McDonald’s at Downtown Disney is closing
Featured, Jason Garcia, News — By Jason Garcia on February 3, 2010 at 5:14 pm
Fast-food giant McDonald’s is leaving Downtown Disney.
The McDonald’s restaurant at Walt Disney World’s shopping-and-dining district will close April 30, Disney said this afternoon. It will be replaced by Pollo Campero, a Latin chicken fast-food chain. (More on the new restaurant here.)
Pollo Campero says it serves more than 85 million customers a year. McDonald’s says it serves more than 47 million customers a day.
Representatives for Disney World and McDonald’s said the exit stems from a 2004 decision to end a 10-year exclusive sponsorship agreement between McDonald’s Corp. and Walt Disney Co. The Downtown Disney restaurant was included in that agreement.
“Our alliance partners are ever-changing and this shift in our relationship with McDonald’s reflects the dynamic nature of the sponsorship business,” Disney spokeswoman Zoraya Suarez said.
McDonald’s said all of its employees at the Downtown Disney were offered transfers to other McDonald’s locations and that no one would lose their job as a result of the closure.
McDonald’s will continue to operate its restaurant near the entrance to the Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
“We will continue to work with Disney on mutually beneficial opportunities,” McDonald’s spokeswoman Danya Proud said.
Photo: Flickr/christophercjensen
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77 Comments
Who cares! Haven’t eaten in a McDonalds since 1983. Trash, garbage food.
Wait a minute Larry — McDonald’s has changed quite a bit in the last 27 years. While some menu items are better than others, I don’t know that I would call any single item “trash” or “garbage food”. Step inside sometime and try one of their grilled chicken salads — my personal favorite meal whenever I go. In all honesty, I think you’ll be somewhat surprised…
Larry, you fatty, wake up, don’t be such a moron. McDonalds is a great company and their menu constantly changes and improves every year – McDonalds is more successful than ever. And who is going to eat at Pollo what? A Latin chicken what? Bad move Downtown Disney. McDonalds is an American icon and every Country in the world enjoys it – France, Japan, Canada, etc. I for one will miss the raucus family fun and relaxation the McDonalds Downtown Disney brings. Now we get to pay $10 for Latin chicken(?) from a company we don’t know? Someone needs to be fired.
Tommy Florida:
Before opening your mouth to give an opinion. Learn the facts. Yes, Mickey D’s is an American icon, but change can be good. Pollo Campero is much more affordable than Mac Donalds and way more healthier. Have you ever tried it? NOPE. So can’t comment on something you don’t know.
I agree Larry. Their food is the world’s worst.
Good riddance. That place charged 6 bucks for a double cheeseburger. Funny thing is if you want down the road that runs in front of DD to a place called ‘Crossroads’ there’s a MD that charges normal prices.
Even though they were more expensive than other McDonald’s, they were still cheaper than any other place there at Downtown Disney. Now you’ll have to go to T-Rex and pay $10 for a burger!!
I do not think the burgers at McDonalds are the same as the ones at T-Rex. Not hardly
Another result of the closing of Pleasure Island. Thanks Kevin L.
Boo Hoo all you crybabies. Why don’t you just stay away, we will enjoy our time there without you.
Where will the cast members eat?
Cast members have their own cafeteria behind the scenes that charges more normal prices. At what Disney pays they can’t afford to eat at the DD Mickey D’s every day.
THERE IS NO MORE CAST CAFETERIA AT DOWNTOWN DISNEY. IT USED TO BE WHERE MCDONALDS IS BUT WAS NEVER REPLACED WHEN THEY PUT UP THE GOLDEN ARCHES
Obviously, some people are not as much of a Disney fan as they let on… The article clearly states that this was a decision made while ending the contract between McDonald”s and Disney.
If you look back, this decision was made years ago, and the closing of this particular restaurant was eminent. It’s all part of the Company’s larger plan to provide its Guests with healthier options while on Property.
I do, however, find it a little odd that they’ve chosen this particular chain as a replacement. It would seem as thought there is a reason, but we shall see if it’s a wise choice in the upcoming months.
