Disney World To Replace Historic Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant Area
Construction equipment that appeared outside The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this week appears to confirm what Walt Disney World Resort cast members hinted at last month: a permanent structural change is coming to the iconic Table Service restaurant’s outdoor dining area.
Support Poles Signal What’s Coming
WDWNT reported on July 13 that Walt Disney World Resort had installed support poles along the patio of The Hollywood Brown Derby, with rolling planters blocking off portions of the exterior. The outlet shared a photo of the updated construction presence surrounding the outdoor area that is home to the Brown Derby Lounge.
The support poles are the most telling detail yet about what’s actually being built. When Disney Dining first reported signs of an unannounced construction project at The Hollywood Brown Derby in mid-June, cast members at the restaurant reportedly told WDWNT that Walt Disney World Resort planned to install a permanent shade structure on the patio — replacing the movable umbrellas that had previously provided cover for outdoor diners. The support poles now visible on the patio are consistent with exactly that kind of installation.
Walt Disney World Resort has not publicly confirmed the shade structure project or commented on the ongoing exterior work.
What Guests Can Expect Right Now
The construction has already changed the outdoor dining experience at the Brown Derby Lounge, which typically occupies the patio area now blocked by the rolling planters and support poles. According to Walt Disney World Resort’s official website, the lounge remains open, but outdoor seating is significantly limited and currently available only on the smaller patio on the opposite side of the building.
The indoor Hollywood Brown Derby Table Service dining room is continuing to operate normally throughout the exterior work. Reservations are strongly recommended — bookings open 60 days before a planned visit and can be made online or by phone.
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