List of Restaurants Reopening at Disney Springs & CityWalk
Walt Disney World has begun phased reopening of Disney Springs, its shopping, dining & entertainment complex. Here we’ll compile a running list of which restaurants will open, when, and some procedures they’ll utilize to ensure guest safety. (Updated May 20, 2020.)
Since this was first announced, a ton of dining and shopping locations have opted to reopen during the initial phase. In total, there are over 40 restaurants and stores that will immediately welcome guests–that’s a good portion of Disney Springs. Other venues will reopen at the end of May or in early June.
Then there are others that will probably take a wait and see approach, keeping a close watch on other restaurants to see how things go. This will allow them to determine whether operating at a reduced capacity is viable, and which approaches work best…
With Disney Springs now open, we have a first look offering Photos & Videos of Safety Screenings & Signage around the district. Our latest WDW Reopening Update also covers some answers to frequently asked questions about these policies.
There’s also “Know Before You Go” Info for Disney Springs, which includes details about the 6 key practices and health safety measures that will temporarily be undertaken by Walt Disney World during the phased reopening of Disney Springs.
In addition to third parties, there’s also the matter of the Walt Disney World owned restaurants and stores. Per the original announcement, only select third parties are reopening during the initial phase. The following week, three Disney-owned venues (World of Disney, D-Luxe Burger, and Marketplace Co-Op) will reopen, while others will remain closed.
These closed locatins include AristoCrêpes, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co, Amorette’s Patisserie, and Daily Poutine, several food trucks, and stores in the Marketplace. It’s understandable that these wouldn’t reopen right away given both their locations and style–none are exactly “destination dining.” It’ll be interesting to see when Walt Disney World reopens these locations.
Then there’s that other theme park operator up the road. Universal Orlando just released info about CityWalk…
We wouldn’t normally share this info in a Walt Disney World planning post, but since this is exclusively targeted at Orlando area locals, it’s relevant. Universal Orlando’s CityWalk is now open from 4 pm to 10 pm daily, with free self-parking, mobile ordering at select locations, and new safety guidelines.
Universal has already shared CityWalk’s new/temporary policies for distancing and health screening, which will likely overlap significantly with Disney Springs. They’ve also released a list of restaurants that’ll be open: Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Red Oven Pizza Bakery, and Voodoo Doughnuts.
As for Disney Springs, here are lists of the restaurants that have thus far announced that they’ll be reopening in May and June…
Disney Springs Restaurants Reopening May 20, 2020
4 Rivers Cantina Food Truck – The bright red food truck tucked away by World of Disney will be opening on May 20, joining the other 4 Rivers locations around Orlando that have been operating on a carry-out basis only for the last couple of months.
On a side note, if you’re reading this from a ‘planning perspective’ (rather than out of passing curiosity), you presumably live in Central Florida. In which case, we’d highly recommend one of the “real” 4 Rivers Smokehouse locations. The only restaurant meal we’ve done in the last two months is pick-up from 4 Rivers Smokehouse and it was fantastic. (Order the Signature Angus Brisket + Burnt Ends and eat them together for the perfect mix of flavor and texture. Use coupon code HICKORY25 for 25% off online or phone orders.)
The Boathouse – The #1 restaurant on our List of the Top Disney Springs Table Service Dining, the Boathouse is a true standout. We really hope the Dockside Bar is open, because the mix of open air plus the waterfront scenery sounds about perfect to us right now.
Plus, we probably owe you a new Boathouse review…right?!?! 😉
Polite Pig – The other local chain boasting barbecue and smoked specialities will also be reopening on May 20.
We’ve started to come around on Polite Pig, but still think it has nothing on 4 Rivers Smokehouse. A good pick if you’re using the Disney Dining Plan or are a captive audience on vacation at Walt Disney World, but if you’re reading this from a planning perspective right now, neither apply to you…
STK – One of the last restaurants to close is also among the first to reopen, as STK is now accepting reservations for May 20 and beyond. I could make a joke about how filling 25% of tables would be a nice boost for STK. That’s low-hanging fruit and we played that out the first couple years STK was open.
The fact is, we’ve come to love STK, dining here for their lunch and happy hour specials with frequency of late. In fact, STK is the Disney Springs restaurant at which we’ve dined most in the last two years.
Wine Bar George – This was the first Disney Springs to announce it would reopen (on May 20 at noon), and has additionally released an entire page on its website devote to Wine Bar George’s Health & Safety Promises. This comprehensive plan includes basics like sanitization and social distancing, plus contactless menus and payment.
