Disney World is constantly changing, and sometimes that means saying goodbye to beloved restaurants.

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 some Disney World restaurants that have permanently closed, and what, if anything, has taken their place.

2025 saw several longtime Disney World dining establishments close due to construction, beginning with not one, but two Hollywood Studios eateries with ties to Muppet history.

Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

For those who know their Disney theme park history, Mama Melrose’s will always stand as a major “What if?” The Studios’ staple was located right across from Muppet*Vision 3D, and during the restaurant’s construction, it was actually planned to be a Muppet restaurant — The Great Gonzo’s Pandemonium Pizza Parlor — which was planned to even feature Rizzo the Rat-style Muppet “waiters” bringing patrons their food. According to theme park urban legend, the beams in the ceiling were originally meant to carry these animatronics.

After the death of Jim Henson put a stop to many Disney/Muppets projects, the restaurant was retooled mid-construction into a traditional Italian restaurant. Mama Melrose’s served Hollywood Studios for over 30 years before it was closed as part of the preparation for the upcoming Monsters, Inc. land.

PizzeRizzo

While it wasn’t as elaborate as The Great Gonzo’s Pandemonium Pizza Parlor would have been, Hollywood Studios did eventually get its Muppet restaurant in the form of PizzeRizzo, which opened in 2016.

While the food was… not a strong suit (it was Rat Pizza after all), the eatery did develop a fanbase thanks to its elements of Muppet-theming, including the upstairs banquet hall. Like Mama Melrose’s, PizzeRizzo closed in 2025 as part of the Monsters, Inc. project.

Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn

Over in the Magic Kingdom, Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn also closed permanently in 2025. While some may not have noticed the quick service eatery closed as the Tom Sawyer location was only operational seasonally, those who frequented it was open will miss its quick service fare like BBQ sandwich biscuits, pretzel sticks, pb&j, and a Mississippi Mud Pie, all downed with a root beer float! Aunt Polly’s closed with the rest of the island in preparation for Piston Peak construction. 

Restaurantosaurus (In 2026)

Over in Animal Kingdom, the opening day eatery Restaurantosaurus — once home to one of Walt Disney World’s McDonald’s locations — is also about to go extinct. The restaurant will shutter with the final remaining elements of DinoLand U.S.A. on February 2nd, 2026 to make way for the upcoming Tropical Americas. The last day of operation is February 1, 2026.

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.

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.

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.

However, the ESPN Club closed permanently, and in its place, we 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

What’s your go-to Disney World restaurant in 2025? Tell us in the comments!

The post 8 Restaurants Disney World Had to Permanently Close first appeared on the disney food blog.