Many restaurants around Orlando have benefitted from a program that allowed for expanded outdoor dining space during the pandemic.

Outdoor Seating

To help restaurants adjust to health and safety guidelines, Orlando previously enacted the Temporary Use Permit Parklet Program, which allows for parking spaces to be used to conduct business in a socially distanced manner.

This program has helped restaurants expand their outdoor seating options, providing more tables outside their establishments. Click Orlando has reported that the city of Orlando is now considering whether to roll back the outdoor dining extension.

Outdoor Dining

Maxine Earheart, the owner of the local restaurant Maxine’s on Shine, recently met with the city planning department to discuss the possibility of extending the outdoor dining program. Earheart said the city assured her that they’d help guide the pathway forward to make the converted dining structures permanent.

Restaurants Near Disney World Hope to Extend Expanded Outdoor Dining Options

Earhart said, “It’s my understanding the city is concerned about safety. As they should be, and so by asking us to meet with them and get permits, they are able to decide what can stay and what has to go.” She also said that the city officials she’s spoken with have shown support for the outdoor dining extension.

Outdoor seating

The Orlando City Commission is set to meet on Monday at 2PM. We’ll keep an eye out for further news on the dining options near Disney World, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for all the latest updates.

What is your favorite restaurant in the Orlando area? Share with us in the comments!