If you’re hoping to eat at some of the incredibly popular restaurants in Disney Springs, you need to be PREPARED for a potential complication.

Disney Springs

There are so many restaurants to pick from at Disney Springs — from quick service spots that’ll get you delicious eats fast, to shops filled with cookies and sweets, a restaurant that’ll take you into the rainforest, and fancier table service spots. But if you’re visiting Disney Springs and wanting to eat at these places, don’t just assume that they’ll all be open all of the time — that could lead to some serious disappointment.

On April 18th, one of the most popular spots in Disney Springs — Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine — shared a post on their Instagram account about an important restaurant hours change. Though this spot is typically open for lunch and dinner during the week, they announced that they would have limited hours on April 18th and would only be open from 11AM to 2PM.

©Disney

Turns out the restaurant has been scheduled for a private party, which has caused that earlier closure. Their Instagram post explains that their last seating on the 18th will be at 2PM, but they’ll return to “normal” operating hours on April 19th.

If you were hoping to stop by Homecomin’ for dinner tonight, this could throw off your itinerary, so be sure to adjust those dining plans accordingly!

Homecomin’

Even if you aren’t going to Disney Springs or Homecomin’ today, allow this to serve as an important reminder for your future Disney Springs dining plans. This is NOT the first time we’ve seen a Disney Springs restaurant’s hours impacted by a private party, and we expect it won’t be the last.

Disney Springs can be a popular spot for private parties since everyone (including Orlando locals) can access it without having to pay for parking or a park ticket. Plus, the number of restaurants there and their ability to accommodate private parties can make them prime hosting locations.

Thigh High Chicken Biscuits at Homecomin’

On one day in February, Everglazed closed early due to a private event, and Splitsville announced that they’d have limited capacity due to a previously scheduled event.

So if you’re planning to visit Disney Springs, be sure to (1) check the My Disney Experience app for updates throughout your trip — but note that even this app sometimes won’t be fully updated when a private party impacts things, and (2) follow your favorite Disney Springs restaurants on Instagram or other social media platforms. That can really help you be prepared for any unexpected changes.

Fried Chicken Salad

If you are planning to visit Disney Springs and looking for other dining alternatives, click here to see our guide to ALL of the restaurants within that shopping and dining district. And watch our video below to see our favorite spots to try there!

Click here to see 5 outrageously cool places you can have a private party in Disney World

Have you ever encountered this issue in Disney Springs? Tell us in the comments.