Rodents, Toxic Substances Close Down Eatery Location: Disney World Guests React

Disney World guests have one place less to eat at, thanks to 15 health code violations found, including rodents.

Disney World Guests Impacted by Sudden Closure of Restaurant

Disney visitors expecting a fun day filled with rides, laughter, and classic burgers may have been left stunned recently. On September 15th, 2025, Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews, a popular eatery just minutes from Disney World, was temporarily shut down after health inspectors uncovered 15 violations—four of which were classified as high priority.

For many families, grabbing a quick bite near the park is part of the magical experience. Yet, the findings at Sickies Garage raise important questions about food safety for guests venturing off-property. Rodent activity, improperly stored toxic substances, and lapses in hygiene were among the violations that prompted immediate corrective action.

Even seasoned Disney-goers who frequent the nearby restaurants were surprised. While theme parks maintain strict internal standards, off-site dining requires extra vigilance, and incidents like this remind visitors to always double-check where they eat.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) led the inspection. The report detailed significant issues, including an employee failing to wash their hands before handling food, rodent presence, and food held at unsafe temperatures. Additionally, inspectors noted standing water in coolers, fly sticky tape improperly positioned over food prep areas, and black residue inside ovens and microwaves.

Official Update: What Happened at Sickies Garage

The DBPR temporarily closed the restaurant on September 15th after the violations were discovered. High-priority concerns—like unsanitary employee practices and rodent activity—prompted immediate action. The restaurant operator responded quickly, coaching staff on proper handwashing, removing rodent droppings, and ensuring proper food storage and temperature control.

Later the same day, a follow-up inspection confirmed the restaurant had taken significant corrective measures. The DBPR noted 11 violations during the re-inspection, with only three considered high priority. The operator resolved the employee hygiene issues and corrected temperature concerns for stored food. A minor time extension was granted for one improperly stored toxic substance, but overall, the restaurant “met inspection standards during this visit” and has since reopened to the public.

Tips for Disney Guests Dining Nearby

For Disney World visitors, this incident is a reminder to stay mindful when eating outside the parks:

• Check Inspection Records: Florida’s DBPR provides public access to inspection results. A quick check can ensure the restaurant has met safety standards.

• Observe Hygiene Practices: Watch for handwashing, glove use, and proper food handling by staff.

• Be Selective with Off-Site Dining: High-traffic restaurants near Disney can sometimes be overlooked in favor of convenience, but safety should remain a priority.

• Use Mobile Apps: Many apps now provide real-time reviews and updates on restaurant cleanliness and service quality.

Hidden Insights: What Frequent Visitors Know

Locals and repeat guests have learned to keep a few insider tricks handy. Smaller, family-owned eateries often maintain strict internal practices even if previous inspections were concerning. Alternating visits between on-property dining and trusted off-property spots can reduce exposure to potential health hazards while still keeping the Disney day experience enjoyable.

Beyond safety, this story taps into the emotional experience of visiting Disney World. Families invest time, money, and excitement into park days, and a negative dining experience can cast a shadow over those memories. Social media quickly amplified news of the closure, with many expressing shock or relief that corrective action was taken promptly.

For Disney enthusiasts, incidents like this highlight the delicate balance between convenience and safety when venturing beyond park boundaries. With a little research and mindfulness, guests can enjoy meals nearby while protecting the magic of their visit.

Always check health inspection records and observe restaurant practices before dining near Disney World—your family’s safety is worth a few extra minutes of prep.