On the most recent episode of the Disney Dining Show, the DIS Unlimited team discussed Walt Disney World restaurants that should be replaced entirely rather than just improved. All 10 of these restaurants feel outdated, overpriced, poorly themed, or are wasting valuable space that could be used for better dining concepts. In other words, it’s time to go!
Be sure to watch our full discussion below and read along to know which Quick Service and Table Service restaurants you should avoid on your next Disney World vacation!
La Creperie de Paris
Le Creperie de Paris opened in 2021 with the addition of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. The restaurant offers both a walk-up window and a sit-down dining experience, both with a similar menu of sweet and savory crepes. Unfortunately, the crepes are overpriced, under-filled, and not substantial enough for a sit-down restaurant. This space could be better used as an expanded bakery since Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie always has a long line and super limited seating.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe is the largest Quick Service restaurant in Magic Kingdom with plenty of seating and a family-friendly menu of burgers and chicken strips. The inside is super dated and the theming hasn’t changed since the 1990’s. Cosmic Ray’s is often dirty, overcrowded, and the menu is uninspired. While the Sonny Eclipse animatronic might be nostalgic to some, even he feels tired. Magic Kingdom needs better Quick Service offerings and this huge Tomorrowland space should be completely redesigned.
Paradiso 37
Paradiso 37 opened at Disney Springs back in 2009 but somehow feels even older and more outdated. The menu is inspired by street food from North, Central, and South America but really is closer to being a chain restaurant like Chili’s. Overall, Paradiso is generic “mall food” with inconsistent service and bland menu offerings. It no longer fits the upgraded Disney Springs dining scene and has availability even on the busiest days.
Planet Hollywood
Even though the giant globe exterior is iconic, the interior of Planet Hollywood remains loud, overstimulating, and outdated despite renovations. The food quality is average at best with a basic menu of over the top burgers. Planet Hollywood hasn’t been relevant since the 1990’s with only two of its locations still open. This large piece of Disney Springs real estate would be better used for just about anything else.
Coral Reef Restaurant
Coral Reef Restaurant really is an incredible space with the opportunity to dine inside the Living Seas Pavilion with a view of one the large fish tanks. It’s pretty special to be dining next to a shark, sea turtle, or diver swimming by. Coral Reef is also home to an iconic scene from “The House Meets The Mouse” episode of Full House. Unfortunately, the restaurant is over-shadowed by its not-great food quality and outdated decor. The menu needs a major overhaul and the decor choices need to be refreshed to meet the price point. This space is so under-utilized and you can almost always get a walk up reservation for this once sought-over restaurant.
Contempo Cafe
Conempo Cafe is the Contemporary’s Quick Service dining location and is located right next to Chef Mickey’s. While the menu is pretty standard for a Quick Service restaurant, the quality is terrible. And even though it might be cool to have the monorail come zooming by, the location feels like a waiting room for Chef Mickey’s. The space and menu quality are beneath the resort’s reputation.
Nine Dragons Restaurant
Nine Dragons is the Table Service restaurant along the water in EPCOT’s China Pavilion. The space it’s in is great but everything else is lackluster. Nine Dragons has the potential for great fireworks viewing but under utilizes the location and the decor feels lackluster. Worst of all, the food tastes generic, lacking authenticity and cultural representation expected at EPCOT. It’s shame to have great Chinese food at Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs, and basically a P.F. Changs equivalent in EPCOT.
The Plaza Restaurant
Magic Kingdom – Main Street, U.S.A.
The Plaza Restaurant has so much charm and one of the best locations at Disney World. Unfortunately, the declining food quality and small space, makes the dining experience unmemorable. The space is very loud with tables right on top of each other and the food isn’t much better than what you can find at any Quick Service restaurant. The location has so much potential and at this point should be replaced with a new concept like an upscale restaurant or lounge overlooking Cinderella Castle.
Rosie’s All-American Cafe and Catalina Eddie’s
Hollywood Studios – Sunset Boulevard
Rosie’s All-American Cafe and Catalina Eddie’s are both open-air Quick Service restaurants on Sunset Boulevard. This area of Hollywood Studios is called Sunset Ranch Market and is themed to the original Los Angeles farmers market. While the theme is charming and aligns with 1940’s Hollywood, this prime space is wasted on basic food instead of immersive dining. Outdoor seating is especially tough most months in Florida and this area takes up most of Sunset Boulevard. it would be so great to have a multi-function restaurant themed to nearby attractions like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Replacing outdated restaurants could create better guest experiences and more exciting dining options across Walt Disney World. In general, there are too many bland Quick Service locations and valuable real estate is being under-utilized. Because of the frequent rain and hot temperatures in Orlando, indoor spaces that people actually want to spend time in are always in-demand. Restaurants that can double as a cafe, bakery, or lounge also provide the opportunity to accommodate a wider-group of people.
Be sure to let us know if any of these restaurants are worth revisiting or if there’s any other restaurants you think should go!
