What times do the rides close?

[thestevied]

Coming over from England and hoping to make the most of every minute, I was just wondering what time the rides in the parks actually stop operating. Is it as soon as the park close time hits? Or for example at MK could we watch the fireworks show then still catch a ride as everyone is exiting the park?

I'm also thinking about how best to use the time at park closing as everyone else leaves all at the same time. In each of the parks, are there things to do at closing as everyone rushes to get their buses?

 

[mesaboy2]

They close the queues the moment the park closes. If you're in a queue, you can finish that attraction.

While everyone leaves, Disney somehow finds it in its heart to leave many of the stores open--you could do that.

 

[BrianL]

Yes, if you get in line at 1 minute before close then you will get to ride, even if the wait is an hour long. Also keep in mind that sometimes wait times toward the end of the night are posted higher than they actually are so fewer people will join at the last minute.

Also, I am not sure, but I have heard they may cut off the line for Flight of Passage a bit earlier than close due to the extremely high demand. Someone on here might no more about that.

 

[CAS239]

Some rides will stop operating a little earlier than park close, like Living with the Land for instance. Also if the line for Flight of Passage is still super long, they've closed it around an hour prior to park close.

But nearly every ride that is open is open up until the park officially closes. If MK closes at 10pm, you can get in line for Peter pan up until 9:59:59.

As far as what to do in a park when it closes instead of immediately leaving. There's not much to do. You could go in some shops near the exit or sit on a bench and wait.

 

[marauder]

One caution. Don't ever wait until park close for that one ride you have to ride on that would make or break your entire trip. You don't want it to go out of order and ruin your trip. Things like evening rainstorms can take down rides like Test Track. It is one thing to plan on getting on a repeat of a ride or a low priority ride at park close. Don't plan on it.