Disney4me Posted February 25 Report Share Posted February 25 Disney World is constantly changing, and sometimes that means saying goodbye to beloved restaurants. Spirit of Aloha We’ve seen our fair share of dining spots close over the years, but some sting a little more than others. Whether it’s a fan-favorite dinner show, a go-to sports bar, or a solid table service option, these closures have left a noticeable gap in Disney dining. But with every ending comes a new beginning, and some of these closures have paved the way for exciting new additions. Let’s talk about four Disney World restaurants that have permanently closed, and what, if anything, has taken their place. Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show This one was a tough loss for many Disney fans. The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort was a long-running luau experience featuring live entertainment, Polynesian cuisine, and fire dancing. It was a unique offering that brought a little bit of island magic to Disney World. Luau Show at Spirit of Aloha Unfortunately, it was permanently closed in 2022 to make way for the new Island Tower at the Polynesian. While we did get Wailulu Bar & Grill, the loss of this experience still stings for guests who loved the dinner show’s immersive atmosphere. Wailulu Bar & Grill Here’s our review of Wailulu Bar & Grill! ESPN Club If you ever found yourself on Disney’s BoardWalk looking for a place to catch a game, chances are you ended up at the ESPN Club. This spot was a staple for sports fans, serving up classic pub food with plenty of TVs so you’d never miss a play. ESPN Club However, the ESPN Club closed permanently, and in its place, we’re got something entirely different – the Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers. This restaurant is all about elegant decor, Instagram-worthy desserts, and a more refined dining experience. The Cake Bake Shop It’s a major shift from the sports bar vibe, but it’s certainly something new and exciting for the area. We tried the controversial $23 cake slices at Cake Bake Shop — Here’s how it went Big River Grille & Brewing Works Another BoardWalk closure, Big River Grille & Brewing Works, was one of the few spots in Disney World where you could get house-brewed beer with your meal. It was a more casual dining option that flew under the radar for many guests, but those who knew about it enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and solid menu. Big River Grille & Brewing Works As of now, there’s no announced replacement for this location, so we’ll have to wait and see what Disney decides to do with the space. Hopefully, another great dining option will take its place soon! Tokyo Dining EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion has always been a fantastic spot for unique dining, and Tokyo Dining was a go-to for sushi and tempura lovers. The restaurant had an elegant yet casual feel, making it a great option for those looking for a high-quality meal without a signature dining price tag. Tokyo Dining While Tokyo Dining has closed permanently, it has been replaced by Shiki Sai: Sushi Izakaya, which brings a new take on Japanese cuisine to EPCOT. Shiki-Sai in the fall This restaurant offers a more immersive dining experience with seasonal menu items and a focus on traditional Japanese dining culture, so while we lost Tokyo Dining, we gained an exciting new option in its place. 2 things you have to try at Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya! More Closures Are Coming Due to upcoming construction projects at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, several more restaurants will be closing, including the likes of PizzeRizzo, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, Restaurantosaurus, and Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn. PizzeRizzo Our hearts break for those restaurants we’re going to lose, but at the same time, we’re excited about the new spots that are coming in the future. Restaurantosaurus Disney World’s dining landscape is always evolving, and that means we’re likely to see even more changes in the future. While we definitely miss these restaurants, we’re always keeping an eye on what’s coming next. Stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney food reviews, news, and tips! REVIEW: This $23 Drink Flight Is One of the Best Disney World Hotel Restaurant Deals Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What’s your go-to Disney World restaurant in 2025? Tell us in the comments!The post 4 Restaurants Disney World Had to Permanently Close first appeared on the disney food blog.View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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