Changes are a fact of life at Disney World. From rides to lands to hotels, and yes, even to restaurants, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a time when somewhat at the resort isn’t in the midst of change.
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Currently, one of Disney’s most popular hotel dining corners is in the midst of a refurbishment that involves two closures, which combined will take up the better part of 2026, and based on precedent could mean some very different eateries opening on the other side.
As part of a larger refurbishment project at the Yacht Club, two of the resort’s most popular restaurants — Yachtsman Steakhouse and its connected Crew’s Cup Lounge — are both closing for months-long closures this year.
The lounge — a “cozy outpost” featuring a wide selection of beers, wine, cocktails, and a menu of lounge favorites including the delectable Prime Rib Sliders — was the first to close, shuttering on February 23rd for a refresh that Disney says will last through May.
Inside Crew Cup lounge!
Then, presumably, once The Crew’s Cup reopens, the larger Yachtsman Steakhouse — a nautical New England-style steakhouse. featuring a menu of steaks, seafood, and other dishes — is scheduled to close in May for a refurbishment of its own. According to Disney, the steakhouse should reopen sometime in August.
Yachtsman Steakhouse
While Disney hasn’t released many details about any potential changes coming to the popular Yacht Club locations, the fact that each refurbishment at these interconnected eateries are scheduled to extend out for 3 months each would seem to indicate that they’ll likely look pretty different inside once they’re reopened.
Yachtsman Steakhouse
For example, when Narcoossee’s at the Grand Floridian went through a long refurbishment a few years ago, the restaurant…
The old Narcoossee’s
… looked quite different when it reopened.
Narcoossee’s
We may get a good idea of just how different the Yachtsman Steakhouse will look come August when the Crew’s Cup reopens in May. But if you are a longtime fan of these two locations, mentally prepare yourself for big changes beacuse based on what we’re seeing, they’re right around the corner.
Stay tuned to DFB for further coverage of Disney’s ongoing refurbishments as they happen.
7 Major Ride Changes Hit Disney World in 2026; Here’s the Full List
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Are you excited for Disney’s Yachtsman refurbishment? Let us know in the comments below.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
I have less apprehension about remodels after seeing what they did to the Grand Floridian – BUT I can’t imagine what they could do to the Crew’s Cup that would be an improvement. It’s comfortable just as it is, and the decor suits its name and location perfectly. As long as they keep the Prime Rib Sliders and house-made chips, they can tweak the menu a bit.
We are supposed to go to Yachtsman in November. I hope they don’t change it too much, especially the menu and quiet ambiance, or we’ll have to go elsewhere, probably off property.
Refurbish – fine! Just don’t change or take away what people love (again), Disney, please…