For many Walt Disney World travelers, the return of the Disney Dining Plan (DDP) was the final piece of the puzzle for a “normal” post-pandemic vacation. The ability to prepay for meals offers a level of financial predictability that many families find essential. However, as we approach the 2026 travel season, a significant update to the official Disney World website has sent ripples of concern through the fan community.
As of late December 2025, approximately 35 popular restaurants have been removed from the 2026 Disney Dining Plan roster. While many of these are fan-favorite “must-do” locations, their absence from the list has left guests wondering if the value of the Dining Plan is beginning to evaporate.
The Missing 35: Which Restaurants Are Out?
The list of missing establishments isn’t just made up of small kiosks or obscure snack stands. Some of the most sought-after reservations at Walt Disney World for 2026 are currently unavailable. The most notable omissions are found in EPCOT and Disney Springs, locations that primarily rely on third-party operators.
EPCOT World Showcase and Beyond
In EPCOT, the “missing” list hits hard at the World Showcase. Major staples currently off the plan include:
- Space 220: The high-tech, out-of-this-world dining experience in World Discovery.
- Via Napoli Pizzeria e Ristorante: Widely considered the best pizza on property.
- San Angel Inn Restaurante: The iconic candlelit dining room inside the Mexico pavilion.
- Teppan Edo: The popular hibachi-style steakhouse in Japan.
- Le Cellier Steakhouse: One of the most difficult “Signature” reservations to land in the park.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is perhaps the most severely affected by these changes. Because most of the dining here is operated by outside companies (like the Patina Restaurant Group or Landry’s), the following have vanished from the 2026 DDP list:
- The Boathouse: A waterfront favorite known for its steaks and seafood.
- Morimoto Asia: Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s acclaimed Pan-Asian destination.
- Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’: A sanctuary for Southern comfort food.
- Paddlefish: The iconic steamboat-style restaurant on Lake Buena Vista.
- STK Steakhouse: The high-energy, upscale dining spot in The Landing.
Why Are These Restaurants Missing?
If you are planning a January or February 2026 trip, you might be tempted to panic. However, it is essential to understand the “Contract Dance” that occurs every year.
Third parties own the vast majority of the 35 missing restaurants. While Disney owns and operates spots like Be Our Guest or Chef Mickey’s, many of the World Showcase and Disney Springs locations are independent contractors. Every year, these operators must negotiate a reimbursement rate with Disney. Essentially, they must agree on how much Disney will pay them each time a guest “taps their MagicBand” to use a Dining Plan credit.
These negotiations often run right up until the end of the year. Until a contract is officially signed for 2026, Disney is legally required to remove them from the list of participating locations. In previous years, we have seen these restaurants “reappear” on the list in late January or early February.
The Risk: While most of these spots eventually return, there is no guarantee of this outcome. If an operator feels the reimbursement rate is too low, they may choose to opt out entirely for the 2026 season.
The Impact on 2026 Vacation Planning
This uncertainty creates a massive headache for the 60-day Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR) window. If you are paying for the Disney Dining Plan, your goal is to maximize the value of your credits by eating at high-end, expensive locations.
If your 60-day window opens today and Space 220 isn’t on the list, do you book it anyway and hope for the best? Or do you book a Disney-owned alternative like Garden Grill just to be safe? This “limbo” makes it difficult for families to commit to a dining strategy, especially when the Dining Plan itself requires a significant upfront investment.
Is the Disney Dining Plan Still Worth It in 2026?
With 35 restaurants currently in flux, many fans are asking if the plan still provides enough “magic” to justify the cost. To determine if it’s worth it for your 2026 trip, consider the following:
The “Convenience” Factor
The Dining Plan isn’t always about saving every penny; it’s about the “all-inclusive” feel. If you value the ability to leave your wallet in the room and eat whatever you want, the plan still wins. However, if the 35 missing restaurants stay missing, that convenience is limited to a much smaller pool of options.
The Math of Character Dining
If your family prioritizes character meals (like Topolino’s Terrace or Akershus), the plan almost always pays for itself. Since these are Disney-owned, they are safely on the 2026 list. These meals are the most expensive way to use a credit, providing the best “bang for your buck.”
The Gift Card Alternative
Many savvy Disney planners are moving away from the DDP in 2026. Instead, they calculate what they would have spent on the Dining Plan and put that exact amount on a Disney Gift Card. This gives you the freedom to eat at The Boathouse or Space 220 regardless of their contract status, while still maintaining a “pre-paid” budget.
Final Advice for Travelers
Currently, we recommend staying patient but being prepared. If you have already purchased a 2026 vacation package with a Dining Plan, keep a close eye on the official Disney World “Participating Locations” webpage.
If your favorite restaurant hasn’t returned to the list by the time your 60-day reservation window opens, our best advice is to book it anyway. You can cancel a dining reservation up to two hours before it is scheduled (in most cases) without incurring a penalty. If the restaurant is added back to the plan by the time you arrive, you’re all set. If not, you can decide at that time whether you want to pay out of pocket or swap it for a participating location.
What do you think? Does the removal of these 35 restaurants make you rethink the Dining Plan for 2026? Let us know in the comments!