We’ve dined here a few times, but thus far have only published a Wine Bar George Brunch Review. Regardless, we’d recommend it for any meal.
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill – While the restaurant itself has not released an official statement, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill does have availability via OpenTable for dinner on May 20, 2020 and beyond.
Other Restaurants – Other establishments that have confirmed they’re reopening include:
- Chicken Guy
- Blaze Pizza
- Earl of Sandwich
- Erin McKenna’s Bakery
- Frontera Cocina
- Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Kiosk
- Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
- Paradiso 37
- Sunshine Churros
- YeSake Kiosk
Retail – Here are the stores and shopping options that have confirmed they’ll be reopening:
- American Thread
- Anthropologie
- Arribas Brothers
- Art Corner
- Basin
- Chapel Hats
- Columbia Sportswear
- Edward Beiner Purveyor of Fine Eyewear
- Free People
- Happy Hound
- Lucky Brand
- Luxury of Time
- Pele Soccer
- Pop Gallery
- Ron Jon Surf Shop
- Sanuk
- Savannah Bee Company
- Sosa Family Cigars
- Sugarboo & Co.
- UGG
- UNIQLO
- UNOde50
- Volcom
- Vera Bradley
- Zara
All of these will operate on May 20, but exact hours are unknown at present.
Disney Springs Restaurants Reopening May 22, 2020
The following Patina Restaurant Group-operated venues in Disney Springs are resuming operations on May 22, 2020 with limited menus for lunch and or dinner service. Their tentative accompanying hours that are subject to change include the following:
- Vivoli il Gelato (Carry Out) — Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Morimoto Asia (Main Dining – Room Dinner Service) — Open from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Morimoto Asia Street Food (Outdoor Dining Lunch & Dinner Service) — Open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Pizza Ponte (Indoor/Outdoor Dining Lunch & Dinner Service) — Open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
These and all other Patina venues will implement the “Dine Safe” program, which is a comprehensive set of reengineered operating procedures to minimize contact risk and bolster hygiene protocol that meet or exceed the best-practice guidelines recommended by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Here are the program’s key components…
The Dining Room and Guest Experience:
- To enhance health and safety measures, guests will be required to wear face coverings at all times except while eating and drinking.
- Ensuring current social distancing procedures are upheld via the redesign of table layouts for seating guests as directed by local and state regulators and in compliance with the CDC.
- Enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols, including hourly disinfecting as needed for all high-touch surfaces.
- Multiple hand-sanitizing stations strategically placed throughout our facilities.
- Controlled access to the facility to carefully monitor incoming and outgoing patrons and employees through clearly designated entrances and exits.
- Using single-use menus to limit contact.
Team Member Safety Measures:
- Undergo a health check when they report to work.
- Sanitize their hands when they report to work and are required to wash and sanitize their hands every 20 minutes throughout the shift.
- Wear masks while on duty.
- Undergo a comprehensive “Dine Safe” Training Program.
The remaining Patina restaurants at Disney Springs, including Maria & Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway, and the Edison, will also resume operations soon.
We’ll keep you posted as to which other restaurants announce they’re reopening (or not) at Disney Springs. On a personal note, we’re taking a “wait and see” approach (like some of these restaurants!) on returning to both Disney Springs and Universal’s CityWalk. We’re a bit concerned the first few days (at least) are going to be crowded beyond belief due to pent-up demand.
With that said, we’re not staying away due to the health safety or screening measures, nor are we judging anyone who does return on opening day. As eager as we are to get out of the house, we’d prefer to err on the side of caution and mitigate our risk a bit, avoiding the initial days likely to see the biggest crowds. Nevertheless, we’ll be back to Disney Springs soon, and will have more ‘on-the-ground’ photo updates for you once we do!
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Will you visit Disney Springs once it reopens, or will you take a similar ‘wait & see’ approach? Anywhere you’re excited to eat first? Will you check out CityWalk at Universal Orlando? Thoughts on the health protocol and safety measures? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Love your newsletter! Have a question though…your article states that Morimoto and Frontera Cocina will be opening on May 22nd yet later in the article you state that they will not be opening on June 1st. We are wanting to visit Disney Springs, from Illinois, on the day it opens, and visit on May 22nd when other establishments are open, but confused as to exactly what is going to be available. We are also visiting June 7th-11th and hoping more restaurants are open.
