Hi Lucy!
Getting dining reservations to match your schedule can sometimes be the most difficult thing when you are planning a Walt Disney World vacation. But you do your best and work with what you get and everything always seems to work out.
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Rainforest Cafe in the Animal Kingdom Park is a very popular choice with families. Who doesn’t love to watch all the action taking place around them while waiting for a delicious dinner or meal.
When the Disney parks close at a particular time it doesn’t mean that everything immediately shuts down. Attractions will no longer allow guests to line up but they will certainly allow those in line to complete the ride or show. Guests will begin heading towards the exits but shops generally stay open for a bit for that last minute souvenir purchase.
I suggest you simply take your time wherever you are in the park and meander towards the entrance. Stop in at shops and enjoy just being in the park after dark. Check-in with the restaurant about 15 minutes early as they often can seat you before your reservation time.
Also check to see if the park has extra magic hours on the day you have your reservation. This might be why you were able to get such a late dining time. No matter what, it sounds like you will have a fun filled day in the park and end it with a bang with a treat at the Rainforest Cafe.