Disney is betting big on food. In 2026, the company will open more than 20 new restaurants across its global parks, resorts, and cruise ships—a significant expansion that signals how central dining has become to the theme park experience.
The new venues span the full spectrum of what Disney does: high-end fine dining, quick-service counters, and everything in between. Gordon Ramsay is bringing his Carnaby restaurant to Downtown Disney, while Arthur & Son's Steak and Bourbon will join the lineup nearby. Pearl's Roadside BBQ and Porto's Bakery & Café add casual options to the mix. Over at Disney Springs, Six Ravens will offer yet another dining choice for guests exploring the shopping district.
A strategy beyond burgers and fries
The expansion reveals something about how theme parks have evolved. Food used to be an afterthought—something you grabbed between attractions. Now it's an attraction itself. A themed restaurant doesn't just feed you; it extends the immersion. That's why Disney's cruise ships are getting new venues like Pixar Market Restaurant and Lilo & Stitch Quick Service alongside more upscale options like Palo Trattoria. The variety matters because it means different guests—families with young kids, couples looking for a night out, solo travelers—all have something that fits their mood and budget.
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Start Your News DetoxThe scale here is worth noting. Twenty-plus new restaurants isn't a refresh; it's a deliberate strategy to make Disney properties stickier. When there are more reasons to eat on-property, guests spend more time (and money) there. It also signals that Disney sees demand. Expansion this size doesn't happen unless the company believes people will fill the tables.
The rollout spans multiple locations: Disney's Animal Kingdom gets Harambe Market, the Grand Californian Hotel adds Napa Rose, and the Grand Floridian Hotel introduces Garden View Lounge. Disney Adventure World and Disney Village are getting multiple new spots. Even Disney's cruise ships are in on it, with new themed restaurants tied to franchises like Pixar and Marvel.
What's interesting is the mix of branded and original concepts. McDonald's is appearing in Disney Village, which might seem counterintuitive at a company known for its own IP, but it reflects the reality that theme parks serve diverse crowds with different preferences. Alongside that practicality sits Casa Giulia and Giulia Express—more distinctive dining experiences that justify the premium prices guests expect to pay.
By 2026, if these plans hold, Disney will have created hundreds of new jobs and given visitors more reasons to extend their stays. Whether that translates to better food or just more options remains to be seen—but the sheer ambition of the expansion suggests Disney is taking the dining experience seriously.
