Why Is NOBODY Talking About This Disney World Restaurant That’s About to Permanently Shut Down?

In case you didn’t know, you’ve really got a ton of options when it comes to dining at Disney World!

Aunt Polly’s

To be sure you’ve got your standard theme park fare, but you can also find a wide variety of food — from All-American classics to tastes from the Caribbean and Asia and even more. Now, if you’re in Magic Kingdom, there’s this one spot you might not even know existed and it’s about it shut down permanently, so you know we’ve got to tell you all about it!

As we were saying, there’s this one restaurant at Magic Kingdom that’s going to be permanently closing in 2025. We’re talking about Aunt Polly’s, and we’ve gotta have a chat about it (since no one else is)!

The Magic Kingdom Restaurant You Probably Didn’t Even Know Existed

Let’s be real. If you didn’t know Aunt Polly’s existed, you’re not alone. This adorable dockside restaurant is tucked away on Tom Sawyer Island, which is only accessible by raft by the way. Also, it’s been notoriously seasonal, and by seasonal we mean “rarely ever open.”

Tom Sawyer Island

Tom Sawyer Island itself is typically open from 10AM to 4:30PM, but Aunt Polly’s? That window gets even smaller! It was open on only the busiest of Disney World days, and usually only from 11AM to 3PM. In fact, it has been 2+ years since we’ve seen it open at all. So, if you managed to snag a snack here, consider yourself lucky!

Aunt Polly’s

That being said, this little quick-service spot holds a special place in our hearts. And if you’ve tasted the food, you’ll understand why this is such a loss.

Wait.What’s Happening to Tom Sawyer Island?

So in case you didn’t know, all of Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America are being taken out to make room for the brand-new Cars area in Frontierland.

©Disney

Starting in 2025, Disney will be transforming this area into a new and unique land themed around the Cars franchise. While we’re excited about new land and all that’s coming there, we can’t help but feel a little heartbroken to say goodbye to such an overlooked gem.

Why We’re Going to Miss Aunt Polly’s

We’re definitely going to miss the food. Even though Aunt Polly’s might be small and seasonal, it served up some seriously delicious eats.

  • Becky’s Buttery Biscuit Barbecued Pork Sliders: We can’t get over how hearty these sliders were. Instead of typical slider rolls, they used these thick, buttery biscuits that were perfect for soaking up all the saucy goodness of the shredded BBQ pork. Also, if you’re into a little heat, the Cajun house-made chips on the side had just enough spice to give it some kick!

Becky’s Buttery Biscuit Barbecued Pork Sliders

  • Peanut Butter Sandwiches: These weren’t your average PB&J sandwiches. At Aunt Polly’s, you could choose between raspberry preserves or chocolate hazelnut spread and a sliced banana tucked inside. It’s like the comfort food you didn’t know you needed, and now, we’re already craving it.

Aunt Polly’s Menu

  • Aunt Polly’s Root Beer Float: What an absolute classic. This float was made with Barq’s Root Beer and creamy vanilla ice cream, and was the perfect refreshing treat to enjoy while you watch the Liberty Belle gently float by on the Rivers of America. It’s simple, nostalgic, and oh-so-delicious.

Root Beer Float at Aunt Polly’s

Why No One’s Talking About It (But Should Be!)

Again, because Aunt Polly’s was open so rarely and required a raft ride to get to, it just wasn’t on most people’s radar, and that’s exactly why this closure feels so bittersweet. While some folks never even had the chance to try it, those of us who did know what an underrated gem it was.

Aunt Polly’s

So here’s a heads up: if you’re visiting Disney World by or before 2025, make it a point to get over to Tom Sawyer Island. Maybe you’ll get super lucky and find Aunt Polly’s open! After that, this quaint little dockside retreat will only exist in our Disney World memories.

Rivers of America and Aunt Polly’s

Stay tuned to DFB for all the latest from Disney World! We’ve got you covered!

There’s a One-Word Reason We Keep Coming Back to This Disney World Restaurant: NACHOS

Have you ever been to Aunt Polly’s? Tell us in the comments!

The post Why Is NOBODY Talking About This Disney World Restaurant That’s About to Permanently Shut Down? first appeared on the disney food blog.