What was the question?
I want to know if Morimoto and Frontera Cocina will be opening on May 22nd, as per the newsletter. If you look further into the newsletter it then states that Disney cancelled reservations for these places for June 1st. Per the newsletter, “In other words, the restaurants below are now NOT reopening on June 1, 2020,” Morimoto and Frontera Cocina are now on that list.
I know my comment was confusing…I was trying to hurry and ask a question and failed to read it over again prior to posting. I know what I was asking, but obviously confused everyone else LOL! Then, if they are not reopening June 1st, will they potentially reopen by June 7th-11th…our next scheduled trip?
Tom, another local BBQ suggestion for you & Sarah. We’re big fans of Ellie Lou’s in the Ocoee area. We go back and forth between them and 4R.
A different cuisine altogether, if you haven’t tried Clermont Fish House, you’re missing out!
Thanks for the updates!
It has been reported that Disney has agreed with its union that masks will be required to be worn by all cast members and guests. Do you know if the agreement provides for how long this mask requirement will remain in place? What are any agreed criteria for discontinuing the mask requirement?
I believe that this will happen sooner rather than later. It will not matter at first since capacity will be limited anyway. But it will matter more and more as things open up. I also believe that Disney will need to offer free disposable face masks to its guests if they are required. The homemade cloth masks will become a health hazard if they are worn for more than a short time in our Florida heat. All it will take is one person to get sick from the heat and then sue Disney from being forced to wear a mask.
Went into My Disney Experience and tried to make a reservation in Splittsville for June 1 and it said there were no times available. Does this mean they will not be reopening on the 1st?
I love Disney Springs, but I will not return until masks are not required in Disney Springs. There are too many other great options in Orlando where masks are not required. I live in Orlando and have already been out to dinner at five different restaurants in Orlando in the past 10 days. (My husband and I do very little cooking.) Non-surgical masks are germ carriers and offer little to no protection. My husband and I are annual passholders and Tables in Wonderland members. We will visit Disney Springs again when the restrictions are lifted.
Totally agree! Thx for posting!
Just FYI: Masks are not meant to protect you. They’re meant to mitigate how far your potential coughs and sneezes travel and thereby offer some degree of protection to those who might find themselves, of necessity or by chance, within 6 to 12 feet of you. There seems to be a lot of confusion about this out there. Hope this helps.
I have vacation plans june 20 to 27 I wish parks could be open but I love downtown Disney too and hubby loves bubba gump shrimp so well be doing some eating…
Thanks Tom, love your updates. I certainly would HOPE Make a Wish children wouldn’t be going. I’m guessing they aren’t feeling well to begin with, don’t risk it. I’m sure there could be other ways to make them feel special and all. I do hope they will be able to make it one day when things have calmed down. Best of luck and people, get outside, walk around and really, all we can do is make the best of it. Stay healthy! Disney will still be there!
Replies are being weird for me right now, but Pig Floyd’s is (or at least was) partnering with Gideon’s to deliver cookies with their food! Their Instagram page had details at some point.
Thanks for all you do Tom! We haven’t had APs for a couple of years, but I still like to read your blog to keep up with what’s happening at Disney. It’s a fun escape!!!
Nice, a discount code for 4R! We’ve had takeout from there twice in the last couple of months already…but it’s a favorite, so it may happen again!
Have you tried Pig Floyd’s yet? It’s BBQ/Latin/Asian fusion (I guess?), and is one of our local favorites. Might be a bit out of your area, but worth the drive if you just want to get out for a while. And if you’re there, Kelly’s ice cream isn’t too far away (or at least that’s my justification)! Pig Floyd’s is also doing deliveries thorough the area if you want them to come to you though…
Haven’t tried either yet, but thanks for the recommendations!
Probably will start doing more to-go orders this month as we’re getting sick of eating homemade meals. Gotta stock up on Gideon’s cookies, too…
Got reservations for STK for late May. Went through open table to do it as couldn’t do it through Disney app. It came up with choice for inside or out. Plus notes that you can’t wait in bar or near outside tables. And menu will be what is currently on “to go” menu
We had planned on going there right before shutdown
Too many “considerings” in that last reply >.<
will face shields count as face coverings? I would much rather wear that instead!
I think the Universal updates are very relevant right now on this blog considering all things considered. Thanks for including it!
