If there’s one thing you can always count on at Disney World, it’s change. Attractions evolve, parades come and go, and yes—restaurants update their menus. While some changes are seasonal and fun, others are more permanent, shaping the way guests experience food across the parks and resorts.
This week, Disney announced that 25 restaurants are making updates, spanning from Magic Kingdom to Disney Springs and beyond.
For guests planning trips, this means it’s worth checking menus before you finalize reservations. And for food lovers, it’s an exciting chance to try something new while mourning the loss of a few old favorites. Let’s dig into what’s changing and then highlight the top dining picks you won’t want to miss.
Changes Inside the Parks
Magic Kingdom saw a few updates that lean heavily into fall flavors. Main Street Bakery, the Starbucks on Main Street, has introduced Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, an Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, and a Chocolate Protein Cold Brew. Over in Tomorrowland, Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies added a plant-based Strawberry Smoothie—perfect for guests looking for a refreshing snack on a hot day.
At EPCOT, some classics disappeared from menus. Katsura Grill, the peaceful quick-service spot tucked in Japan, removed Japanese Curry from its offerings. Meanwhile, Sunshine Seasons in The Land Pavilion dropped several items, including Assorted Cereal, Side Salads, Peanut Butter Whoopie Pie, and allergy-friendly desserts. On the upside, it added a Kid’s Salmon plate, giving families more healthy dining options.
Hollywood Studios joined in with both Starbucks and ice cream updates. The Trolley Car Café introduced the same pumpkin-themed drinks as Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery. Hollywood Scoops went in a sweeter direction, adding chocolate milkshakes, including an adult-friendly bourbon version.
Over at Animal Kingdom, the seasonal coffee trend reached Creature Comforts, the park’s Starbucks. But bigger changes appeared at snack kiosks. The Smiling Crocodile, known for its indulgent macaroni dishes, replaced them entirely with new options like Smoked Chicken Wings and Pulled Pork Sliders. Across the way, Eight Spoon Café added new baked macaroni and cheese creations topped with pulled pork or buffalo chicken, ensuring guests still have cheesy comfort food to look forward to.
Resort and Hotel Updates
The dining changes didn’t stop at the theme parks. At Disney’s Riviera Resort, Primo Piatto quietly removed items like Fruits Rouge Cheesecake, Sea Salt Rice Chips, and Pico de Gallo Rice Chips. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin’s Cabana Bar and Beach Club dropped several menu staples, including Rock Shrimp Ceviche and Frozen Espresso Martinis, while adding fresh new dishes like Crab Cakes, Shrimp Cocktail, and Elote “Hummus.”
Over at the All-Star Resorts, each of the three food courts—Intermission, End Zone, and World Premiere—said goodbye to their Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes. These desserts had been a fun, colorful option for years, but Disney often cycles cupcakes in and out, so new treats will likely appear soon.
Disney Springs Joins the Fun
As always, Disney Springs delivered some of the most eye-catching menu changes, many of them themed to Halloween. The BOATHOUSE added a seasonal Pumpkin Cheesecake. Morimoto Asia introduced “Ghost Dumplings” and a special cocktail called “Spirit of the Yokai,” launching in October. The Edison rolled out a blood-red “Blood Donor” drink, while Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC leaned into spooky fun with Ghost Sugar Cookies, Mummy Cake Pops, and Bloody Guts Donuts.
Other Disney Springs highlights include Paddlefish’s Witch’s Heart Cocktail, The Polite Pig’s Berry Scary Bourbon Smash, and Wetzel’s Pretzels’ Apple Cinna-Bitz. Maria & Enzo’s and eet by Maneet Chauhan also joined in with creative seasonal cocktails and noodle dishes. Together, these updates make Disney Springs a foodie destination in its own right, especially for those who love trying holiday-inspired eats.
What It Means for Guests
The sheer volume of changes—25 restaurants in total—reminds us that Disney dining is never static. If you’ve visited the parks before, it’s important not to assume your favorite dish will still be on the menu. That can be disappointing for families who count on the same meal year after year, but it’s also part of what makes Disney dining fun: there’s always something new to discover.
Seasonal additions, like pumpkin drinks and spooky treats, keep Disney World in sync with the time of year, while permanent removals, like Katsura Grill’s Japanese Curry, mark the end of certain fan-favorites. The best way to prepare? Keep an open mind and maybe even plan your trip around trying a few new items you wouldn’t normally order.
Restaurants You Should Try in Each Disney World Park
With all the updates happening, you might wonder which spots stand out as the most reliable and enjoyable. Here are some of the best restaurants to aim for in each park:
-
Magic Kingdom: Skipper Canteen – This Jungle Cruise-inspired table-service restaurant offers adventurous flavors like spiced lamb chops and curried vegetable stew. It’s fun, flavorful, and themed down to the last detail.
-
EPCOT: Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria – Famous for its authentic wood-fired pizzas, this Italy Pavilion favorite is often ranked among the best dining experiences in all of Disney World.
-
Hollywood Studios: 50’s Prime Time Cafe — This one is a blast from the past and gives you a chance to enjoy some ‘hoom-cooked’ dishes with a fun atmosphere.
-
Animal Kingdom: Yak & Yeti Restaurant – A mix of Asian-inspired cuisine, hearty portions, and a richly themed interior make this one of the most reliable sit-down experiences in the park.
Final Thoughts
With 25 restaurants updating their menus, Disney World is keeping guests on their toes. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned annual passholder, these changes are a reminder that food is just as much a part of the Disney experience as rides and shows. From seasonal sweets in Disney Springs to hearty meals in the parks, there’s always something new to try—making every trip deliciously unique.
The post Disney World Announces That 25 Restaurants Will Be Changing appeared first on Inside the Magic.
