Disney Quietly Announces EPCOT Restaurant Closure Starting in September

A popular Disney World restaurant is closing in a couple of months!

EPCOT

It’s been a year of openings and closures at Disney World, and now a popular restaurant in EPCOT is about to get added to the list. If you’ve got a Disney World trip planned for after the summer, you’re going to want to hear about this!

The Coral Reef Restaurant, located in the Seas Pavilion at EPCOT, is set to temporarily close on September 8th. Disney hasn’t announced a timeline or an official opening date as of right now. What we do know is that Disney plans on reopening the dining spot later in 2026.

Coral Reef Restaurant

What we are also unaware of right now is the reason as to why the restaurant is closing. This could be a refurbishment, but it could also be a seasonal closure. Coral Reef actually shifted to a reduced, dinner-only schedule early this year, in January. Disney never said whether that change was temporary or permanent. This closure, coming in September, could be the next step in whatever adjustment is taking place at the restaurant.

The windows are pretty iconic!

After January 3rd this year, Coral Reef ended its lunch service. So, the restaurant has only had operating hours from 4 PM to 9 PM every day since January 4th, becoming a dinner-only dining option. So, could this be a refurbishment? Yes, it could. However, changes have been taking place at the restaurant, and this closure could be the next step in whatever master plan is in store for this popular spot.

The check-in area

We’re hoping that the restaurant won’t be unavailable for too long. Although the food is notoriously NOT our favorite, it is such a unique dining experience. Inside the restaurant are panoramic windows that look directly into the massive water tank at The Seas with Nemo & Friends. You’ll see tons of sea creatures swimming around while you eat. That includes sharks, rays, sea turtles, and fish.

Entertainment while you eat!

We’re hoping the closure doesn’t last too long, especially since there will be a lot of people coming to Disney World in the second half of the year. Although with EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival and Festival of the Holidays rounding out the year, maybe guests will be getting all their food from World Showcase instead.

Coral Reef Restaurant

We’ll be keeping an eye out for more news on the restaurant’s plans. We’re always on top of all the latest Disney news and updates, so you’re fully prepared for your Disney World vacation. Make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog, so you don’t miss anything!

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