Tucked away in the back of EPCOT’s Morocco pavilion sits Restaurant Marrakesh, which is a massive and beautiful dining location that has largely gone unused since it closed in 2020.
While the space hasn’t reopened as a full-service restaurant, Disney hasn’t completely forgotten about it. In recent years, it’s popped back up seasonally as the Annual Passholder Lounge and, at times, the Florida Blue Lounge. The location is still functional, air-conditioned, and still very much viable. That’s exactly why fans can’t help but wonder: why is this incredible space still so underutilized?
With its size, indoor seating, and prime World Showcase location, Restaurant Marrakesh could be transformed into something truly special. Here are a few ideas that could finally make this forgotten venue a must-visit again.
1. A Permanent Home for Characterpalooza
Characterpalooza has become one of EPCOT’s most unpredictable and popular offerings if you time it right. Currently, it is typically located between the American Adventure pavilion and Germany. It’s a surprise character meet-and-greet that can draw massive lines that often spill into walkways, impacting guest flow throughout World Showcase. Relocating Characterpalooza to Restaurant Marrakesh could solve several problems at once.
The space is large enough to host multiple characters meeting simultaneously, all indoors and protected from the weather. Lines could be contained in the back of the pavilion, keeping walkways clear while offering guests a more comfortable experience. For Disney, it would also provide a consistent, designated location for rare characters.
2. A Dinner Show Inspired by Aladdin
With Disney reviving entertainment offerings like the Diamond Horseshoe show in Magic Kingdom, now featuring familiar IP, it’s clear that dinner shows aren’t off the table. Restaurant Marrakesh feels like the perfect place to bring something similar to EPCOT.
Disneyland once featured an Aladdin-themed dinner show, and Morocco’s immersive theming would make a modern version feel right at home. Live music, dancers, character appearances, and a fixed-price meal could transform Marrakesh into a truly exceptional dining experience.
3. A Morocco-Specific Tasting or Culinary Experience
EPCOT is all about food, drink, and cultural exploration, which makes it surprising that Morocco doesn’t currently offer a standout tasting experience. Restaurant Marrakesh could fill that gap with something unique, like a Moroccan wine tasting, spirit seminar, or even a permanent culinary demonstration space.
Think “Sangria University,” but with Moroccan wines, teas, spices, and cocktails. This type of offering would appeal strongly to adult guests and festival fans while staying perfectly aligned with EPCOT’s educational roots.
4. A Kid-Focused Indoor Escape in World Showcase
While EPCOT is often seen as more adult-focused, families with young kids still spend full days in the park, and they’re always looking for air-conditioned breaks. Restaurant Marrakesh could be reimagined as a kid-friendly space featuring an indoor play area, dance zone, or rotating craft activities inspired by Moroccan culture.
Much like the play area inside Dumbo the Flying Elephant, this would give toddlers and preschoolers a place to burn off energy while parents take a breather. It could also draw families deeper into the Morocco pavilion, an area many guests currently walk right past.
Restaurant Marrakesh is too beautiful, and too good of a space, to remain a seasonal lounge forever. Whether Disney leans into characters, entertainment, food, or families, this space could have new life. For more Disney park news, updates, and deep dives like this, be sure to keep following AllEars.net.
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What would you like to see be done with this restaurant? Tell us in the comments below!
Since the Marrakesh Restaurant was one of my favorites at Epcot, I would like to see the return of an elegant restaurant with delicious Moroccan cuisine. After all, Spice Table seems to be making many taste buds happy. I would hate to see this beautiful space turned over to the kids, who most likely do not fully appreciated the meticulous craftsmanship of its decorative accents. But, there is one suggestion in this article that would be a fabulous use of space…..an Aladdin-inspired dinner show. This would almost made up for the loss of the Luau previously held at the Polynesian Resort before they built the Tower on the site of Lyau Cove.