¡Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Shands!
Closing out an evening at Magic Kingdom with dinner at
Be Our Guest Restaurant and a viewing of the nighttime
spectacular Happily Ever After sounds like an unbeatably magical night. I’m excited for you just writing about it!
Shands, in my experience, restaurants will give you a good 15-minute grace period to arrive a little late. That being said, Be Our Guest restaurant is one of the most popular reservations, so I wouldn’t recommend being there much later than those 15-minutes so you don't lose your reservation. The other challenge is navigating the crowds after the fireworks. You’ll want to find a spot to watch that will allow you an easy exit so you can safely dash to your dinner. And I wouldn’t plan on leaving early. You don’t want to miss the finale! I’d try finding a spot close to either the entrance to Liberty Square or the walkway that takes you to Fantasyland on the opposite side of the Hub so you can swiftly make your way to Be Our Guest when it's over.
As your dates get closer, you can try modifying your
reservation for a later time in your
My Disney Experience account. This might help make your evening less stressful. Guests often make last minute changes to their plans so you might find the perfect time to enjoy your evening without feeling rushed.
I hope this helps you as you continue to plan your magical adventure. Be sure to stop by again soon for any additional questions, tips, or planning advice. ~Emille