Why does the Animal Kingdom close so early?

[JeanfromBNA]

They used to keep the park open until 8PM one night a week. Animal Kingdom is just magical at night. One night, DH and I sat quite alone on a secluded bench along the trail leading to Dinosaur, among the palms, ferns, and other tropical "prehistoric looking" foliage that had been selected with care for this trail. The foliage was uplit to cast interesting shadows. We realized that sound effects were being played all around us, as birds called, bugs buzzed, and things moved stealthily around in the trees. Fabulous experience!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Now, do you really want a tiger going through that with nightly fireworks? With hundreds of people around? As Chris Rock said "that tiger went tiger".

That is also the reason why the parade floats host their own sound unlike the parades at MK and DHS where the sound comes from the buildings around you. Having the music come from each "float" keeps the sound level down so as not to be disturbing to the animals.

 

[tiki23]

Now, do you really want a tiger going through that with nightly fireworks?

No need for fireworks, but I agree with a PP that AK is magical at night. It was our favorite pm emh. We love AK!

 

[mjallemand]

But it's OK that AK closes early. Most people can get done with park in less than a day.

Maybe if you just ride the rides and head out. If you're spending a decent amount of time looking at the animals themselves you need at least a day if not more.

And why would you skip the animals at a place called ANIMAL KINGDOM?

 

[FantasiaMagic]

For all of the wonderful animals to go to bed!

 

[DCTooTall]

The Park closes early because they would need to close the Safari, Rafiki, and the Walking trails early because of the Animal's need for care and sleep. There just isn't enough other attractions in the park currently to keep guests entertained after all the animal based attractions close.

Isn't with the addition of Avatar-land coming a night-time show?? I may be wrong, but I feel like I heard that somewhere!!

Nothing official, but there are those of us who think the whole Pandora area would look AWESOME at night all lit up.... and it would provide a good place for a World Of Color's type show which would allow a nighttime entertainment Finale type show that many people think is missing at the park, While avoiding the pyrotechnics which can't be used due to the animals.

 

[disnut8]

No need for fireworks, but I agree with a PP that AK is magical at night. It was our favorite pm emh. We love AK!

That could very well be true but, again, we are stupid humans and we need some stimulant. "No fireworks at night?! I'm not going there!" So, low attendance at a park, bored Cast Members, lost income. People will be at Magic Kingdom, Epcot or the Studios.

In my book, the animals win and I'm very glad.

 

[tiki23]

That could very well be true but, again, we are stupid humans and we need some stimulant. "No fireworks at night?! I'm not going there!" So, low attendance at a park, bored Cast Members, lost income. People will be at Magic Kingdom, Epcot or the Studios.

In my book, the animals win and I'm very glad.

Hmmmm...then maybe the smart people were the only ones at the AK pmEMH. I did the Expedition Everest Challenge (5K adventure race) at AK in May. The race started at 9:30; it was great to be in the park after dark again.

 

[sephorachick]

I think it would cool to have that park opened late at night. It would be like.....THE JUNGLE!

My Disney College Program "Prom" was there at night. It was SO cool!

 

[LilyU]

When we were at AK during the day, all the animals were sleeping anyway! Gorillas, Tigers...all sound asleep. It was pretty boring....

 

[Glendamax]

I am so glad I was able to visit AK before they ended the extra evening hours. Out of all the parks, It is the most beautiful at night. Especially the area around Everest with all the light bulbs and prayer cloths hanging above your head. And Everest is THEEEE best at night, cuz you can't completely see the track, and Yeti (especially when it used to move) was in plain view! It was so scary and fun.

I hope that they can do it once a week at least. I really miss it

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

It's not a huge deal to me. I can do what I like at AK and be done in about 2 hours. 3 rides (Dinosaur, EE and Safari) and I'm out.

 

[Shagley]

Because after it gets dark, humans become prey