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Disney Restaurants We’re Surprised Are Still Closed

A magical part of any Walt Disney World vacation is enjoying all the amazing food options throughout the four parks, Disney Springs as well as the resorts on Disney Property.  When Walt Disney World reopened, we knew not everything would be opened.  Park hours were adjusted, some entertainment wasn’t coming back and some food options weren’t available.  Now, almost a year later, we are still surprised at some of the main dining options Disney has kept closed.  Take a look at our list of favorite Disney restaurants we are surprised are still closed.

 

Starting off in the Magic Kingdom, there are a few staples that we are shocked Disney hasn’t opened yet.

1. Columbia Harbour House

Located in Liberty Square, Columbia Harbour House is a fan favorite.  Offering some unique items such as lobster rolls, shrimp and hushpuppies, this large restaurant was perfect for a quick meal while in the Magic Kingdom.  With lots of seating both in the main dining area and upstairs this was excellent for getting out of the crowd.  With how many people it can hold, we are surprised Disney hasn’t tried to reopen it.  Currently, the queue for Peter Pan’s Flight goes through the dining area (strange we know) which is probably why it remains closed at the present time.  If the food at Columbia Harbour House is a must for you, know that it is being served in other areas of the Magic Kingdom right now so check out those menus.

2. Casey’s Corner

Also located in the Magic Kingdom, this one on Main Street U.S.A. is Casey’s Corner.  Serving up all American hot dogs and corn dog nuggets, this dining location is another fan favorite.  Even with a limited menu, Casey’s Corner is a must-do for many in the Magic Kingdom.  If you have been into Casey’s, you are well aware of how tight the spacing is making physical distancing next to impossible.  We assume this is why Casey’s remains closed, but we can’t wait to get in there and get some corn dog nuggets once again.

Popping over to Disney’s EPCOT, there are a couple of dining locations here we are surprised they haven’t opened back up yet.

3. Akershus

The main dining location that remains closed that surprises us is Akershus. Located in the Norway Pavilion, Akershus offered a fun, magical dining experience with the princesses. This large dining hall was an excellent choice when one couldn’t get into Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom.  Kids would enjoy meeting the princesses while trying some delicious food as well.  When the parks reopened, Disney used Akershus as a rest area for guests to remove their masks, relax, eat and drink while cooling off.  As Disney starts to phase out these areas, we are hopeful that we could see Akershus open back up once again.

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4. Tangierine Cafe

The other dining location in Epcot that we are surprised we haven’t seen opened is the Tangerine Cafe.  This quick-service location in the Morocco Pavilion was an excellent way for families to try something a little different without investing too much time or money into the experience.  We aren’t sure why this one remains closed; however, the pavilion itself is going through a transition so that might be the reason it is closed.  

In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, one popular quick-service dining option remains closed to guests.

5. Pizzafari

Pizzafari was just starting to make a comeback when the parks shut down last year.  Offering a new family-style meal, this provided families with another easy, kid friendly option in Animal Kingdom.   Located in Discovery Island, Pizzafari isn’t anything too spectacular either, but it would help like with Restaurantosaurus spreading out the crowds.  With the basic menu, we would think it would be an easy one to bring back on board.

Some of the biggest surprises come from the resorts that still have main dining locations closed.  

6. Boma

Boma is located over at Animal Kingdom Lodge and is a buffet style meal offering both kids friendly options as well as unique, African inspired options on the buffet.  This dining location remains closed to guests as a result, we assume, of the lodge currently being closed.  We don’t feel like this option will open back up to guests until we have a better grip on when Animal Kingdom Lodge itself will open and even when that happens, we expect Boma to have some adjustments in the experience itself.  

7. Toledo- Tapas, Steak and Seafood

This Spanish haven located in the Grand Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs offers breathtaking views of the Disney Property.  Known for exactly what is in the name- tapas, steak and seafood- this dining location became a quick fan favorite when it opened.  As the majority of the resort is now opened, we are surprised that this dining experience hasn’t opened up yet to guests.  It is a smaller and limited menu which could be partially why it remains closed, but we aren’t really sure.

8. Yachtsman Steakhouse

When staying in the Crescent Lake area, Yachtsman Steakhouse was the place to go for a great meal.  Located at Disney’s Yacht Club, this classy dining experience is perfect for a date night, celebration or just a great meal.  As a lot of the dining locations throughout Yacht Club, Beach Club and Boardwalk start to open, we are surprised to not see some more of the higher end options such as Yachtsman open back up for guests.  Although Beaches and Cream is a fan favorite, there are many in this area that prefer a quieter meal and Yachtsman Steakhouse provided just that experience.

We are thrilled to have more and more dining experiences throughout Walt Disney World open back up to guests each month.  Although we are surprised that these popular restaurants remain closed, we are excited to have so much back in the parks to choose from.  We have high hopes that these will be back open soon as well.  Which dining location will you eat at first?

About Jennifer Retzlaff

My name is Jennifer Retzlaff and I became a lifelong Disney fan during my first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of my life. I live in Iowa with my husband and two kids who are growing up too quickly for my liking. I started introducing my love for Disney early to my family with a Disney honeymoon and then trips when our youngest of 18 months. Since then, our family has been to Walt Disney World over five times and we continue to plan and dream for the next trip. I love the magic that Disney brings to people through the theme parks, cruises, adventures and movies they create. As a teacher, I try to bring that magic into my classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” I recently reached a dream of mine as I joined Magic Vacation Planner as a personal travel advisor. With this team, I can now help others plan magical vacations. As a passionate writer, I also have my own blog at magicalvacationsbyjen which is also where you can follow me on instagram for trip reviews along with tips and tricks for your next magical vacation.