Disney’s Animal Kingdom is typically the park that closes earliest in Disney World for the safety and comfort of the animals, but we’re getting an extra special treat tonight — we’re at Extended Evening Hours!
Tree of Life at night
Extended Evening Hours are available to Disney World guests staying at a Deluxe hotel and are only offered for specific days at certain parks. These special days give guests extra time in the parks at night; it is a great way to experience a ton of attractions with little to no waits! In the past, this benefit was only available in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios. But now Extended Evening Hours are available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, too! So what are we waiting for? Let’s get into the park!
When we went to enter the park, we took a moment to admire the Christmas tree just outside the entrance. This tree has been up for a few days now, but we will always pause to look at it!
Oh, Christmas Tree, Oh, Christmas Tree
We entered the park around 5PM and headed straight for the Tree of Life, which has a STUNNING little nighttime show. About every 10 minutes, fireflies will start flickering on the tree, and then special lighting brings the animals carved into the tree to life. SO pretty.
Tree of Life: Awakenings
Pro tip: you’ll see QR codes around the park where you can download menus of restaurants that are open during extended evening hours. During Animal Kingdom’s Extended Evening Hours, you can ride:
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- DINOSAUR
- Expedition Everest
- It’s Tough to be a Bug!
- Meet Mickey and Minnie at Adventurers Outpost
- Na’vi River Journey
- TriceraTop Spin
Find out what’s open for food and drinks!
We noticed that some restaurants that weren’t on the official list were still open for a little while. Both Creature Comforts and Yak and Yeti Local Food Cafes were open until 8PM.
ZERO lines for food
Along the way, we were amazed to see just how empty the park seemed.
This place was EMPTY!
We also saw Cast Members standing where you enter Africa because that section isn’t open except for Tamu Tamu Refreshments and the snack stand on the edge of that land. The attractions there are all closed, though.
So empty
Ride wait times were also low throughout the night — 35 minutes for Flight of Passage? SAY WHAT? Get this — it got down to 15 minutes later in the evening. Note that you have to scan your ticket (and be linked to a hotel) to get on rides during the event.
©Disney
We mostly just admired the view. Animal Kingdom usually closes before dark on most days, so this is one of the few ways you can see it at nighttime (which is a shame because this park comes ALIVE at night).
STUNNING!
Animal Kingdom is often one of the least crowded parks out of the four, but over in Pandora, things can get very busy very quick. That’s not really the case during extended evening hours, though. This event offers one of those rare occasions where you can really enjoy the bioluminescence of Pandora at night.
P:andora was MEANT to be seen at night
This includes the bioluminescent paint on the pavement.
PRETTY
It seemed like no matter where we went, we kept finding more beautiful, quiet spots to admire.
This park is so beautiful!
If you’re interested in shopping, some shops remained open for Extended Evening Hours, including Discovery Trading Co. and Riverside Depot.
Care for some late-night shopping?
If you ever have the chance to go to an Extended Evening Hours event, we highly recommend it. We here at DFB are always bringing you the latest news, so stay tuned!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What’s your favorite part about Animal Kingdom? Tell us below!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
I don’t understand why this park always closes so early when so much thought was put into details you can only enjoy during nighttime. It’s no secret that Disney wants our money. So why not keep the parks open later so we can give it to them ? Such a missed opportunity for guests to not be so rushed all the time and for Disney to make more money.