In case you didn’t know, you’ve really got a ton of options when it comes to dining at Disney World!
Aunt Polly’s
To be sure you’ve got your standard theme park fare, but you can also find a wide variety of food — from All-American classics to tastes from the Caribbean and Asia and even more. Now, if you’re in Magic Kingdom, there’s this one spot you might not even know existed and it’s about it shut down permanently, so you know we’ve got to tell you all about it!
As we were saying, there’s this one restaurant at Magic Kingdom that’s going to be permanently closing in 2025. We’re talking about Aunt Polly’s, and we’ve gotta have a chat about it (since no one else is)!
The Magic Kingdom Restaurant You Probably Didn’t Even Know Existed
Let’s be real. If you didn’t know Aunt Polly’s existed, you’re not alone. This adorable dockside restaurant is tucked away on Tom Sawyer Island, which is only accessible by raft by the way. Also, it’s been notoriously seasonal, and by seasonal we mean “rarely ever open.”
Tom Sawyer Island
Tom Sawyer Island itself is typically open from 10AM to 4:30PM, but Aunt Polly’s? That window gets even smaller! It was open on only the busiest of Disney World days, and usually only from 11AM to 3PM. In fact, it has been 2+ years since we’ve seen it open at all. So, if you managed to snag a snack here, consider yourself lucky!
Aunt Polly’s
That being said, this little quick-service spot holds a special place in our hearts. And if you’ve tasted the food, you’ll understand why this is such a loss.
Wait.What’s Happening to Tom Sawyer Island?
So in case you didn’t know, all of Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America are being taken out to make room for the brand-new Cars area in Frontierland.
©Disney
Starting in 2025, Disney will be transforming this area into a new and unique land themed around the Cars franchise. While we’re excited about new land and all that’s coming there, we can’t help but feel a little heartbroken to say goodbye to such an overlooked gem.
Why We’re Going to Miss Aunt Polly’s
We’re definitely going to miss the food. Even though Aunt Polly’s might be small and seasonal, it served up some seriously delicious eats.
- Becky’s Buttery Biscuit Barbecued Pork Sliders: We can’t get over how hearty these sliders were. Instead of typical slider rolls, they used these thick, buttery biscuits that were perfect for soaking up all the saucy goodness of the shredded BBQ pork. Also, if you’re into a little heat, the Cajun house-made chips on the side had just enough spice to give it some kick!
Becky’s Buttery Biscuit Barbecued Pork Sliders
- Peanut Butter Sandwiches: These weren’t your average PB&J sandwiches. At Aunt Polly’s, you could choose between raspberry preserves or chocolate hazelnut spread and a sliced banana tucked inside. It’s like the comfort food you didn’t know you needed, and now, we’re already craving it.
Aunt Polly’s Menu
- Aunt Polly’s Root Beer Float: What an absolute classic. This float was made with Barq’s Root Beer and creamy vanilla ice cream, and was the perfect refreshing treat to enjoy while you watch the Liberty Belle gently float by on the Rivers of America. It’s simple, nostalgic, and oh-so-delicious.
Root Beer Float at Aunt Polly’s
Why No One’s Talking About It (But Should Be!)
Again, because Aunt Polly’s was open so rarely and required a raft ride to get to, it just wasn’t on most people’s radar, and that’s exactly why this closure feels so bittersweet. While some folks never even had the chance to try it, those of us who did know what an underrated gem it was.
Aunt Polly’s
So here’s a heads up: if you’re visiting Disney World by or before 2025, make it a point to get over to Tom Sawyer Island. Maybe you’ll get super lucky and find Aunt Polly’s open! After that, this quaint little dockside retreat will only exist in our Disney World memories.
Rivers of America and Aunt Polly’s
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Well, it’s never open for one. The vending machines have on their primitive LED displays: SOLD…OUT…. A fitting reminder.
When my family took trips to WDW when I was a child, one of the things I looked forward to the most was eating fried chicken at this location. My parents were thrilled to sit on the quiet, picturesque dock and let us kids run amok on the island. Disney is not only losing something historic, but something unique. The places like this, where kids can use their own imaginations, play with some autonomy – and burn off some of that energy – are disappearing from WDW. I think one of the reasons that people (including children) are becoming less well behaved in the parks is that there is little to do except walk and wait in lines. People need more options than that, even if they don’t think they do.
I have never been there when it’s been opened so you can’t miss what you never had.
What’s going to happen to the Riverboat that sails around Tom Sawyer Island?
We too used to get fried chicken from Aunt Polly’s and run around the island when we were kids. We were always on the lookout for Injun Joe when we ran into the cave. It was great fun. I am so disappointed that Disney wants to destroy these icons in Magic Kingdom, in the name of progress. Is it me, or does it seem like several of Disney’s attraction makeovers failed to hit the mark, and are at best, just so-so? Guardians of the Galaxy may be the best of the lot the past few years.
Aunt Polly’s was one of my favorite places to sit down and relax and watch the ship go by and hear sounds of the haunted mansion. That was really special! And it was nice when the kids could runoff some energy. I was wondering if you could please do a video about Aunt Polly’s & the island? Like in remembrance? I was always waiting for them to open up and make it more available with additional hours but Disney never did.
Rivers of America Steamer ride was so relaxing! So beautiful! It really helped recharge us so we could continue on in the Magic Kingdom!
It will be sorely missed by many!
Nobody is talking about it because few guests ever witness it being open. It’s a fraction of a percent of guests who visit Tom Sawyer Island and then a fraction of those who have actually seen the venue open. I’ve been visiting for nearly 50 years and the last time I can recall seeing it open during a visit was back in the 1980s! Thus, something isn’t really a a loss that guests are unable to experience. It’s unfortunate that it wasn’t open like other venues because it’s a nice escape.
Our family has fond memories of rafting to Tom Sawyer’s Island and having a simple lunch at Aunt Polly’s, and exploring the island.
We are headed to Disney world the week before Christmas. We are all hoping Aunt Polly’s will be open for our last family excursion to Tom Sawyer’s Island.
Instead of Improving Guest Experience, Disney just builds more Hotels
I think Walt would be pretty disappointed that we’re losing Tom Sawyer Island (with of course Aunt Polly’s) and especially the riverboat! While he said the parks would never be finished, sometimes what’s gotten rid of is something that’s still great! I’m going to miss the riverboat A LOT!
Bought a peanut butter and jelly uncrustable and lemonade. Sat at Aunt Polly’s and reminisced about eating that in the early 80’s. Had to go over the barrel bridge. RIP Aunt Polly’s.