A long-standing Magic Kingdom venue is preparing for a temporary closure, marking another quiet shift inside one of the park’s original lands.
Since opening in 1971, Magic Kingdom has been defined by a mix of classic attractions, themed lands, and entertainment concepts that reflected Disney’s early approach to immersive design. Many of those original ideas remain visible today, even as the park has gradually evolved.
Opening-day lands included Main Street, U.S.A.; Adventureland; Frontierland; Fantasyland; and Tomorrowland. Early attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan’s Flight, and the Skyway helped establish the park’s identity and set expectations for future expansions.
Frontierland, in particular, leaned heavily on live entertainment in its early years. Stage shows, character performances, and themed dining locations were intended to slow guests down and encourage longer stays within the land.
One of those locations was the Diamond Horseshoe. Inspired by Disneyland’s Golden Horseshoe Revue, which ended in 1986, the Magic Kingdom venue opened as a Wild West–themed dinner show combining stage performances with family-style meals.
For years, the restaurant functioned as both entertainment and dining. Guests watched live performances while eating, reinforcing Frontierland’s theatrical tone and its focus on turn-of-the-century Americana.
Over time, that format changed. Full-scale shows were phased out, and Diamond Horseshoe operated intermittently as a table-service restaurant or event space. Extended closures became more common, and the venue’s role within the park grew less defined.
Even so, the building remained a recognizable part of Frontierland. Its presence served as a reminder of Magic Kingdom’s early emphasis on live entertainment, even as newer attractions prioritized ride capacity and efficiency.
Most recently, Diamond Horseshoe has operated as an all-you-care-to-enjoy restaurant. The menu included roasted turkey, pot roast, smoked pork loin, and ooey gooey toffee cake (one of Magic Kingdom’s best desserts), priced at $45 per adult and $24 per child.
Disney Confirms Temporary Closure
Disney has now confirmed that Diamond Horseshoe will close to all guests beginning May 16, 2026. The closure is tied to a previously announced seasonal offering.
The space will be used for Jessie’s Roundup, a Toy Story–themed experience scheduled to run during Cool Kids’ Summer. As part of the change, table-service dining will be removed.
Instead, the venue will be converted into an indoor activity space designed for children. The focus will be on movement and character interaction rather than food service.
“’Toy Story’ bursts into the Diamond Horseshoe with high-energy fun at Jessie’s Roundup, led by everyone’s favorite yodelin’ cowgirl,” Disney said. “Get ready to craft, dance and yodel your day away alongside Jessie, Woody and friends in this high-spirited Western revue!”
Food will not be offered as part of the experience. Guests interested in a Toy Story–themed meal are being directed to Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
What Comes Next for the Diamond Horseshoe
Disney has indicated that the change is temporary. Jessie’s Roundup will run from May 26 through September 8, 2026, with Diamond Horseshoe expected to return to normal operations afterward.
Even so, the closure removes a dining location from Magic Kingdom during a busy period. The park already has limited table-service capacity compared with other Walt Disney World parks.
Diamond Horseshoe last hosted a full show more than 20 years ago, when Goofy’s Country Dancin’ Jamboree ran from 2003 to 2005. Since reopening after the pandemic, it has shared a kitchen and menu with the nearby Liberty Tree Tavern.
That overlap resulted in little distinction between the two restaurants. Guest feedback has reflected that lack of differentiation.
On Tripadvisor, Diamond Horseshoe currently holds an average 3.3-star rating. Some reviews describe the experience as underwhelming, though others note its affordability and availability compared with other table-service options.
With the seasonal overlay in place, guests looking for a sit-down meal may need to rely more heavily on nearby alternatives or quick-service locations.
What do you think of the changes to Disney’s Diamond Horseshoe?
