Sometimes your Disney World day doesn’t run as smoothly as you’d want it to.

Hollywood Studios

Your must-do ride could break down, your favorite snack may get taken off of the menu, and maybe, just maybe, your favorite restaurant will…CLOSE unexpectedly?! Wait…WHAT?? Restaurant closings don’t happen as often as other aspects of Disney World, but it is a thing that can happen and it’s something you MUST be prepared for.

A huge thanks to our reader Hannah (@hnelmsy via Instagram) who shared this experience with us. During a recent visit, Hannah was at Hollywood Studios’ newest restaurant — Roundup Rodeo BBQ — when it CLOSED unexpectedly.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ

It appears Hannah was able to check in to their reservation, but soon after received a text message from Disney indicating that the dining location was “temporarily closed” and that cancelation fees would not be applied.

Howdy!

Hannah reached out to us and said that the restaurant reportedly closed for “unforeseen maintenance” and the Cast Members were unsure of when it would reopen. Reportedly, guests affected by the closure were given vouchers to eat at quick-service restaurants.

Thanks, Hannah (@hnelmsy), for allowing us to use your screenshot

This might not be something that happens often in Disney World, but it is something to be aware of, just in case it does happen to you.

No Forky Cupcakes When It’s Closed

In the past, we have seen unexpected things impact Disney World restaurants, like a kitchen fire that impacted the menu offerings at Beaches & Cream, or a fire evacuation at Connections Eatery. We’ve also seen spots like Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe evacuated. So rare as these situations may be, they do happen on occasion.

If you find yourself in a restaurant when it is being evacuated, be sure to listen to any and all instructions provided by Cast Members so you can safely exit the area. Stay as calm as possible, quickly obtain your things, and follow all rules and regulations to exit in an orderly fashion.

INSIDE Roundup Rodeo BBQ

If you, like Hannah, only check in to your reservation to find it later canceled due to an unforeseen situation, be sure to check with the Cast Members regarding the restaurant, when it might reopen that day, and what (if anything) Disney might be offering to those impacted by the sudden closure. 

It’s times like these when it’s good to have a backup plan (just in case) or at least a sense of familiarity with what other restaurants are available to eat at in the parks. You can check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining (which has a breakdown of every SINGLE restaurant in the parks) for help should you ever find yourself in a spot like this.

Our guide has reviews of EVERY restaurant at Disney World!

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In other dining news, if your next trip is in 2024 and you’ll be staying on property, don’t miss the return of the Disney Dining Plan! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest updates.

Here’s why you SHOULD buy the Dining Plan in 2024!

What’s the strangest closure you’ve experienced in Disney World? Tell us in the comments!