Hi Leah!
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
Rainforest Cafe at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park is a great place to end your day at the park. With its tropical theming, thunderstorms and waterfalls it is a unique experience, and I always enjoy looking around the Rainforest Cafe shop, and would recommend this if you are looking for any unusual souvenirs of your visit. Another reason this restaurant is unique is because it has two entrances - one outside the park entrance, and one inside the park - so you do not need to walk into the park again after you have finished your meal - you can leave this location close to the main park exit. The
Disney buses will continue to run for approximately two hours after park closing, so you should have plenty of time to enjoy your dinner before making your way to the bus stops. As the park closes at 6.00pm on the date of your visit, it's probably a good idea to be waiting at the bus stop for your Disney Resort hotel no later than around 7.45pm.
If you are having the best time, and don't wish to leave before 8.00pm, you might like to consider using the
Minnie Van Service - these are driven by knowledgeable and friendly Disney Cast Members, can accommodate up to 6 Guests and can be ordered by using the Lyft app - where you will also see the cost of this service.
Please come back and visit us if you have any further questions. We will be happy to help you plan your magical vacation to Walt Disney World. Also, keep your eye on the
Disney Parks Blog to see all the latest official updates and news about events that may be taking place during your visit.
~ Sue