A Popular Disney World Restaurant Closes THIS WINTER!

A Popular Disney World Restaurant Closes THIS WINTER!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is going through some major changes right now, and even more rides and restaurants will be closing soon to make way for Pueblo Esperanza, the park’s new Tropical Americas-themed land.

Meal from Harambe Market

Meanwhile, It’s Tough To Be A Bug closed earlier this year to make way for a new attraction coming soon, Zootopia: Better Zoogether. Well, that’s not the end of the changes Animal Kingdom is getting this year. This winter, ANOTHER restaurant in the park, Harambe Market, will temporarily close for refurbishment.

Click here to subscribe

The Disney World website has confirmed that Harambe Market will close in winter 2025 for a refurbishment. However, it seems to be a short closure because the dining spot is expected to reopen in early 2026.

Harambe Market

Harambe Market is a quick service dining spot that features food like African-inspired food like shrimp and chicken bowls, as well as lamb kofta. The popular Frozen Flamingo drink can also be found here.

Frozen Flamingo

If you’re visiting Animal Kingdom after Harambe Market’s closure, you can always grab a quick meal at places like Eight Spoon Cafe, Flame Tree Barbecue, The Smiling Crocodile, Pizzafari, Satu’li Canteen, and Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes. Restaurantosaurus in Dinoland, U.S.A. will also be open until early February (after that, it will permanently close so Disney can continue construction on Pueblo Esperanza).

Satu’li Canteen

You’ll want to keep this closure in mind if you’re visiting Animal Kingdom later this year. Note that all of Dinoland, U.S.A. will be closed throughout most of 2026, or at least until construction on Pueblo Esperanza is completed. That could mean you might want to plan accordingly, or take the opportunity to take part in some underrated activities in Animal Kingdom — one of my personal favorites is visiting Conservation Station to take a drawing lesson from a Disney animator, pet some animals, and see Disney’s veterinarians taking care of animals.

Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation.

Disney Vacation Planner

Stay tuned to DFB for more.

The Retro Animal Kingdom Shirt from Amazon Everyone Will Be Wearing to Disney World

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.


Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!


Will this affect your Animal Kingdom plans on your next trip? Let us know in the comments!

The post A Popular Disney World Restaurant Closes THIS WINTER! first appeared on the disney food blog.

Important Disney Dates Simplified – Get a list of all of your important dates for your upcoming Disney vacation so you don’t miss a thing.