This is a step in the right direction. I think the masks and other procedures that we are opening up with, will end sooner than later. I think it is extra precautions just to get the country up and going again. Once we start getting into the later phases of reopening, phase 2 or 3 we should see the restrictions relax and get back to normal. Thinking time frame wise maybe August. My son was due to go on his Make a Wish trip at the end of April. We are waiting to reschedule with MAW and Give Kids the World until the travel restrictions lift and the masks are a thing of the past as there is no way I am going to get him (3 years old) to keep one on in Florida all day. Just got word though that Give Kids the World will stay closed until August 2020. I think that makes sense as that gives time for Disney to start their phased opening. I doubt they want Wish Kids going down right when it first opens, especially if they will not get the full experience.
“I think the masks and other procedures that we are opening up with, will end sooner than later.”
I’d mostly agree with that.
I mostly agree with that too. Thank you so much, Tom B, for frequent updates. I am sure it’s a lot of work and we appreciate it!
If I lived local I would definitely be willing to go check it out for a while, both Disney Springs and/or CityWalk. I’m with you in the ‘wait and see’ category though as I’d be curious to see how it looks, plus I’m sure we’ll see some other restaurant’s and store’s open up as they figure out staffing, scheduling, etc. On a different note, Universal is now offering buy one night get one night free for HHN’s through the beginning of June. There seemed to be quite a few wondering if event’s like this were still going to happen and this would make me think they are for sure. I doubt we’ll see that same offer through Disney (one could only hope!) but I am curious what offers we see going forward as Universal also dropped the price a little compared to last year for the event. Thanks for the great work Tom.
“On a different note, Universal is now offering buy one night get one night free for HHN’s through the beginning of June.”
I think it bodes well, but I’m honestly surprised by this. There’s no way of knowing what restrictions/protocol/policies will look like come September–I probably wouldn’t do something that boosts attendance.
In the meantime, I’m very excited for some Voodoo Doughnut!
What is HHN’s?
Tom, it’s an interesting move for sure as I highly doubt they would have much trouble selling tickets if the event was happening. This is their 30th anniversary so I’m sure they want it to go off as originally planned and hit peak every night but, you said it, there’s no way to know what that looks like. If they really need to boost attendance…sell more Voodoo Doughnut’s, problem solved!!
Bonnie, HHN is Halloween Horror Night’s. It’s Universal’s main ticketed Halloween event they hold every year which runs from Sept. through Nov. 1st.
@Tom
We were at STK for dinner just before it closed and it was mobbed! Maybe your dining hours don’t coincide with their peaks?
@Barbara
Fellow Pennsylvanian. Just ignore Wolf, maintain your personal protection properly and get outside! You can only be trapped if you allow it.
Were the parks already closed then? Disney Springs saw a big spike in that last week.
Regardless, STK has seen a steady increase in popularity the last couple years. That first year or so it was open, things were ROUGH. Various promotions plus strong word of mouth has definitely helped.
Hello,
We are local passholders and it’s too early for us to feel safe at this point.
We have been to most restaurants at Disney springs and a few of our favorites are reopening June 1st.
We will be watching.
I normally don’t pay a lot of attention to what’s going on at Universal.
But I certainly am interested right now.
It’s success in reopening venues will have an impact on Disney’s decisions, and vice versa.
As much as I would love to have a meal where I don’t have to cook it and clean up from it, and as much as I miss Disney, I’m not going for a good while yet.
I am in Pennsylvania and I certainly do feel captive in my home,
why? my sister in law is in PA and doesn’t feel that way at all.
PA here too. You’re only captive if you’re willing to be.
Get out of the house & enjoy life!
Barbara, I feel you – fellow Pennsylvanian here. I agree about feeling captive in my home. These masks! I don’t want to go to other places because I’m required to wear a mask, which feels like an even smaller prison! So…yes…we are essentially on house arrest. The daily outdoor walks are no substitution for my pre-COVID life.
@Stephanie
So call or email your state Senator and Congressperson. Not federal, state! Do the same with your county manager. Call Wolf’s office. You will be put through to the state department of health. Make your objections known. Tell them what you want done, but most of all at the county level tell them you will not vote for them again. It’s too late for Wolf, but next time you vote for governor, make sure you research for whom you vote.
I am also in illinois and most certainly do not feel captive in my home.
God bless them, I wish them all the success in the world. Locals- dawn your masks and frequent these restaurants!! Be thankful or having Disney Springs in your backyard. I am in Chicago where fear reigns supreme and we are essentially being help captive in our homes. Best wishes.