Disney World guests might want to remain on property when it comes to eating out for dinner, as the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation has closed seven nearby restaurants.
Disney World Guests Advised To Stay on Property for Good (We Know Why)
The next time you plan to eat off Disney property, you might want to double-check where you're going first. In just one week, seven restaurants in the Orlando area were shut down due to health violations, including two located just minutes from Walt Disney World.
While many visitors stay inside the Disney bubble their entire trip, others venture out to nearby restaurants along Irlo Bronson Highway and other tourist corridors. But a series of inspections by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation recently revealed serious issues—from rodent activity and expired licenses to unsafe food handling practices.
If you’re heading to Orlando soon, this report may help you avoid a major mealtime mistake.
The Inspections: Which Restaurants Were Forced to Close?
Between July 27 and August 2, seven restaurants in Central Florida were forced to temporarily close their doors following health inspections. Two of the most notable were located in Kissimmee, less than 15 minutes from the entrance of Walt Disney World.
🔴 Latin Bistro Express
📍 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy, #157-159, Kissimmee
🗓 Closed: July 31 | Reopened: August 1
Latin Bistro Express racked up 22 total violations during its inspection, including:
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Raw chicken stored in boxes meant for spices
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Rodent activity observed
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Operating with an expired business license
A follow-up inspection one day later reduced the number of violations to 12. The restaurant has since reopened and resumed normal business hours.
🔴 Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
📍 5170 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy, Kissimmee
🗓 Closed: July 28 | Reopened: July 29
This familiar family-style chain was also temporarily shut down after inspectors reported:
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Roach activity inside the premises
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Chlorine sanitizer in the dishwashing machine not meeting required strength
After correcting the problems—including calling pest control and sanitizing the area—Perkins passed a follow-up inspection and is once again operating.
Smart Tips: How to Avoid Problematic Restaurants Near the Parks
Just because a restaurant is near a major tourist destination doesn’t guarantee it meets the highest standards. To avoid running into trouble during your visit, keep these precautions in mind:
🔎 Use Florida’s Public Inspection Database
The DBPR’s public portal lets you search for inspection histories by name or address. Bookmark MyFloridaLicense.com and check recent reports before heading out.
📱 Read Recent Reviews, Not Just Ratings
Yelp and Google reviews often reveal cleanliness issues other diners have noticed. Watch for keywords like “dirty,” “bugs,” or “smelled bad.”
🚶♂️ Trust Your First Impressions
If something feels off when you walk in—an odd odor, sticky tables, or disorganized staff—don’t be afraid to walk right back out.
Safer Dining Options Around Walt Disney World
Looking for alternatives with better reputations and stronger cleanliness track records? These nearby spots are popular among locals and typically maintain strong inspection scores:
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Columbia Restaurant (Celebration) – Elegant Spanish cuisine with consistently excellent hygiene ratings.
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Ford’s Garage (Sunset Walk, Margaritaville area) – Fun atmosphere and solid reviews just outside the Disney bubble.
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Island Grove Wine Company at Formosa Gardens – A quieter option with quality service and upscale eats.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid overly touristy stretches of Irlo Bronson and head to Celebration, Sunset Walk, or Downtown Winter Garden for better-kept, locally trusted restaurants.
Why It Matters: Health, Safety, and Peace of Mind
When you’re spending thousands on a family vacation, the last thing you want is to get sick from a preventable issue at a restaurant. These recent closures aren’t just random events—they’re reminders that not all Orlando-area dining spots follow the same strict protocols that Disney does.
And the impact is real:
“We’ve eaten at that Perkins for years. Never again.”
“Shocking to see how many violations there were. Makes you think twice.”
Online chatter across social media platforms shows growing concern from tourists and locals alike. If you’re planning to eat off-site, doing a little homework could save your trip.
