park closing/shops/restaurants open?

[weluvslinkydog]

Thanks for all the great info on this board!!

I'm wondering about the logistics of park closing....when a park closes at 8:00 pm, does that mean that the shops/restaurants/and rides all close then? ....do they just close the lines at 8:00? thanks so much for any specifics. my DH and I will be going without kids (!) for our 10 year wedding anniversary Nove. 3-7, so we'll be in no hurry to leave and wait for buses, but just wondering how late we can "loiter" --and where--since the parks close relatively early those days....thanks!

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

I am not sure about the restaurants and rides, but I know the shops remain open for quite some time after park closing. It's a good idea to take it slow and not rush out of any park at closing. At the MK this June after Wishes we just sat on a bench by the castle and people watched. By the time we got to the MK bus station is was really quiet. No need to rush out with the throngs at closing.
This will bump you to the top for responses about the restaurants and rides.

 

[kaytieeldr]

The rides will not let anybody in line once park closing time arrives, but unless there's a problem with the attraction they will let all those already in line ride. Also, some of the headliners in FutureWorld in Epcot stay open until 9:30 or 10, even though that park closes at 9.

Some snack places will remain open about a half hour beyond park closing; the sit-down restaurants vary, but might seat Guests until about fifteen or thirty minutes before park closing, and they DON'T rush you out. For example, I was seated promptly for an 8:30 ADR at Chefs de France; a few parties were seated later and were still there when I left around 10.

 

[AJKMOM]

When the MK closes, we always shop at the emporium on Main St. and then people watch on a bench for a while. They don't rush everyone out, and many use this time to get that souvenier they saw earlier. The stores on Main St. are always crowded.