Once upon a time, the folks at Disney decided to capitalize on the growing trend of food truck popularity across the nation (which even led to tv series’ on them on cable networks) and create their own food trucks themed to Disney attractions and locations.
That changed, and now the replacements are disappearing for good, too.
The trucks run by Disney, which began in 2013, were themed to parks from EPCOT to Animal Kingdom to Hong Kong Disneyland, featuring flavors in synch with those locales.
The original Disney-operated food trucks were more than just quick-service windows on wheels.
A view of Disney Springs from the Coca-Cola rooftop lounge – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
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Guests could sample dishes inspired by EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and even Hong Kong Disneyland without ever leaving Disney Springs or paying to enter the parks.
Disney’s entry into the trend was designed to give guests another reason to visit what was then still transitioning from Downtown Disney into the Disney Springs destination that exists today.
Over time, however, Disney quietly shifted away from operating the trucks itself. The attraction-themed menus disappeared and were replaced by local Orlando-area vendors.
The food trucks at Disney Springs – YouTube, Castle Crew Review
In recent years, the lineup settled into three primary offerings: 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa, Cilantro Urban Eatery, and GoJuice.
Disney continued to market the area as the Disney Food Trucks location at Exposition Park on the West Side, but the experience had become less about Disney-themed cuisine and more about providing a home for independent food concepts within the shopping and dining district.
Now, the Mouse has decided to send those trucks packing, replacing them with more seating areas and continuing the overall WDW trend of excluding outside operators who might compete with Mouse-run operations. The exit for the food trucks (which presumably will take up stations somewhere else in the Orlando area) will happen in mid-June.
Reports of the closure began surfacing in late May, with employees reportedly confirming that June 7th would be the final day of operation for the remaining trucks.
While the food truck area never became one of Disney Springs’ headline attractions, it occupied a unique niche. The trucks offered grab-and-go meals that were often less expensive than many of the district’s full-service restaurants.
The food trucks at Disney Springs – YouTube, Castle Crew Review
For locals, Cast Members, and budget-conscious visitors, the trucks provided another option in a district increasingly dominated by premium dining experiences.
Community reactions online have been mixed. Some guests noted they rarely stopped at the trucks because of the sheer number of dining alternatives available at Disney Springs, while others lamented the loss of one of the area’s more affordable meal choices.
The closure also marks the end of a concept that survived for more than a decade. From their debut during the height of the national food truck craze to their eventual transition into a home for local vendors, the Disney Springs food trucks represented a small but distinctive part of Disney history.
The sign and giant Stitch outside World of Disney in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World – YouTube, 4K WDW
By early June, that chapter appears set to close for good, leaving behind a few extra tables and chairs where Disney once tried to bring the food truck phenomenon to Walt Disney World.
And so, your next visit to the West Side of Disney Springs will be food truck-less. Plan accordingly (and probably more expensively considering the trucks were usually less pricey than the in-building eateries in the complex.)
Will you miss the Disney Springs food trucks? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
