Travelers arriving at or departing from Central Florida theme park destinations will encounter a significant change to their airport experience beginning in 2026. Orlando International Airport has announced the permanent elimination of an iconic dining establishment that has served visitors for years, fundamentally altering pre-security food options for passengers heading to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and other regional attractions.
The closure takes effect within a few days, giving travelers a limited time to visit the location one final time.
Orlando International Airport Restaurant Shutting Its Doors
Orlando International Airport announced on December 26 that Chili’s restaurant, located on the atrium’s second floor in the pre-security zone, will permanently cease operations before 2026 begins. The airport’s X (formerly Twitter) account delivered the news to travelers who have made the Table Service establishment a traditional stop during their vacation arrivals and departures:
Chili’s has been a longtime favorite for so many travelers who have taken the “stairway to heaven.” Over the years, you’ve shared plenty of queso & memories. On Dec. 31, 2025, @Chilis will permanently close. Visit one last time, raise a glass & toast this wonderful partnership.🥂
Chili's has been a longtime favorite for so many travelers who have taken the "stairway to heaven." Over the years, you've shared plenty of queso & memories. On Dec. 31, 2025, @Chilis will permanently close. Visit one last time, raise a glass & toast this wonderful partnership.🥂 pic.twitter.com/UW6OzjrzCb
— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) December 26, 2025
No Chili’s Too Replacement Planned
Travelers hoping the familiar restaurant might continue in modified form received disappointing news when Orlando International Airport clarified its future plans for the space. When questioned whether a smaller “Chili’s Too” concept—the chain’s airport-specific format—might replace the full-service location, MCO delivered an unequivocal response:
We sincerely apologize for any disappointment, but the space will not be replaced with a Chili’s Too.
We sincerely apologize for any disappointment, but the space will not be replaced with a Chili’s Too.
— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) December 26, 2025
This confirmation means the Chili’s brand will completely exit Orlando International Airport, eliminating even the possibility of a scaled-down version maintaining some continuity for loyal customers.
What will occupy the prominent second-floor atrium space after Chili’s departs remains unclear. The airport has not announced replacement tenants or concepts for the location that has served travelers for years.
Airport Expansion
The Chili’s closure occurs amid broader transformation efforts at Orlando International Airport. Earlier in December, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority approved the second phase of a substantial $26 million expansion project aimed at enhancing passenger experiences and operational capacity.
The approved expansion encompasses multiple components, including additional restaurant options, market-style retail locations, two new aircraft hangars, a replacement Fixed Base Operator terminal, and upgraded Gate Link tram systems connecting terminal areas.
However, MCO has not confirmed whether any portion of the $26 million investment specifically targets the soon-to-be-vacant Chili’s location. The expansion funds might be allocated entirely to other airport zones, leaving the second-floor atrium space subject to separate planning and development timelines.
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