It’s no secret that a LOT changed in Disney World after 2020. After the resort’s historic closure due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, it reopened, although not EVERYTHING reopened with it.
Restaurant Marrakesh
Here’s the thing: although it took some restaurants YEARS to return, most of the restaurants throughout Disney World have come back in some way or another. We’ve even had some new restaurants pop up at the parks, the hotels, and in Disney Springs. But, believe it or not, almost FIVE YEARS after the reopening, there are still some Disney World restaurants that have not yet reopened — and we’re starting to think they’re closed forever.
Restaurant Marrakesh
Okay, we’re heading over to EPCOT to visit what used to be Restaurant Marrakesh in the Morocco Pavilion. The building is still there. There’s still a sign ON the building that says Restaurant Marrakesh, but instead of a restaurant, you’ll usually find this as a lounge and a Kidcot station. Gone are the delicious Moroccan-inspired appetizers and dishes, along with the belly dancers and live musicians. Now, it’s just…well, it’s a place to relax in the air conditioning. That is just INSULTING.
Florida Blue Lounge inside Restaurant Marrakesh
Interestingly enough, if you visit the restaurant’s page on the Disney World website, it’s only listed as “Temporarily Unavailable.” But…um…correct us if we’re wrong, but it’s been almost five years and that seems a lot longer than the word “temporarily” implies. Y’all…let’s face it. We’re never getting this restaurant back.
Remembering Restaurant Marrakesh
We loved this location because it was usually pretty easy to get a table even if you just walked up on the day of. The food was great. The entertainment was lively. It was always one of our favorite underrated dining spots in EPCOT.
Why Doesn’t Disney Use These Abandoned Parts of EPCOT as Restaurants?
Garden View Tea Room
Before 2020, you could have afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian Garden View Tea Room — and it was quite the experience! You could choose between two experience: the Afternoon Tea and the Perfectly Princess Tea Party. Yes, there was a Princess-themed tea party, and yes, we’re mad this is no longer available. Was it pricey? Yes. Was it worth it? Considering everything that came with it (a princess doll, princess jewelry, a scrapbook set, a cinch bag, a rose, and more), it was SPECIAL.
Grand Floridan Tea Offerings
However, you could get a standard afternoon tea service for as little as $50 per person and that included a pot of tea of your choice, tea sandwiches, a scone with accompaniments, and your choice of dessert. There were also two other pricier options, with the most expensive being $150 (but it’s meant to be shared between two people).
Tea Meal Selections
Now, we’ve watched almost all of the restaurants reopen at the Grand Floridian, but this one still remains stubbornly closed. We have seen the room used for a lounge occasionally (again, with the LOUNGES, Disney), but it’s never reopened as a tea room.
In 2023 the room opened back up, but not for tea
Now we’re almost 99.9% sure this may never reopen, especially now that The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers has opened and is offering an (albeit pricier) afternoon tea service. Maybe Disney has plans for the space beyond it being a lounge, but nothing’s been said yet, so we’ll just mourn the loss of what was once a more affordable tea service. Oh, well, it was nice while it lasted…
Is the $95 Cake Bake Shop Afternoon Tea in Disney World Worth It? Let’s Find Out!
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What do you think? Would you like to see these two restaurants return? In what capacity? Let us know in the comments!
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Morocco sold the pavillion back to Disney during covid. They could no longer maintain it. If the restaurant is still closed, that responsibility lies with the Walt Disney Company.
Restaurant Marrakesh was good IMO but whenever we went, it was almost empty. I’m surprised it lasted as long as it did and likely only made it so far due to Moroccan government support.