticket” rides than all 4 parks at WDW. But it’s not the same and I’ve given up trying to explain, even to myself. 🙂
I’ve seen it ! I love it! Can’t wait to see it again! It’s what Disney is all about! A magical “Kiss Goodnight” indeed!
Do the cast members allow one to slow-walk around the park long enough to see this? Any tips for how not to get pegged as some kind of creepoid and thus getting the bum’s rush (I draw the line at standing on a commode to hide from the custodians)?
I don’t think they usually try to encourage you to go home until at least an hour after park closing. So with the Kiss Goodnight showing at 30 minutes past closing you can easily loiter long enough to see it twice.
We went in January and saw this on the last night of our trip, while our daughter gave us both a hug and a kiss and thanked us for taking her to Disney World. It was a great end of the day/trip.
This really isn’t a hard and fast rule. It’s all dependent upon how many people are in the Emporium. There have been times when we’ve been cleared from the park 35 minutes after close. I’d say the average is about an hour.
I took a trip last year, never knowing about this. Following in a certain someone’s footsteps ;), I was doing some photography after park closing around the hub when the Kiss Goodnight started. Confused and mesmerized by the unexpected Kiss, it really was one of those euphoric Disney moments. Easily one of my favorite moments of that trip. Like you, I really wish more people knew about this; it is such a special moment.
ps – thanks for the compliment in the final paragraph. There really should be secret society… or at least a handshake =P
We usually see The Kiss Goodnight several times on one of our trips. It’s the perfect way to end a day at the Magic Kingdom!
I have been to WDW 10 times in the past 12 years and have never seen this! I’m looking foward to seeing this on our upcoming May trip.
One question though…….how late are you able to ENTER the MK? I have two young boys who just won’t be able to stay out that late, but since we are staying close (at the Contemporary) I would be able to come over by myself to see it and take pics.
I’ve wondered that, too. The latest we have entered a park is 10 minutes before it closes. I would try to arrive at least 30 minutes before they close, as you never know if 10 minutes was a fluke, or if the turnstiles are open until the park actually closes.
On a night with an 11:00PM Electrical Parade, some friends and I, fresh from the Swan and Dolphin Classic and thus highly flammable, and looking to meet up with some other friends already in the park, rushed through the turnstiles at 10:58. I expect we were deemed entertaining yet safe. Just be courteous, have any bags open and ready for inspection, and lay on whatever charm you might have, and you’ll probably get in right up until straight-up closing time, at least if there’s a parade.
On the other hand, I was turned away 20 minutes before regular closing on a Halloween party night. I just wanted to run over to Liberty Square, to pick up an item for someone, and I made this clear at the gate. I was informed the park was already being swept and, in short, to beat it.
Does the goodnight kiss occur after regular park hours, or does it wait all the way until extra magic hours are over?
A week from Sunday we’ll be in the magic kingdom and it’s open until 1 am. I mean… I would stay until 1:30 am to see it but I’d prefer to see it earlier!
I don’t want to call it an after-thought on Disney’s part, but it seems like often whomever is in charge of scheduling the Kiss Goodnight(s) forgets to change the times, and SOMETIMES it does play during operating hours. The most common example is when the Magic Kingdom’s hours are extended on the same day. I have never heard it play during Extra Magic Hours, but I’ve never really made a point of being on Main Street on the half hour. Your best bet is staying until 1:30.
My family and I did extra magic hours in June and as we were leaving at 1:30 they did the “kiss”. It was amazing and I absolutely loved it. My Sven year old son and I just stopped mesmerized. Special memory!
I have never stuck around long enough to see this, but I have seen many videos of the Kiss Goodnight and it gives me goosebumps every time. I cannot imagine how it’d make me feel after spending a magical day at the parks and closing the day that way. I’m going to go out of my way to experience it in June, definitely!
Yep, the videos don’t even come close to the in-person experience!
I have seen this but never know it was called a good night kiss. This makes it so special. Thank you for the information.