If The Mara is part of your dining plan at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, there is a short-term change worth noting. The food court and dining room are stepping back for maintenance this week, though you can still get your meals with a bit of planning. Here is what is happening and how to work around it.
What Is Closing
The maintenance work affects the food court and dining room at The Mara. That means the seating and the walk-up counter areas are the parts taking a break, not the entire operation.
In other words, the location is not shutting down completely. The kitchen is still turning out food, but the way you order and where you sit are the pieces changing for a few days.
When It Is Happening
Closes
September 21, 2026
Reopens
September 25, 2026
The closure runs from September 21 through September 25, 2026. It is a short window, so guests staying at the resort during this stretch are the ones most likely to feel the difference.
Once the work wraps up, normal service is set to return, and the food court and dining room should be back to their usual routine.
How to Still Get Your Meal
Even with the dining room closed, you are not out of luck. Guests can place food orders through mobile ordering in the My Disney Experience app during the closure.
The quick-service location continues to operate from 6:30 AM to 11 PM, so the hours line up with early breakfasts and late-night bites alike. Just place your order ahead of time in the app, then pick it up when it is ready. It is a good idea to build a little extra time into your plans, since seating in the immediate area will be limited while the work is underway.
What to Expect On Site
Maintenance projects tend to come with some noise and activity, and this one is no exception. Guests may see or hear maintenance work in the area during daytime hours.
None of that should stop you from ordering, but it is helpful to know in advance so it does not catch you off guard. If you prefer a quieter setting for your meal, you might carry your order to another spot around the resort.
A Little About The Mara
The Mara is the quick-service dining option at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and it carries a name with real meaning. It is named after the Mara River, which flows through Kenya and Tanzania.
The menu reflects the resort’s theme, offering a mix of American and African fare. That blend gives guests familiar comfort options alongside dishes with a bit more variety, which fits the setting of the lodge well.
Conclusion
The Mara’s food court and dining room closure is a brief one, running only from September 21 to 25, 2026, and mobile ordering keeps meals within reach the whole time. Plan to order through the My Disney Experience app, keep the 6:30 AM to 11 PM hours in mind, and expect some daytime maintenance activity nearby. With those small adjustments, your dining plans at Animal Kingdom Lodge can stay on track.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
