A food health crisis has stricken the Central Orlando area as seven different restaurants right outside of Walt Disney World have shut down by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Walt Disney World Area Hit With Health Crisis Following Food Establishments Closing Down by Health Department
The idea of dining just outside Walt Disney World can sound like the perfect escape—cheaper prices, fewer crowds, and a taste of “real” Orlando. But what if that off-property bite comes with an unwanted side of health code nightmares?
In a span of just seven days—from July 27 to August 2—seven Orlando restaurants were shut down by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation following surprise inspections. Two of these shuttered spots were located less than 15 minutes from Disney World, raising concern for tourists who venture off resort property for a bite to eat.
We’ll walk you through what happened, what these violations mean for your next visit, and how to avoid getting caught in a dining disaster. If you’ve ever ventured down Irlo Bronson Highway on your way to Disney, this article could save your vacation.
What Really Happened: Health Code Failures Near the Magic
According to data from the Florida DBPR and Orlando Sentinel, seven restaurants in the Orlando area were forced to temporarily shut down in late July and early August. Two of these closures hit particularly close to home for theme park tourists.
Latin Bistro Express
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5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee -
Closed: July 31 -
Reopened: August 1
Inspectors found 22 violations, with three high-priority issues, including:
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Raw chicken stored in spice boxes
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Rodent activity
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An expired business license
While the restaurant reopened after a follow-up visit and cleared most issues, the sheer number of violations raised alarms for locals and visitors alike.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
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5170 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee
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Closed: July 28
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Reopened: July 29
This family-friendly chain—popular with tourists—was temporarily shut after inspectors discovered:
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Active roach activity
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Dish sanitizer not functioning correctly
The restaurant reopened after resolving the sanitation issues and calling in pest control, but the proximity to Walt Disney World makes this one worth noting.
How to Stay Safe When Dining Off-Property
While Disney property restaurants undergo intense inspections and adhere to strict standards, off-property spots can be hit-or-miss. Here’s how to make sure your next meal outside the parks is a safe one:
Check DBPR Reports Before You Go
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) updates inspection reports weekly. Before trying that mom-and-pop diner or a late-night bite, check recent inspection scores on their site.
Look for Recent Reviews
Search Google, Yelp, or TripAdvisor for recent guest experiences. Watch for consistent mentions of cleanliness or food quality issues.
Stay Alert on Location
If the restaurant smells off, seems under-cleaned, or has few customers during peak hours, trust your gut. Vacations are not the time to risk food poisoning.
Hidden Hacks: Where Locals Really Eat Near Disney
Want safer (and tastier) options just outside the Disney bubble? Here are a few hidden gems with clean inspection histories and strong reviews:
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Manny’s Original Chophouse – Family-style steakhouse with generous portions and clean facilities.
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Columbia Restaurant (Celebration) – Iconic Spanish-Cuban cuisine in the quaint nearby town of Celebration.
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4 Rivers Smokehouse (Winter Garden) – A local favorite BBQ joint with high standards and a loyal following.
Local tip: Head west toward Winter Garden or south to Celebration instead of sticking to Irlo Bronson Highway if you want to dodge the tourist trap pitfalls.
Why This Matters: Trust, Safety & the Vacation Experience
Millions of guests visit Central Florida each year for a dream vacation—and many choose to save money by staying or eating off Disney property. But these recent closures show just how easily that dream can be interrupted by poor hygiene, lax oversight, or neglected safety.
On social media, guests expressed shock and disappointment:
“We ate there in June—this is horrifying.”
“I thought big chains like Perkins would be cleaner.”
It’s a reminder that just because a place is near Disney doesn’t mean it meets Disney standards. Your safety and comfort shouldn’t be compromised, even for a cheaper meal.
The post Health Crisis Hits Walt Disney World Area as Multiple Restaurants Shut Down appeared first on Inside the Magic.
