Things to Do Just Before Closing At Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom and other Disney parks are typically open several hours from the morning to the evening, and many guests prefer to spend as much of their day at possible within the parks. There are several perks to staying at the parks until closing. The heat of the day is gone, and the crowds are beginning to thin out. There are attractions and things to do up until the very minute of the park’s closing, and sometimes those minutes prior to the park closing can be great opportunities for magic and fun. If you find yourself at the parks until closing then check out some of these things to do just before closing at Animal Kingdom.

Hop In Line For One Last Ride

Did you know that as long as you are in line for an attraction prior to closing you can remain in line even if it’s after the park’s closing? The few minutes prior to closing make for a great opportunity to ride your favorite attraction again, or have a potentially shorter line for a high-demand attraction. At Animal Kingdom, the minutes prior to closing can be used to get in line for popular rides like Expedition Everest and Flight of Passage. Typically, the lines for these attractions are shortest just before the park closes.

Revisit Popular Photo Spots with No Crowds

With many guests choosing to exit the park just prior to closing, popular photo spots are typically empty with little to no line for Photo Pass photographers. This is a great time to revisit photo locations with your family and grab the pictures you might not have had time for before. Popular photo locations throughout Animal Kingdom include Discovery Island near the Tree of Life, Pandora: The World of Avatar, and in front of Expedition Everest.

Evening Rides on Kilimanjaro Safaris

According to Animal Kingdom Cast Members, the animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris are more active in the mornings and evenings. If you’ve missed the morning ride then getting on the attraction in the evening just prior to the park closing is a great way to see the animals during an active time period.

Walk Discovery Island Trails

Discovery Island Trails is a peaceful walking path where you can see different animals in exhibits like otters and flamingoes. These paths can fill up during peak park hours, so walking them just prior to the park closing can be an easier and calmer way to experience these exhibits.

Refill Popcorn Bucket

One of my favorite tips as a parent that I’ve heard is to refill your reusable popcorn bucket before leaving the park for the day. When everyone leaves the park at once after it closes, there can be a bit of a wait for your bus to take you back to your Disney resort. By filling up your popcorn bucket on your way out you have a snack for yourself and the kids to prevent any hunger-fueled meltdowns on your way back to your resort.

How do you like to spend your time just prior to closing? Let us know in the comments below!

Featured Photo: Emily Murray.