Animal Kingdom is a great park to visit after 4pm, but...

[Jdismom]

be advised that all of the animal attractions close early when the sun sets early, which is from this time of year until probably spring.

Robo or someone from these boards said AK is dead after 4, which is true, but we were so excited to walk on EE, PW and Dinosaur so many times, that I didn't think to check the times guide. When we were ready to take it easy after awhile and walked over to Safari at 6:15, we were disappointed to have a cast member tell us that not only had it closed at 6, but so did all of the animal trails and shows. Nemo and Lion King also had their last shows at 6, even though the park was open til 8.

So lesson learned. See the animals first, ride the rides later with no lines.

 

[Robo]

Robo or someone from these boards said AK is dead after 4, which is true, but we were so excited to walk on EE, PW and Dinosaur so many times, that I didn't think to check the times guide.

My comments about DAK in the evenings mirror yours.

The animal attractions close at or before dusk, but the other attractions are (usually) walk-ons.

We used to love DAK during PM EMH (which is no longer offered) because the park, itself, is so beautiful after dark, and the attractions that remained open were so accessible.

 

[vicki_c]

Just for future reference or for others, there is usually a sign when entering the park (mi think it's often at the entrance to Discovery Island) that states what time the Safari is closing that day. It's just a small sandwich board type sign on the ground.

 

[Robo]

Just for future reference or for others, there is usually a sign when entering the park (mi think it's often at the entrance to Discovery Island) that states what time the Safari is closing that day. It's just a small sandwich board type sign on the ground.

Mmmmmmmmmmghghgh... Sandwich board......

 

[princess jasmine 76]

Cool. I've never been to AK after dark. It usually closes early when I'm there with the exception of maybe one late night that I never seem to make it to. For our upcoming trip (Nov. 20-26) I think there are at least 2 nights they are open until 8 and I really want to make an effort to see what the park looks like after dark. Now I know what to expect - thx

 

[Guano Joe]

Many people don't realize that the animals on the safari and along the walking trails aren't there after sunset. Each species has a backstage barn or enclosure where they are fed and cared for. The early closing is necessary in order to get all the animals safely into their respective nighttime habitats. The inconvenience for park guests is offset by Disney's desire to take the best possible care of the animals.

 

[Jdismom]

And if you really want a cool after-dark experience at AK, eat dinner at Tusker House near closing. By the time you are finished you will be one of the only ones left in the park.

We walked up for 7:45 with no ressies. Even though they closed at 8 they took us. (It was great buffet!) By the time we finished eating there were no other guests anywhere as we took our time walking to the exit. There weren't even any cast members around pointing the way out to us. We only saw a few straightening up in stores. We felt like it was just us and nature.

 

[cakebaker]

I remember doing evening emh- love ak after dark!

 

[DebbieB]

I went to AK late in the afternoon in May. Of course, it wasn't dark yet but I went to the safari around 5:00 and they were only running one side of the platform and the trucks were only coming about once every couple minutes. So even with a fastpass, it was a fairly long wait.

 

[Kimi313]

We found the same thing true a couple of years ago on our winter trip. After we had finished seeing the animals and rides me and DH went to dawa bar while DD and her BF kept riding. They came back saying how we should go ride EE in the dark. I passed since I am a light weight when it comes to drinking and was scared it would make me sick, lol, but I have always regretted it and have plans for riding this year after dark!