Why We’re WORRIED About Disney World’s New Restaurant Trend

Disney4me · February 28

While 2025 may be the year of Disney World closures, there are so many new offerings opening this year!

Cinderella Castle

This includes new stage shows, a nighttime parade, Test Track 3.0, and two ride-themed lounges! We are super excited that both of the lounges will open in Magic Kingdom and in EPCOT and are huge fans of the direction that Disney is taking as we are suckers for a ride theme! Although we can’t wait to dine at these lounges when they open later this year, we are a bit worried about this one reason.

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In case you missed it, Disney World will soon be home to a brand new lounge in Magic Kingdom and one in EPCOT. Let’s dive into a recap!

EPCOT

Pirates of the Caribbean Lounge

It was initially announced in 2023 that Magic Kingdom would be getting a lounge inspired by the attraction Pirates of the Caribbean. By 2024, Disney dropped more details, concept art, and even an opening timeline for the lounge! We do not know exactly where this lounge will be; we know it will be somewhere in Adventureland and will be open by the end of 2025.

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©Disney

We suspect that the new lounge will replace Tortuga Tavern, but this has yet to be confirmed.

Tortuga Tavern

Spaceship Earth Lounge

At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in 2024, it was revealed that a new lounge themed to EPCOT’s park icon would soon be part of the park! The Spaceship Earth Lounge will be “inspired by the stories, shapes, and enduring legacy of this timeless icon.” We are happy to report that construction has already started, and the lounge is expected to open in late spring of 2025.

©Disney

The lounge is set to overlook the World Celebration and even have a view of the fireworks!

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Spaceship Earth Lounge construction

So, what’s the problem?

We can’t wait to have the opportunity to dine in these two lounges, and we love that both Disney World and Disney Cruise Line are adding ride-inspired lounges. The problem? Well, just like us, many people are excited to check out these new locations, especially because they are themed after two popular attractions! This means we can expect long wait times to finally be able to go inside these lounges. Menus and reservation information have not been released. We don’t usually see lounges needing to use a reservation system. Still, we think these two lounges could use a system similar to the one used at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

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Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

If you are not familiar, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto requires you to show up in person and place your name on a wait list. People start to line up before the bar even opens to ensure they get their name on the list. Sometimes, wait times can span hours, and once you are called, you have 15 minutes to return to secure your table.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

These lounges have the potential to have a time limit, just like Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge. Those wanting to check out the cantina have a 45-minute time limit to allow others to experience it. Once again, this is not confirmed, but it makes us nervous that these lounges could be so popular that you may have to wait a long time to enjoy them.

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Oga’s Cantina

Late spring is right around the corner, so we will see how the Spaceship Earth Lounge handles “reservations” or if it will be on a first-come, first-served basis. We will keep an eye out for any news regarding these two lounges, so make sure to continue to follow along with the Disney Food Blog!