We have only done a couple of "night time" safaris and they were before 2020. Didn't see a lot of animals but the big male lion stood up right in front of us and unleashed a full throated roar like you see/hear in the movies. It was freaking amazing.The last time we held out for a late Safari, there were so few people riding that they made us wait for enough guests to fill the vehicle before pulling out. Then we saw the backsides of almost all the animals as they knew that it was closing time and were headed to the barn.
Then the lion roared and made it all worth it.
I'm pretty sure those things are done after hours. It appears that Disney is just being conservative when posting Safari hours now, as they do with park hours. Hours for late August have been extended to what I would have expected to see. I haven't checked September.The unpredictable closing times may have to do with animals needing scheduled care such as de-worming or savannah maintenance or cleaning. Large animals produce a significant amount of poop. If it's not removed from enclosed areas it becomes unpleasant and can spread disease.
September hours have not been extended as of now. I am hoping they do get extended because as of right now it will close BEFORE we get to enter AK for the Moonlight Magic event on 9/28.I'm pretty sure those things are done after hours. It appears that Disney is just being conservative when posting Safari hours now, as they do with park hours. Hours for late August have been extended to what I would have expected to see. I haven't checked September.