We have reservations for 8:50 pm next month. I know the restaurant closes at 9. Will we be "rushed" since they are technically closed? and will our food be fresh?
Though I don't have any personal experience with this, I imagine they wouldn't offer that seating time if they didn't want someone just starting their meal then. It will probably be quieter, with people relaxing and winding down. The servers probably won't be as rushed, so you should get better service. The food will be cooked just for you, so yes, it will be fresh. Enjoy!
We went at 7:50 last year and it was GREAT. The food was fabulous and the service even better. The characters came by a few times as we were one of only two tables left. The characted came by as soon as we sat down and then as our meal went on they were gone. It was BY FAR MY FAVORITE CHARACTER DINING EXPERIENCE.