Credit: DisneyThe seasons are about to change at Walt Disney World. Halloween decorations will soon make way for twinkling Christmas lights, Mickey wreaths, and the festive cheer that comes with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights. But before the holidays fully take over, Disney decided to slip in a few dining changes that might just affect your next trip.
Eight different dining locations across Walt Disney World have updated their menus this week. Some of these changes are fun additions, others involve some painful goodbyes, and a few might completely change what you planned to order. If you love keeping up with Disney dining, this is one of those moments where staying in the know pays off.
Animal Kingdom Gets a Tasty Shake-Up
The biggest cluster of menu changes happened inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Three quick-service spots—Smiling Crocodile, Terra Treats, and Warung Outpost—have quietly rolled out fresh items.
At Smiling Crocodile, two longtime favorites are gone: the Smoked Chicken Wings and the Pulled Pork Sliders. In their place, guests can now try Pulled Pork Cheese Arepas, Pulled Chicken Cheese Arepas, and the fruity Island Sunrise beverage. It’s a big pivot toward something a little more vibrant and handheld—perfect for a quick park bite between shows and rides.
A few steps away, Terra Treats made even bolder changes. The Pepperoni and Cheese Pizza Slice, Tomato and Cheese Pizza Slice, Churro, and Chocolate Chip Cookie have all been removed. In their place? A Columbian-style Hot Dog and a plant-based version for those who want a meatless option.
It’s a surprising shift for a stand that’s long leaned on basic theme park snacks, and it may hint at a broader culinary refresh in this corner of the park.
And over at Warung Outpost, the menu has flipped dramatically. Say goodbye to Assorted Chips, the Shangri-La Berry Freeze, Maharaja Lime Margarita, Kona Longboard Island Lager, and Tiger Eye Gold Ale.
In their place, you’ll now find new DOLE Whip creations—Rafiki Wildberry and Orange Float, Pineapple Juice Float, classic DOLE Whip Cups, and even a Pineapple Juice Float with Rum for guests looking for a little extra kick. Plus, churros are officially on the menu here too.
For Animal Kingdom regulars, these are major changes. All three spots are kiosks, meaning they’re popular for quick pick-me-ups. The pivot to more unique snacks and DOLE Whip variations suggests Disney is leaning hard into fresh flavors heading into the holidays.
Flying Fish Refreshes Its Upscale Offerings
Over at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, the elegant Flying Fish has made some noticeable adjustments. Guests won’t find the Roasted Beet and Florida Berries dish, Cold Water Lobster Tail, or Lemon Mousse anymore. But before you panic—there’s still lobster on the menu. The new star is a Butter-Poached Lobster Tail, which sounds like an elevated spin on what they offered before.
This restaurant has always been known for its upscale seafood dishes and gorgeous presentation. The update seems aimed at streamlining the menu while keeping that luxurious feel intact. For diners who love making Flying Fish their special-occasion spot, this refresh might be a pleasant surprise.
New Cocktails Take Over at Crew’s Cup Lounge
Moving next door to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Crew’s Cup Lounge has made one of the biggest drink menu shake-ups in recent memory. The Truffle Fries and Sunset Margarita have been removed, making way for a full lineup of new cocktails: Whistle Pig Old Fashioned, Passion Fruit Margarita, Black Manhattan, Coconut Gimlet, Cape Codder, Spiced Dark ‘N Stormy, and Midnight Sail Espresso Martini.
This is a clear pivot toward more craft-style, spirit-forward drinks. The Lounge has always been a lowkey favorite for those staying at the Yacht Club or nearby Epcot resorts, and these new drink options give it even more of that sophisticated lounge vibe. If you’re a cocktail enthusiast, this might just become your new go-to spot.
Disney Springs Joins the Fun
Even Disney Springs wasn’t left out of the action this week. Three beloved restaurants have made their own quiet adjustments: The BOATHOUSE, Paddlefish, and eet by Maneet Chauhan.
The BOATHOUSE, known for its scenic waterfront setting, swapped out its Gulf Red Grouper and Passion Fruit Cheesecake. In their place, Pan-Seared Gulf Grouper takes center stage. It’s a more refined version of the classic, likely appealing to seafood fans who crave a fresh, elegant dish to pair with the restaurant’s nautical atmosphere.
A short walk away, Paddlefish made several changes of its own. Gone are the Florida Gulf Shrimp, Mayan Empress, Southern Sangria, and Kayla’s Rock & Roll Hurricane. Taking their place: Hokkaido Scallops and Freddy’s Avocado Lime. These new dishes lean toward a more elevated seafood approach and could be part of an effort to modernize the menu for returning guests.
Finally, eet by Maneet Chauhan—one of Disney Springs’ newer offerings—has added a fun mix of flatbreads and kid-friendly bites. The Cobia Bites with Masala Santra Gastrique, Saag Paneer Naan Pizza, and Hank’s Gulf Coast Sunset have been removed.
In their place: Bhunna Paneer Flatbread, Beer Cheese Flatbread, and a lineup of Kids’ meals including a DIY PB&J, Veggie Skewer, Shrimp Skewer, and Mac and Cheese. It’s a clear family-friendly pivot that fits perfectly with the approachable yet flavorful vibe of this restaurant.
Why These Changes Matter
These might seem like small updates—after all, we’re not talking about an entire restaurant overhaul or a new dining location opening. But menu changes like these can really shape how guests experience the parks and resorts. For many people, Disney dining is a huge part of the trip. Regulars have their go-to snacks, their favorite cocktails, or that one dish they order every single vacation.
When those disappear or transform, it can be a bit of a shock. On the other hand, new options can spark excitement and bring people back to locations they may have skipped in recent visits.
It’s also interesting to see how many of these changes lean toward elevated flavors, globally inspired bites, and fresh cocktails. Disney seems to be slowly upping the sophistication of its food offerings while still keeping the fun, approachable vibe.
Holiday Timing Isn’t an Accident
There’s no coincidence in the timing here. Jollywood Nights and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are just around the corner, and food plays a huge role in those experiences. As the holiday crowds roll in, these refreshed menus give returning guests something new to try—and give Disney a chance to test out what works before the busiest weeks of the year.
Seasonal updates like these also set the stage for even more changes to come. Historically, late October and early November often bring quiet tweaks to menus, followed by a wave of seasonal offerings in December. Think of this as Disney’s culinary warm-up act for the holidays.
What to Watch for Next
If you’ve got a trip coming up, it might be worth peeking at the updated menus for your favorite spots before you arrive. Smiling Crocodile fans, for example, may need to find a new go-to snack. Flying Fish regulars might want to try that butter-poached lobster tail. And if you’re staying near Yacht Club, Crew’s Cup Lounge now has a cocktail menu that might make you rethink your evening plans.
Even more interesting: these changes could hint at broader trends in Disney dining heading into 2026. More globally inspired flavors, more cocktail-forward lounges, and more snack kiosks leaning into fresh, quick bites could be the new normal.
One thing’s for sure: Disney isn’t standing still when it comes to its food game. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a DOLE Whip devotee, or just someone who loves trying something new each trip, this latest round of changes has something worth checking out.