5 Extinct Disney Restaurants That People Want Back ASAP

Disney World may have closed these restaurants, but some Disney fans are begging for them to return.

Disney dining is always evolving, but sometimes the magic of what “used to be” lingers long after the final plate was served. From island hideaways to themed experiences that felt straight out of a movie, these five extinct Disney restaurants hold a special place in fans’ hearts, and nothing quite compares to what they offered.

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1. Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn

Located on Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom, Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn was the ultimate hidden gem. There was nothing quite like grabbing a snack, sitting riverside, and watching the Liberty Belle glide by. It wasn’t just about the food, but also about the atmosphere. Being able to sit on an island inside the park, away from the crowds, made this dining spot a true escape within the magic.

Although the restaurant has been shuttered for years, it briefly came to life again with seasonal openings. All of Tom Sawyer’s Island closed earlier in 2025 to make way for the new Cars area —  Piston Peak. Still, many fans wish Aunt Polly’s would return to capture that serene and nostalgic riverside dining experience.

2. Pizza Planet

For kids in the 1990s, the original Pizza Planet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios was the stuff of dreams. Inspired by Toy Story, it offered more than just pizza; it felt like stepping into the film. Families loved the arcade-style energy paired with quick bites that fueled long days in the parks.

But in 2016, Pizza Planet closed and was transformed into PizzeRizzo, themed after the Muppets. While fun in its own way, it never captured the same childhood magic, and today, it’s closed altogether as that area transitions into a Monsters, Inc.–themed space. For many fans, nothing will ever compare to the feeling of walking into Disney’s very own Pizza Planet.

3. Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show

The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort was a one-of-a-kind experience that blended Polynesian culture with Disney magic. Guests enjoyed an all-you-can-eat family-style feast while being entertained with hula, fire-dancing, and storytelling. It was a true cultural showcase that transported you to the islands.

Unfortunately, the show closed permanently in 2020 to make way for the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. While Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness still offers a beloved dinner show, it’s a very different vibe. Fans miss the tropical flavors, unique entertainment, and the immersive Polynesian experience that Spirit of Aloha brought to Walt Disney World.

4. Mickey’s Backyard BBQ

Over at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Mickey’s Backyard BBQ was a family favorite where the fun was as much about the characters as the food. Guests enjoyed a buffet of barbecue classics while dancing and interacting with Mickey and friends. The combination of live music, line dancing, and up-close character time made this dinner show unlike anything else on property.

The experience closed in 2018 and has never reopened, leaving a gap for those looking for character dining that was both relaxed and full of energy. While Fort Wilderness continues to offer unique experiences, fans who grew up making memories at Mickey’s Backyard BBQ still wish for its return.

5. ESPN Club

For sports fans, the ESPN Club on Disney’s BoardWalk was the ultimate vacation haven. With wall-to-wall screens, great pub food, and a lively atmosphere, it was the perfect place to catch a big game while still staying in the Disney bubble. Its location made it especially convenient for guests visiting EPCOT or Hollywood Studios who didn’t want to miss their favorite teams in action.

The ESPN Club closed permanently in 2022 and has since been replaced by The Cake Bake Shop. While other locations like CityWorks in Disney Springs offer a similar sports bar atmosphere, nothing quite matched the nostalgia and convenience of having the ESPN Club right on the BoardWalk. For many guests, it was an essential part of their Disney vacation routine.

Bonus: Be Our Guest Quick Service Lunch

When Be Our Guest first opened, one of the biggest draws was its quick-service lunch option. Guests could order ahead and enjoy French-inspired meals inside the Beast’s enchanted castle without the price tag of a full table-service dinner. It was truly one of the best values in Disney dining, pairing immersive theming with approachable, delicious food.

Today, Be Our Guest operates exclusively as a prix-fixe table-service experience, which, while still beautiful, doesn’t offer the same flexibility or affordability. Many fans long for the days when grabbing a casual croque monsieur in the ballroom felt like the ultimate Disney dining win.

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I Hate To Say It, But These 6 Disney World Restaurants Need To GO

Which of these restaurants would you like to see reopen? Tell us in the comments below!

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