Magic Kingdom’s Kiss Goodnight, Revisited
Few things are as special to us as closing time in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Standing in front of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom–or in front of any of the various castles, really–in a nearly empty park is truly special. It’s even more special once “When You Wish Upon A Star” starts playing and the castle begins to sparkle as the Kiss Goodnight starts.
If you’re not familiar with The Kiss Goodnight, it is one of the most chills-inducing moments at Walt Disney World for us. It’s a secret “show” in the Magic Kingdom that plays thirty minutes after the park closes (and 30 minutes after that…) and bids guests goodnight, and a fond farewell. Cinderella Castle cycles through lighting schemes and twinkles as a narrator delivers a heartwarming spiel.
We have gushed about this experience over and over again, and even recommended it as one of our favorite things to do that every Walt Disney World fan should try to experience at least once. In that post, we said that too few Disney fans know about this, based on only a handful of guests sticking around to watch the Kiss Goodnight most nights. It’s been a while since we wrote that, and we wanted to raise more Kiss Goodnight “awareness,” so we thought we’d revisit the topic for new readers. While the Kiss Goodnight is not some huge production with special effects, elaborate details, or anything of that sort, it’s pure Disney magic.
Now, the cynic might say it’s a polite way for Disney to say “get out” to guests still loitering around by Cinderella Castle, and I guess that’s one way to look at it. We, on the other hand, find it to be an emotional experience and one that is the perfect way to end a long day in Magic Kingdom.
It’s something that everyone should experience at least once. Maybe you’ll disagree with us and side with the cynics…but we’re betting most Disney fans aren’t tremendously cynical.
I highly recommend just camping out on a park bench in the Hub/Central Plaza facing Cinderella Castle around park close, and watching the park pass you by until the Kiss Goodnight starts. Watching Magic Kingdom wind down for the evening as guests slowly head home, exhausted and elated, is a neat experience on its own.
After watching the Kiss Goodnight from the Hub, there’s the long walk down Main Street USA towards the exit. (In my case, with pauses in between for more photos!) It gives me goose bumps just thinking about. You connect with the park on a different level, and really appreciate Main Street more. At this hour, it really feels like a quaint street in a small town from a bygone era, where life moves at a slower pace.
It also feels a bit like a mystical street, as you find your senses are heightened (which would be truly magical, I suppose). You can hear the background music better, notice details you didn’t see during the day, smell the scents of the Confectionary, and feel the crisp nighttime air as you walk down Main Street. It’s a special experience.
This is a scene we’ve experienced many, many times–pretty much any night we visit Magic Kingdom. It never gets old. If I close my eyes, I can picture it in vivid detail, but I still wish I were there right now…don’t you?!
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Your Thoughts
Have you seen the Kiss Goodnight? What did you think of it? If you haven’t seen it, will you try to watch in on your next trip? Share any questions or additional thoughts you have in the comments!
Hi Tom, thanks for mentioning this, I had no idea about this one and it sounds amazing. Do you know whether they still do this on MNSSHP nights as we’re visiting in October. Thank you!
I have read that for the party it is called HalloWishes! My whole family are die hard Halloween fans and are looking forward to seeing both this October. I think Tom mentions it in his MNSSHP post.
Do you know if Disneyland has something along these lines as well?
I’d like to know this too please!
Did it on our last trip in April! I loved it- totally a magical moment. The magic was lost on those with me though as they were tired and just wanted to get back to the hotel. I thought it was a bonus that there were no bus lines after exiting the park! Definitely something to see.
Headed “home” in 2 weeks! I am so happy I found this special tip; As a fellow photographer myself, I think I may have to bring my sweetie here after our once-in-a-lifetime dinner in the Queen Victoria Room at V&A to celebrate our 10th anniversary! (You totally twisted my arm to do this dinner, Tom, in a previous message when I asked if it was worth it… I have been dreaming of it for months!)
You won’t regret it. My wife and I ate in the Queen Victoria room for our honeymoon in Feb 2015 and it was the best dining experience of my life. We are foodies (and from New Orleans), and I joke about it being the only restaurant I want to go back to every time we even think about Disney. The food, the wine, the waitstaff, the atmosphere can not be topped. We were lucky the night we went and there was only one other 2-top in the QV room. The two other tables had cancelled. So needless to say, we were well taken care of. On top of that we had Jack and Cherie as our servers. They have been married and working together for like 20 years. We also finished the night in Magic Kingdom riding a few rides and watching Wishes, but did not make it until the “kiss goodnight” as it was raining. For extra bonus points, start your day at the Senses Spa in the Grand Floridian. Talk about a day to remember! Needless to say, we are going again in Feb 2017, but with our then 14 month old, I don’t think we will make V&A this time (or the good night kiss for that matter).
