A New CHANGE Could Be Coming to Disney Restaurants Following a Temporary EPCOT Experiment

Disney World changes are common — they happen practically every day!

Welcome to EPCOT!

Yes, new attractions are announced, but we’re also talking about the smaller changes, like when menu offerings switch up or there’s a new rule in the parks. We headed into Regal Eagle Smokehouse in EPCOT recently and spotted something really interesting!

When we stopped by this quick service restaurant, we noticed that people weren’t throwing away their trash like we normally see. Instead, Cast Members were posted by the trash cans to accept a person’s tray and separate the contents.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse

Was this because people weren’t throwing away their trash? The contrary, actually! We asked a Cast Member about the change, and they shared with us that it’s part of a new sustainability study. Instead of allowing people to throw away their own trash and trust that they separate it into food, beverage, recycling, and trash, the Cast Members are doing it for them.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse ordering stations

This is because not every drain in Disney World is set up to drain to the correct place, so the Cast Members are collecting extra beverages and disposing of them in the appropriate drain. By Cast Members managing the trash, they can ensure everything is going where it needs to and avoid problems down the road.

Regal Eagle Seating

The Cast Member also told us that if the study is deemed a success, it will start to roll out in restaurants throughout Disney World. However, it’s likely that the practice at Regal Eagle will go away for a short time. Cast Members told us that the program is temporary. We’ll be on the lookout for updates as to if and when the program will officially launch.

Regal Eagle Sauces

Now, this does NOT mean that you can just leave your tray and leftover food at any old table — you’ll still need to bring your tray up to a Cast Member. Disney didn’t share when the testing period for this study will end, so we’ll be sure to keep an eye out and let you know what we’re seeing and hearing.