Magic Kingdom ParkNews

Disney World’s Turn-Of-The-Century Restaurant Changed Forever

One of Walt Disney World Resort’s most historic restaurants is in the middle of a quiet transformation. The Plaza Restaurant, a turn-of-the-century-inspired dining location on Main Street, U.S.A., has been a staple of Magic Kingdom since opening with the Disney park on October 1, 1971. Known for its classic American fare and ice cream sundaes, this iconic eatery is currently undergoing some noticeable changes.

A Classic Main Street, U.S.A., Dining Spot

Plaza Restaurant interior on Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney

The Plaza Restaurant is often overshadowed by other table-service locations like Cinderella’s Royal Table or Be Our Guest Restaurant, but it remains a favorite among guests looking for a more relaxed dining experience. Offering a menu filled with sandwiches, burgers, and indulgent desserts, this charming spot serves up nostalgic flavors with stunning Cinderella Castle views. While reservations are required, The Plaza Restaurant tends to have more availability than many other dining options at Magic Kingdom Park.

Construction Walls and Refurbishment Updates

Disney Cast Members
Credit: Disney Fanatic

Over the past year, construction walls have gone up around sections of The Plaza Restaurant’s exterior, leading to speculation about ongoing maintenance. While Disney has not made an official announcement regarding the project, the updates have been hard to miss. Earlier this year, a themed scrim was placed over part of the restaurant’s facade, obscuring work being done to the upper levels of the building.

According to a new report from WDWNT, that scrim has now been removed, revealing The Plaza Restaurant’s awning and roof. No significant changes appear to have been made, suggesting the refurbishment likely included fresh paint and minor structural touch-ups. Construction walls remain in place around parts of the restaurant, and the second-floor flower beds remain empty, suggesting that work is still ongoing.

What’s Next for The Plaza Restaurant?

Plaza Restaurant sandwich
Credit: Disney

Despite the exterior work, The Plaza Restaurant remains fully operational, and its interior dining experience has not been impacted. Guests can still book reservations via the Walt Disney World Resort website or the My Disney Experience app.

It’s unclear when this refurbishment will be completed or whether Walt Disney World Resort has additional updates planned for this historic dining location. For now, fans of this charming Main Street, U.S.A. restaurant can still enjoy their favorite meals—just with some construction in the background.

Have you noticed any other unannounced construction at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Disney Fanatic would love to hear from you in the comments! 

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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