Derek, Thank you for providing feedback on your V&A experience! My husband and I are foodies, too, (so jealous you are from New Orleans… that is on our bucket list! Nephew begins first year at Tulane this fall so now we may have a more pressing reason to visit) and we value a quality dining experience. We are truly looking forward to it and hope we also get Jack and Cherie!
The spa idea is tempting… I might have to go look into that now. Good luck at your next visit; we will have our 3 girls with us for the trip, but in-laws will also be there and will watch the kids 🙂
Will the buses still be running after the Kiss Goodnight? Don’t want to walk out and find that we missed the last bus to our hotel!
You’ll have no issue getting a bus. They won’t strand you! 🙂
TOM BRICKER…HOT TAKES…ON FIRE!!!
Does this happen after the park’s regular closing hours if it is open for evening extra magic hours? Or would it happen at the end of the extra magic hours? Hoping to see it on my trip later this month!
Typically it occurs after Extra Magic Hours, but I’ve seen it occur *during* EMH once or twice. It’s almost like someone forgot to change the Kiss Goodnight schedule. Like adjusting a clock for Daylight Saving Time.
Love this….thanks! This moment embodies the spirit of Disney we love most, & it is now on our list for our next visit.
Great post, and thanks for the vlog. My kids are still little, some of them, and I’m not sure when I will get to do this. It is definitely on my bucket list. Thanks for a great site. I recommend it to my friends.
I have been going to WDW since 1989 and never stayed for this.
As I am going to Disneyland is September this is top of my absolutely must do list.
our first time was this past July on the 3rd… we made it a full Magic Kingdom night that started with the Tomorrowland Terrace dessert party for the Independence Day fireworks. We took our time leaving and heard it three times as we made our way down Main Street. The kiss goodnight made my wife tear up a little when she heard it the first time that night. This should definitely be experienced at least once on any WDW trip.
I experienced The Kiss Goodnight for the first time in February 2014. I had been around the park shooting photos and hopping on as many rides as possible. I got out of Space Mountain, moseyed over to Adventure Land, grabbed a dole whip and then sat on a bench and let everything – the lights, music, relative quiet – just envelop me. While the attractions, music, rides and people make Disney so great, those quiet moments in front of the castle are the closest you can get to pure Disney magic. Chills.
I absolutely love this tip! Does it happen at the end of a Christmas party night as well and is it just as good?
I was wondering, too.. we’ll be there late for MNSSHP. I guess it would, but maybe a different color scheme?
Are CM ok with you waiting around for it? Or, do you have to be a little creative with taking your time to leave.
You won’t have any issues. The Emporium is open for an hour after park closing, and this occurs 30 minutes after closing.
I made my husband wait to see it on our trip this past April. He had had enough but I insisted we stay long enough to see it after reading about it here. I’m glad we stayed!
Does Disney do this on party nights? MNSSHP night the parks closes at 7. Will they do this at 7 or plan to see it on our other night in MK?
It *can* be hit or miss on MNSSHP and MVMCP nights, but most of the time, it still happens. I’d say about 75-80% of the time, it occurs on those nights.
When we were there in May it played right at park close the two nights we were at MK – is that the new normal? I was shocked the first time it happened – wasn’t emotionally prepared for it, so of course waited another 30 minutes to truly experience it with a more empty park.
Sometimes the timing gets messed up. I’ve seen that happen, too. No clue why, but then a night later, it was back to normal. Other times, it hasn’t occurred (for the first time) until an hour after closing. Odd.
Loved the article. Not gonna watch the video though. I don’t want to be spoiled since we will be taking our first trip to Disney world as a family on August 12th. The wife and kids are beyond excited and it’s less then two weeks away right now.
Good call on not watching the video! I should’ve included that warning in the main text for those who have never seen it. When I get a chance, I’ll go back and edit…
I agree whole-heartedly, a classic finishing touch. Even better with the one you love.
Loved the post and video Does Dland do the Kiss Goodnight as well?
No, Disneyland does not. Magic Kingdom is the only castle park that has a Kiss Goodnight.