Hey, howdy, hey Andrea, and welcome back to planDisney. I am so glad to be able to help you once again. There are many times I am scrambling to get everything I want to do done and I know the theme park is closing. Do I get in line for another attraction? Do I go shopping? Am I hungry and need a bite to eat? So many questions!
Once Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park (and all other theme parks) reaches official closing time, Cast Members start to encourage Guests to exit the theme park. Food stands, restaurants, and many merchandise locations will close. The merchandise locations at the front of the theme parks typically stay open a bit longer (up to an hour in some instances) but there's no guarantee the exact length of time. If you are going to shop I suggest doing it earlier in the day and storing your purchases in a
Locker Rental if you do not want to carry them around. To see Pandora - The World of Avatar at night, lit up, may be difficult since sunset is around 6:25 pm that time of year.
Just to be clear,
Oga's Cantina is in Disney's Hollywood Studios and not in Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Oga does allow walk-ups but it is best to make a reservation especially if you are looking for an end-of-night adult beverage before strolling out of
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge to the front of the theme park.
planDisney Pro Tip: If you are in line for an attraction before official closing time you will still be able to enjoy the attraction provided they have not discontinued the queue before closing time. I recommend you be in line for
Avatar Flight of Passage around 5:50 pm which will likely put you back into the middle of the forest and floating islands of Pandora after the sun sets. Then you can take some pictures and explore the Valley of Mo'ara as you exit the theme park. I know many people try to stay as late as possible in the theme parks but as a kindness to the Cast Members it is best to exit as close to the official closing time as possible.
Andrea, I hope this information is helpful as you plan your Disney adventure in March. Please feel free to stop by again and
write me back directly for more Disney vacation planning tips.
Enjoy making many Magical Memories.
~Jason