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!
Hey Tom, DVC is not canceling our early June trip yet – but the hotels ARE closed. Is this the pattern? Any advice? Should we re-book or wait it out?
Thanks for the information, Tom!
I am looking forward to just getting out of the house and having some semblance of normalcy. I too am glad they are taking precautions for everyone safety. I love having access to Disney. Hopefully the parks will open soon too.
I’m so glad to see that masks will be required. Thank you, Disney. Those that don’t want to wear it- well, bye-bye… As a nurse friend of mine told me- “those that say they can’t wear a mask, will have a much harder time wearing a ventilator”…
Do you know if the Disney Marketplace co-op is opening back up and do you know if they ship?
If not, do you know of a reputable Disney shopper that ships things for a (hopefully small) fee?
Are you going up drive to Florida yo be “ on the ground?” Or fly?
@Andrea
We usually drive. I fly enough that the break is welcome. We make a relaxing, two day trip out of it. Stop. Use some of my motel points. Have a nice dinner. Some wine. Hot tub. Get an early start next day. Get in about 1. Lay in provisions and adult beverages from the grocery, have dinner at a Disney restaurant like Narcoosies and wait for the kids and grandchildren to arrive via Magical Express. We love having an SUV on site as it makes it convenient to move between parks and to our various dinner reservations.
@Ken
An N95 mask WILL protect you as well as others. I was discussing this with my doctor during my annual visit a few days ago. He also showed me an interesting research article on mask effectiveness. A non medical mask such as a bandanna or a home sewn one, will not.
I totally agree, an N95 mask is the only type of mask that will protect you and others. These masks are in short supply and should be reserved only for health care workers at this time. Homemade masks are a joke and are actually a health hazard.
Our Florida governor just expanded Phase 1 opening for most of Florida. I am so happy. Starting next Monday, restaurants and retail stores will be able to expand indoor capacity to 50%, and museums, libraries, gyms and fitness centers are allowed to open. Unfortunately bars and movie theaters must still remain closed, but I believe their time is coming soon. Note for those of you who are paranoid, masks are not required here in Florida. The risk of catching the virus in Central Florida is miniscule. If you are in good shape and practice good hygiene, you should be safe. The percentage of the population here that has the virus here is extremely low. Most cases are in nursing homes. Any time you go out in public, you risk being exposed to illness. Life is not without risk. I do not live in fear. I do not own and will not wear a mask when I go out in public. I am having no problems finding places to go and have fun right now.
I know that masks are meant to protect others and not the person wearing the masks, but I believe that they present a health hazard and a false sense of security. All someone has to do is sneeze or cough in a restaurant or into the open air while they are eating or drinking (think of Mickey bars, cotton candy or popcorn) without wearing the mask to expose others to illness. I recommend Disney furnish disposable masks if they are requiring them. For me, I would not sneeze or cough into my mask if I had to wear it throughout they day. I would remove the mask and sneeze or cough into a tissue and throw the tissue away. Common sense needs to prevail here. I will not visit Disney or any other establishment that requires guests to wear other than disposable masks. I prefer that guests not wear masks at all and practice good hygiene.
Not bad. A small boring Start. In any way, time to get lit!
Yassss