Counter Service at Closing Time

[OnlyDisney]

We're going to Animal Kingdom on Tue Nov 30. Since it closes at 5pm we'd like to eat dinner after the park closes. We have 5:15pm ADR at Rainforest Cafe, but I think we'd rather have counter service that night.

Do the counter service locations close right at 5pm also?

 

[DisneyDork712]

We've never noticed a counter service staying open after closing at AK. You could hop over to AKL and eat at the Mara! It is delicious and open way past 5PM! Plus you could explore the resort and view more animals! That's our plan for our early closing at AK night!

ETA: Hey! We'll be there at the same time!

 

[WEDWDW]

I "think" the CS Restaurants operate just like the attractions.If you are in line at the CS at 5:00,you will be served,but you can't get in line after 5:00.

 

[dsnymnky86]

I once worked at a QSR at MK and we would close right when the park was closing, like the person before me said if you are in line before 5 you will be served but not if you try to get in after. I would say if you are planning to eat that close to closing you should head to a resort or another park just so you wont feel as rushed.

 

[OnlyDisney]

Thanks for the tip about Mara. If we eat there is there a place to view the animals even though that's not our hotel?

 

[DisneyDork712]

Thanks for the tip about Mara. If we eat there is there a place to view the animals even though that's not our hotel?

Oh yes! They have a very nice viewing area for the public! There's also a fire pit that area, surrounded by rocking chairs! It's very nice! It's right outside the lobby; where the big glass window is. You just head out the doors and walk out to the animal viewing area!

You can see it here in this map:
It's the large area sticking out in the middle of the big round savanna. It's called Arusha Rock Savanna Overlook

http://allears.net/acc/aklmap.jpg

I also remember another viewing area sort of off to the side of the lobby... It was more like a large balcony overlooking the giraffes from what I remember.

Oh! Found it other on the map, too!

It's to the left of the lobby; it's called Sunset Overlook!

 

[DisneyDork712]

After looking at the map, it seems there is also another animal viewing area! Over to the right, past the pool. (Look for the little paw print!) We have never ventured over that far! It overlooks the Uzima Savanna.

Mara is actually on the way to that viewing area. You have to go outside, and past the pool to get to Mara. There is a very nice seating area outside, if the weather is nice.

 

[jlk806]

ETA: Hey! We'll be there at the same time!

So will we! And we'll be at POP for the first half LOL!

But yes, the AKL has great viewing areas for the animals and CMs who like to talk to you about the animals. Its great.

 

[purple figment]

I was looking at the AK Times Guide from our trip last Sept-Oct. For the 2 weeks of Sept 20-26 and Sept 27-Oct 3 it says the park was open everyday from 9:00am - 5:00pm, but:

Flame Tree Barbecue 11:00am - 4:30 (5:00pm Fri)

Don't know if this was unusual because I would have expected all the CS to be open until the park closed, but apparently not always.

 

[catne]

just a word of warning...just because it's still open right at park closing time doesn't mean you'll necessarily get what you want there. We've been in line near closing time and have seen people get turned down. Like the place may still be open to serve ice cream, soda or prepackaged items but they told the people in front of us that burgers & fries were no longer available because the "cookers were already turned off." This ws probably 15 minutes before the park officially closed. So basically you could get a snack-type item but not any cooked food there. That was in the MK on a night it was closing at 7 for a MNSSHP...the particular counter service place was not open during the party so the castmembers were obviously getting ready to close (lots of clean-up type activity going on behind the counter.)

 

[DisneyDork712]

just a word of warning...just because it's still open right at park closing time doesn't mean you'll necessarily get what you want there. We've been in line near closing time and have seen people get turned down. Like the place may still be open to serve ice cream, soda or prepackaged items but they told the people in front of us that burgers & fries were no longer available because the "cookers were already turned off." This ws probably 15 minutes before the park officially closed. So basically you could get a snack-type item but not any cooked food there. That was in the MK on a night it was closing at 7 for a MNSSHP...the particular counter service place was not open during the party so the castmembers were obviously getting ready to close (lots of clean-up type activity going on behind the counter.)

I didn't even think of that!

I definitely recommend just heading over to Animal Kingdom Lodge for dinner at Mara! You may be able to catch the storyteller, too!

And like jlk806 already mentioned, all of the CMs are wonderful to talk to! They love to share all kinds of information with the guests!!

 

[DisneyDork712]

One more thing I thought of!

If you have purchased balloons in the parks during the day, you may not be allowed to have them at AKL. I know resort guests can check them at the front desk and get them back upon check out, but I'm not sure about guests who are just visiting the resort. Of course, if you're only going to be at AK that day, they do not sell balloons anyway!

Here's some info I found online:

"Because resort guests are actually entering a wildlife preserve, AKL has disallowed the presence of balloons, plastic straws and cup tops, etc., because of their potential to hurt the animals."

Which reminds me of the paper straws that are available at Mara! lol They DO NOT hold up well in hot chocolate! lol You have been warned!