Planning Your Summer Dining Just Got a Little More Complicated
Summer at Walt Disney World is usually filled with sunshine, long park days, and some of the best meals you can find in Central Florida. However, if you’re planning a trip for the upcoming 2026 summer season, you might need to adjust your dining reservations. Two major resort restaurants are officially scheduled for refurbishments, which means they’ll be unavailable for a significant portion of the season.
We know how much these spots mean to your vacation traditions. Whether it is a celebratory steak dinner or a casual brunch before heading into the Magic Kingdom, these closures will definitely impact how guests navigate their meals at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Let’s look at exactly what is happening and how you can plan around it.
Yachtsman Steakhouse Closing at Disney’s Yacht Club
First on the list is a heavy hitter for steak lovers. Yachtsman Steakhouse, located at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, is preparing for an extensive closure to accommodate various upgrades. This signature dining location is a favorite for many due to its high-quality cuts of beef and its sophisticated, nautical atmosphere.
The restaurant is currently scheduled to close its doors starting May 11th and it is expected to remain closed through August 2026. While Disney hasn’t shared a specific reopening date yet, the closure covers the bulk of the summer travel window. If you were looking forward to their famous Creamy Lobster Bisque or that legendary Truffle Macaroni and Cheese, you will have to look elsewhere for your gourmet fix this year.
Grand Floridian Cafe Refresh and Temporary Changes
Over at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, another popular spot is getting a facelift. The Grand Floridian Cafe is slated for a refresh that will begin in mid-July and run into October 2026. This restaurant is well-loved for its Victorian elegance and more approachable price point compared to its neighbors like Victoria & Albert’s.
The closure here is a bit different than the total shutdown at Yachtsman. While dinner service is being removed from the schedule entirely during this window, brunch fans have some good news. Between 7:30 AM and 2 PM daily, the Grand Floridian Cafe brunch menu will still be available, but it will be hosted inside Citricos. This means you can still get your fix of Eggs Benedict or the signature Grand Floridian Cafe Burger, just in a different setting. Just be aware that because Citricos is nearby, Disney has mentioned that construction noise might be heard during the daytime hours.
Why These Closures Matter for Your Trip
When a major table service restaurant closes, it puts a lot of pressure on the surrounding dining locations. With Yachtsman Steakhouse out of commission, reservations at other EPCOT area restaurants like Flying Fish or Ale & Compass will likely become much harder to snag. Similarly, with Grand Floridian Cafe moving its brunch to Citricos, that location will be pulling double duty, potentially limiting overall table availability at the resort.
The Grand Floridian has been in a state of transformation lately. We have already seen the lobby receive new furniture and carpets, plus the opening of the new birdcage-themed bar called The Perch. Even the Garden View Tea Room recently reopened with an updated Alice in Wonderland theme. These restaurant refreshes are just the next step in keeping these flagship resorts looking their best.
Pro-Tips for Your Summer Dining Strategy
- Look for Alternatives Nearby: If you are staying at the Yacht and Beach Club, try Ale & Compass for a similar vibe or Beaches & Cream Soda Shop for something more casual.
- Explore the BoardWalk: Just a short walk away from the Yacht Club, you will find excellent options like Trattoria al Forno and the recently opened Cake Bake Shop.
- Book Early: Since there are fewer tables available at the Grand Floridian this summer, make sure you are ready to book your dining reservations exactly 60 days out from your trip.
- Mind the Noise: If you’re planning a quiet brunch at the temporary Citricos location, just keep in mind that construction sounds are a possibility.
While it is always a bummer to see a favorite spot close for a few months, these updates ensure that the Disney dining experience stays top-notch for years to come. We will keep a close eye on the progress of these refurbishments and let you know the second an official reopening date is announced for either location.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.