Walt Disney World guests planning a visit to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in May 2025 should be aware of an upcoming temporary closure at Whispering Canyon Cafe. Known for its lively dining experience and hearty Western-inspired meals, the restaurant will be undergoing a brief refurbishment that will pause its regular operations for just over a week. This article outlines what guests need to know about the closure and provides alternative dining options available at the resort during this period.
Closure Details and Timeline
According to the official Walt Disney World Resort website, Whispering Canyon Cafe will be closed from May 12th through May 21st, 2025. This timeframe has been designated for a refurbishment of the restaurant, though details on the specific updates planned have not been disclosed.
Despite the closure, the restaurant will still host its annual Mother’s Day brunch on May 11th, offering guests a special opportunity to enjoy this popular dining experience before the refurbishment begins. However, it is worth noting that regular breakfast and lunch menus will not be available on the day of the brunch.
What is Whispering Canyon Cafe Known For?

Whispering Canyon Cafe offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus filled with hearty Western dishes, including their all-you-care-to-enjoy skillets. What sets this restaurant apart, however, is its interactive atmosphere. Guests often enjoy playful antics from Cast Members who engage in humorous interactions and provide a lively, one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Beloved by families and groups, the restaurant is a staple within Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, capturing the essence of rustic fun while serving high-quality meals in a thematic setting. This reputation has made it a popular choice for both resort guests and those visiting from other areas of Walt Disney World.
Alternative Dining Options
For guests staying at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge during Whispering Canyon Cafe’s closure, several other dining venues within the resort will remain open and fully operational. These include:
- Territory Lounge – A cozy spot offering small bites and beverages.
- Roaring Fork – A quick-service option for casual dining.
- Geyser Point Bar & Grill – A scenic location featuring a menu of American classics.
- Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White – A character dining experience featuring Snow White and beloved characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
These options provide a variety of casual and upscale dining experiences to cater to guests’ needs while Whispering Canyon Cafe completes its refurbishment.
Preparing for the Temporary Closure
Guests planning their Walt Disney World vacation in May 2025 should consider this temporary closure when making dining reservations. For those keen on experiencing Whispering Canyon Cafe, the Mother’s Day brunch on May 11 may be the last opportunity to dine there before its brief closure.
Dining reservations at Walt Disney World can be competitive, particularly for limited-time options, so early planning is recommended. Guests are also encouraged to explore alternate dining venues at Wilderness Lodge or consider other restaurants located in nearby Magic Kingdom Resort Area hotels.
Final Thoughts
The temporary closure of Whispering Canyon Cafe is a reminder that refurbishments are an integral part of maintaining and enhancing guest experiences at Walt Disney World. While the restaurant will be missed during its brief downtime, the exciting shenanigans and delicious food it is known for will no doubt return with a refreshed atmosphere.
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Are there any of your favorite parts of these resorts that we missed? What are some of your favorite things to do at these resorts? Let us know in the comments! As always, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog for all the latest developments for Disney theme parks and all the information you could ever need about the Disney Vacation Club resorts.

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