Growing Food Health Emergency Near Disney World Sparks Guest Advisory

Disney guests may not want to venture outside of the property to eat, as seven different eating establishments have been shut down by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Disney Guests Advised To Remain on Property as Food Health Crisis Erupts

You expect magical memories when you vacation near Walt Disney World—not unexpected closures and rodent warnings. But that’s exactly what happened this past week when seven Orlando-area restaurants were forced to shut down, two of which were alarmingly close to Disney.

If you’re the type of traveler who ventures off property for cheaper meals or a local bite, this story could save you time, money, and a ruined vacation day. Between roach infestations, expired licenses, and unsanitary food storage, the violations exposed by Florida inspectors are hard to ignore.

This article breaks down what happened, offers smart dining strategies, and shares local insider tips so your next trip outside the Disney bubble doesn’t come with a health hazard.

What Went Down: Restaurants Closed After Failing Inspections

According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, a total of seven restaurants across the Orlando area were shut down from July 27 to August 2. Two of the closures happened just a few minutes from Walt Disney World—along the popular Irlo Bronson Highway route, where many tourists grab food before or after park visits.

⚠️ Latin Bistro Express

📍 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee
📅 Closed: July 31 | ✅ Reopened: August 1

A Peruvian-style restaurant, Latin Bistro Express was flagged for a stunning 22 violations, three of which were categorized as high priority. Among the most alarming issues:

• Raw chicken improperly stored inside spice boxes

• Rodent droppings and activity

• Expired business license

A follow-up inspection the next day found fewer issues, and the restaurant was allowed to reopen after addressing concerns.

⚠️ Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

📍 5170 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee
📅 Closed: July 28 | ✅ Reopened: July 29

This well-known chain restaurant faced 11 violations, including:

• Live roach activity inside the building

• Improper sanitizer levels in the dishwashing machine

Inspectors confirmed the pests were eliminated on site, pest control was scheduled, and the restaurant was cleared to resume operations.

Planning to Dine Off Disney Property? Do This First.

It’s common to explore Orlando’s surrounding neighborhoods during your Disney trip. But stepping outside the resort also means stepping outside Disney’s famously high cleanliness standards.

Here’s how to stay safe:

🔍 Use the DBPR Website

The Florida DBPR publishes inspection reports for all licensed eateries. Visit myfloridalicense.com before you head out for dinner to see the latest updates.

💬 Scan Recent Guest Reviews

Google, Yelp, and Facebook can give you a sense of how clean or reputable a restaurant is. Pay attention to patterns in customer comments—especially about hygiene.

👃 Trust Your Senses

If the restaurant smells odd, looks poorly maintained, or seems empty when it shouldn’t be, consider eating elsewhere. Bad vibes can be a big red flag.

Better Options: Clean, Local-Approved Alternatives Near Disney

Looking for safer options that locals actually recommend? These off-property restaurants offer great food and better inspection records:

• Señor Frogs (International Drive) – Great for late-night food and family fun.

• The Monroe (Downtown Orlando) – A modern Southern kitchen with stylish flair and strict hygiene.

• The Polite Pig (Disney Springs) – Technically still Disney property, but locals love it for upscale BBQ and cleanliness.

💡 Pro Tip: Want a quieter, safer dining experience? Check out Celebration—a nearby community originally developed by Disney. It’s clean, charming, and packed with top-rated eateries.

Why This Story Should Matter to You

It’s easy to assume that restaurants near world-famous parks will meet the highest standards. But these recent shutdowns prove otherwise. Whether you’re staying off-site to save money or just trying something new, a single poor decision can ruin a magical day.

And guests aren’t shy about their reactions:

“We were going to eat there last week. Dodged a bullet.”
“I can’t believe this happened at Perkins. That’s our go-to.”

Social media chatter has already picked up, and savvy travelers are starting to research more before they eat. Food safety matters—and your stomach will thank you for paying attention.