Dining is a huge part of your Disney World vacation, but there are some restaurants that our readers are saying have got to go.
From immersive theming to character meals and over-the-top signature dining, Disney restaurants often become just as loved as the rides themselves. But not every location keeps up the standard that guests want, and sometimes guest expectations aren’t met.
We asked our Facebook readers a bold question: “Which Disney World restaurant needs to permanently close?” The responses poured in, and while opinions were strong, a few restaurants kept popping up again and again. Now, 99% of readers stated there wasn’t a restaurant they would close permanently; instead, they would like to see major changes to. Here’s what Disney fans had to say and why some diners think these locations may be overdue for major change.
Coral Reef Restaurant
Located inside EPCOT’s World Nature neighborhood at The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion, Coral Reef Restaurant is one of Disney World’s most unique dining experiences. Guests dine beside massive aquarium windows while surrounded by swimming sea turtles, sharks, and tropical fish. The restaurant primarily serves seafood dishes along with steak and chicken options.
However, many readers feel the experience doesn’t always live up to its potential. Emily M suggested a major overhaul, saying, “Make Coral Reef a seafood buffet like Cape May Cafe, and it would be sold out.” Another reader, Sam, added, “Coral Reef. Overpriced. If you’re sat next to the tank, people crowd your table. If you aren’t, it’s a mediocre experience.” Guests frequently mentioned inconsistent food quality and the fact that seating location can dramatically impact enjoyment.
Still, families visiting EPCOT for the first time or guests who love aquarium views may find Coral Reef worth it simply for its atmosphere alone.
Coral Reef - Lunch/Dinner
Hollywood & Vine
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Hollywood & Vine currently operates as a character dining buffet featuring Minnie and friends at seasonal dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant serves classic American buffet fare designed to appeal to a wide range of guests.
Tammy shared a nostalgic take, saying, “Turn Hollywood and Vine back to a cafeteria and feature citizens of Hollywood characters.” We’ve got to say, this is such a unique idea that many longtime fans would love! Many fans remember earlier versions of the park’s entertainment offerings and feel the restaurant lacks personality compared to newer themed dining experiences. Others noted that buffet food quality doesn’t always justify the price point.
That said, Hollywood & Vine remains popular with families traveling with younger children who want guaranteed character interactions without long wait times, as this is the only location in Hollywood Studios that offers character dining.
Hollywood and Vine Restaurant
Services: Buffet/All You Care to Eat
Trail’s End Restaurant
Nestled at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Trail’s End was once beloved for its hearty, all-you-care-to-enjoy BBQ buffet filled with comfort food favorites. Over the years, this restaurant went through some changes — shifting from buffet to family-style dining and eventually transitioning into a quick-service marketplace.
Ryan summed up the frustration many fans expressed: “I’ll tell you what restaurant needs to change. Trail’s End. It was a perfect BBQ buffet, then it became a set price restaurant, then a QSR.” Guests frequently mentioned that the newer format lost the charm and value that made Trail’s End a destination dining spot. Even so, visitors staying at Fort Wilderness may still appreciate the casual, convenient option and relaxed campground atmosphere.
Trail's End Quick Service Restaurant Restaurant
Services: Quick Service
Nine Dragons Restaurant
Located in the China Pavilion at EPCOT’s World Showcase, Nine Dragons Restaurant offers typical Chinese fare, representing various regions of the country. You’ll find items like fried rice, honey chicken, noodles, and stir-fried dishes in a beautifully themed dining room inspired by traditional Chinese design.
Ben explained why the restaurant landed on many lists: “Nine Dragons in the China pavilion. Nothing really wrong with it, but it’s just a standard American Chinese restaurant. Would love a hot pot restaurant or frankly any type of Chinese restaurant that’s different than what I can get at home.” Many guests echoed this sentiment, wishing the restaurant offered a more authentic or unique culinary experience reflective of EPCOT’s cultural storytelling mission.
For guests seeking familiar flavors or picky eaters looking for recognizable options, however, Nine Dragons can still be a reliable World Showcase meal.
Nine Dragons Restaurant Restaurant
Services: Table Service
‘Ohana
At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, ‘Ohana has long been considered one of Disney World’s most iconic dining experiences. Known for its Hawaiian-inspired, all-you-care-to-enjoy skillet meal featuring grilled meats, noodles, and the famous bread pudding dessert, the restaurant has built a loyal following over the decades. However, things have changed, and fans aren’t happy.
But some readers feel the experience has changed. Sandy shared, “We just went to Ohana for dinner, and it definitely isn’t what it used to be…very disappointing!” Complaints often centered on menu adjustments, service pacing, and perceived declines in quality compared to pre-closure versions of the restaurant.
Despite criticism, ‘Ohana remains extremely popular, especially for guests seeking a lively atmosphere, family-style dining, and one of Disney World’s most beloved desserts.
'Ohana Restaurant
Services: Table Service
Disney Dining is Personal
Not everyone agreed that any restaurant should disappear entirely. Soy offered an important perspective: “Reading responses shows how subjective food opinions truly are. What one hates, another loves, so with that being said, I vote none…”
And honestly? That comment captures Disney dining perfectly. Nostalgia, expectations, and personal taste all play a huge role in how guests experience a meal. The best way to find out if a restaurant is for you is to look at the menu and read other people’s experiences, while they might differ from yours, it helps give you an insight!
We want to hear YOUR thoughts! Leave a review right here on AllEars for the restaurants you’ve been to so you can help out fellow Disney lovers planning their next trip!
Whether you agree or disagree with these picks, the conversation proves one thing: Disney fans care about the restaurants they visit while on vacation. For more Disney dining reviews, news, and updates, be sure to keep following AllEars.net.
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Which Disney World restaurant would you like to see close? Tell us in the comments below!
Trail’s End was my favorite restaurant. Now, I would not bother eating there.
One pizza slice at trails end is $10.00. No thanks
It was so much better when it was the restaurant style.
So disappointed they changed it to quick service.
Not to mention they have built the new hotel on top of it, so all ambiance of wilderness is gone. So, so sad 😞