Why Your Lunch Plans Might Need To Change on January 4th in Disney World

EPCOT restaurants are some of our favorites inside the Disney World parks, but there’s a big change coming to one of them that you need to know about if you’re heading into the park this January.

Coral Reef Restaurant

Coral Reef Restaurant is located right near The Seas with Nemo and Friends, and is a bit divisive. Some people love it, others have dined there once and never want to again, but regardless of how you feel about it, there’s a change you need to know about. Starting in early January, one entire meal won’t be available at this spot!

Starting on January 4th, 2026, lunch reservations can no longer be made for Coral Reef. January 3rd, 2026, will be the last day for now to experience both meals, where lunch and dinner reservations range from 11:30 AM to 7:15 PM.

January 4th Hours

We spoke to a Cast Member and confirmed this change, but it’s unclear exactly why it’s taking place. Currently, the Disney World calendar goes out to February 26th, and dinner is the only meal available from 4-9 PM each day.

Coral Reef Coconut Fried Shrimp and Chicken Wings

Does this mean it’s possible that we won’t see lunch reservations for 2026 at all? We have no way of knowing that right now since Disney hasn’t announced any changes officially, but for now, we know that for almost all of January and February, lunch won’t be an option. If you have your heart set on dining at this spot, we suggest moving around your other plans to ensure you can eat here for dinner.

Coral Reef Menu

If you need some suggestions for where to head for lunch instead, you’re in luck, because EPCOT is home to TONS of incredible restaurants. For quick service options, meaning you don’t need a reservation, we recommend Regal Eagle Smokehouse, La Cantina de San Angel, Les Halles, and Sunshine Seasons. If you want a character meal restaurant, we recommend Akershus Royal Banquet Hall or Garden Grill. Le Cellier, if you’re looking for a fancier meal that won’t totally break the bank, or Via Napoli, if you’re a lover of Italian food, are also great options. If you’re visiting during an EPCOT festival, though, we highly recommend snacking around the different booths instead of one big meal!

Via Napoli

Looking for more recent EPCOT news? Check out our posts below!

More Recent EPCOT News!

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