As the new year begins, Disney has updated its 2026 Disney Dining Plan, bringing back over two dozen restaurants that were previously removed. While this is welcome news for many guests, some popular dining locations remain absent from the list. In this article, we’ll explore the returning restaurants, those still missing, and what these changes mean for your Disney dining experience.
Returning Restaurants to the 2026 Disney Dining Plan
Several restaurants have been re-added to the Disney Dining Plan for 2026, including a mix of Quick-Service and Table-Service options. These returning locations provide guests with a variety of dining experiences across Walt Disney World’s parks, resorts, and Disney Springs.
Notable Returning Restaurants
- Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza (Disney Springs)
- The BOATHOUSE (Disney Springs)
- Chef’s de France (EPCOT)
- Chicken Guy! (Disney Springs)
- City Works Eatery & Pour House (Disney Springs)
- Cookes of Dublin (Disney Springs)
- Crepes a Emporter (EPCOT)
- Earl of Sandwich (Disney Springs)
- The Edison** (Disney Springs)
- eet by Maneet Chauhan (Disney Springs)
- El Mercado de Coronado (Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort)
- Katsura Grill (EPCOT)
- La Cantina de San Angel (EPCOT)
- Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie (EPCOT)
- Lotus Blossom Cafe (EPCOT)
- Morimoto Asia Street Food (Disney Springs)
- Pizza al Taglio (EPCOT)
- Pizza Ponte (Disney Springs)
- The Polite Pig (Disney Springs)
- Rix Sports Bar & Grill (Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort)
- Siestas Cantina (Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort)
- The Smokehouse at House of Blues (Disney Springs)
- Splitsville Dining Room (Disney Springs)
- Terralina Crafted Italian (Disney Springs)
- Tutto Italia Ristorante (EPCOT)
- Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria** (EPCOT)
- YeSake Kiosk (Disney Springs)
These additions restore some popular dining options, offering more flexibility for guests using the dining plan.
Restaurants Still Missing from the 2026 Disney Dining Plan
Despite the return of many locations, some well-loved restaurants remain absent from the dining plan. This includes both Quick-Service and Table-Service venues that have been guest favorites in the past.
Notable Missing Restaurants
- Connections Cafe (EPCOT)
- Creature Comforts (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
- Rainforest Cafe (Disney Springs)
- Rainforest Cafe (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
- Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge (Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter)
- T-Rex (Disney Springs)
- The Trolley Car Cafe (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
- Yak & Yeti Restaurant (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
The absence of these locations may be due to ongoing negotiations with third-party operators or other operational considerations.
Understanding the Changes
The Disney Dining Plan includes a variety of restaurants, but some are operated by third-party companies. These external partnerships can lead to delays in finalizing agreements, which may explain why certain locations are added or removed at the last minute. While some restaurants may join the plan later in the year, there is no guarantee.
Tips for Planning Your Disney Dining Experience
- Check for Updates: Keep an eye on the official Disney Dining Plan list for any changes or additions throughout the year.
- Explore Alternatives: If your preferred restaurant is not on the list, consider trying a new dining location that is part of the plan.
- Plan Ahead: Make dining reservations early to secure your spot at popular locations.
Conclusion
The 2026 Disney Dining Plan has seen the return of many beloved restaurants, providing guests with more options for their dining experiences. However, the absence of some popular spots highlights the importance of staying informed and flexible when planning your meals. By keeping up with updates and exploring alternative options, you can make the most of your Disney dining plan.
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.
