Dinner reservation times just before park closing

[71Corvette]

We have an option to book a restaurant we've been wanting at Epcot, but the booking time is just 10 minutes before park closes. This seems very odd to us. What happens in this case? We're worried we'll be rushed through dinner, the food will be sub-par because it's late, or worse yet they won't honor the reservation. If we're paying top dollar to eat at a nice restaurant we want to be able to enjoy the meal. At home we'd never show up at a restaurant 10 minutes before close.

 

[giantsmets]

Rest assured, this is typical for Disney World. They will let you eat your meal as usual, and then you’ll be able to exit through a mostly empty park.

 

[GBRforWDW]

We have an option to book a restaurant we've been wanting at Epcot, but the booking time is just 10 minutes before park closes. This seems very odd to us. What happens in this case? We're worried we'll be rushed through dinner, the food will be sub-par because it's late, or worse yet they won't honor the reservation. If we're paying top dollar to eat at a nice restaurant we want to be able to enjoy the meal. At home we'd never show up at a restaurant 10 minutes before close.

We went to Disney World in January when they were closing all the parks by 7 or 8. We did park closing ADRs several times and they were awesome. No rush, you get to enjoy the entire park day, then take advantage of a break and refuel while everyone else is piling out of the park. Then after an hour or so, you're done with dinner, happy and satisfied, then you slow stroll out of the park with few other people in sight. It's glorious!

If you're on site, buses are available and will likely take off with just your party on board unless lots are still filing out

 

[gregf71]

Just did this at Le Cellier Steakhouse in October. We were not rushed whatsoever. We were the last diners in the restaurant.



Even though we finished our entrees after park closing, we were still politely offered the dessert menu...which of course we made a selection from.

Walking out the World Showcase with no one else around was awesome!

 

[71Corvette]

This is great info, thanks all!

 

[eva]

Will the buses still be running that late? We have a 7:55pm ADR for Tiffens. AK closes at 8:00. Will buses still be running at 9:15/9:30?

 

[FCDub]

Will the buses still be running that late? We have a 7:55pm ADR for Tiffens. AK closes at 8:00. Will buses still be running at 9:15/9:30?

They will not leave you stranded.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

We actually did something very similar at Tiffins a few months ago. It allowed us a very full day at the park, a nice leisurely dinner, and absolutely no crowds on our way out! I'd highly recommend it when you can do it!