Walt Disney World may be getting ready to switch from pumpkins to twinkling lights, but the real action this week is happening on its restaurant menus. Right before the holidays officially kick off, eight different dining locations quietly introduced some big changes—some exciting, others a little heartbreaking for fans of certain favorites.
Animal Kingdom’s Kiosks Take the Spotlight
A wave of updates just rolled through Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Smiling Crocodile dropped its popular Smoked Chicken Wings and Pulled Pork Sliders, swapping them out for Pulled Pork Cheese Arepas, Pulled Chicken Cheese Arepas, and a new Island Sunrise drink. That alone would have been newsworthy, but Terra Treats also made major moves. Its simple pizza slices and churros are gone, replaced with a Columbian-style Hot Dog and a plant-based version.
Then there’s Warung Outpost. Out go the chips, margaritas, and beers—and in come DOLE Whip concoctions like the Rafiki Wildberry and Orange Float, Pineapple Juice Float, and a version with rum. Add in churros, and it’s safe to say this kiosk is getting a sweet, summery vibe.
Upscale and Lounge Dining Also See Swaps
It’s not just the parks making changes. Over at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Flying Fish updated its upscale seafood menu. The Roasted Beet and Florida Berries dish, Cold Water Lobster Tail, and Lemon Mousse are no more. But guests will still find lobster on the menu—it’s just now butter-poached and a little fancier.
Meanwhile, Crew’s Cup Lounge at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort completely overhauled its cocktail lineup. Gone is the Sunset Margarita, replaced by a list that reads like a mixologist’s dream: Passion Fruit Margarita, Coconut Gimlet, Spiced Dark ‘N Stormy, and several more.
Disney Springs Restaurants Join In
The BOATHOUSE, Paddlefish, and eet by Maneet Chauhan all made adjustments as well. The BOATHOUSE swapped its Gulf Red Grouper for Pan-Seared Gulf Grouper. Paddlefish added Hokkaido Scallops and Freddy’s Avocado Lime while saying goodbye to some old favorites. Eet leaned into a family-friendly refresh with flatbreads and kids’ menu items.
A Strategic Move Before the Holidays
Changes like these aren’t random. They’re showing up just as Disney gears up for massive holiday crowds. Seasonal events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights bring in repeat visitors—and Disney knows those visitors love something new to taste.
This wave of menu refreshes seems to lean into bolder flavors, creative cocktails, and fresh snacks that can handle high demand. It’s a mix of upgrades, experiments, and a touch of holiday prep. Whether it’s DOLE Whip floats or butter-poached lobster, these updates are going to shape a lot of guests’ dining plans this winter.