Fried chicken healther than McDonalds????? I tell you as a Disney going parent this really stinks. There have been many times that restaurant has saved us. After a day in the parks, tired, hungry cranky kids (and parents too)just want something familiar and the quicker we can get it to them, the better for everyone involved. We don’t always want an expensive sit down meal. Bad decision for such a family friendly attraction. Does this mean that the one by All Star resorts will be going away too? I have however, heard Pollo Campero’s chicken is great and at least I look forward to trying it, don’t know what the kids will eat though.
If you know Disney, or even read, it states the one by animal Kingdom is staying. All-Star resorts is in the AK area, so yes, its staying.
i’ve taken my daughter there on occasion when we do our daddy daughter dates to disney to pick up nuggets for her for the hour long trip back home. I guess we will ahve to do the one on 192.. ugh.
uhh, Jimbo… first of all, just because it says Pollo in the name, doesn’t make it FRIED chicken. Ever hear of Pollo Tropicale?
Secondly, if you read the article you’d see that the only McD’s closing is the location at Downtown Disney.
It’s lightly fried chicken, no batter, and grilled chicken. If were making comments without facts, you molest children and have been banned from WDW because of it.
It’s part of the overall latinification of Disney. This is why Disney pays third world wages to it’s employees yes employees not ‘cast members’ what a load of bull
Disney does not pay “third world wages” to its CAST! I for one am a Disney CM and could not disagree with you more on this. Disney treats each and every Cast Member with respect and dignity! It is a wonderful place to work for and I have been there for over 10 years and have 2 brothers that also work for the company in positions that do not pay much but would not change that as it would increase park operation costs and thus increase the cost of park tickets.
I am a former cast member and yes everything that you is just the opposite that disney does. The wages are mostly 3 rate and most employees get treated shitty by management as long as the mouse get theirs then everything is okay-screw the employee and nobody is more corporate then Disney then the brainwashed employees.
Respect and dignity? Are you kidding me? I’ve worked for the mouse twice. Once because i thought they were a good company, the second time because I had no other choice. Disney is the reason the CFL is the way it is. They are the reason we call ourselves the minimum wage capital of the world.
Who the heck is paying you to post this pablum here? Your brothers want to keep their wages low because it would increase the costs for people to get in the park? Get real! Orlando’s economy is so bad because of Disney and their low paying jobs. And the only cast members I’ve ever seen treated with ‘respect’ are the ones who could throw their legs higher and wider than anyone else. I spent 6 years working for the mouse and I guarantee you I’d NEVER do it again.
This doesn’t seem like a restaurant that children would enjoy. I don’t even think I will like this either. Maybe because the majority of tourists might enjoy Latin food they wanted to offer this. I guess we will have to see. I am going to miss McDonalds for a snack with my son though and being able to get something to eat that doesn’t take forever to get into.
They should’ve replaced it with a all u can eat buffet like Barnhill’s or Whistle Junction. Good riddance to that overpriced McDonald’s. $5 for a drink, $6 cheeseburger, $10 QPC….ridiculous.
Actually a cheese burger is 1.79 and a double cheese is 2.55. Not 6 dollars…I know this because I work there.
OMG, what a blast from the past! I used to eat there years ago when I lived in Guatemala for 2 years (no, I’m not Latin). The food is pretty darn good. The chicken is great and I remember the FF’s being really yummy.
I make it a point never to purchase food at theme parks, airports, theaters, etc. Let someone else pay the super-inflated prices that fatten the companies’ pockets. As for McDonalds, I’ve quit them and switched to Burger King. BK’s burgers are bigger and much better tasting for the same or even lower price. Hey, come to think of it, Taco Bell is even a better deal if you like burritos. Their Cheesy Double Beef Burrito is a real $$ saving deal!
Yeah, but the BK fries may as well be made of fiberglass as tasteless and bland as they are.
Me, I would have love to see a 5 Guys replace Mickey D’s. Great burgers and even better fries, the kind you used to get at the boardwalks when you were a kid.
And feel your coronary arteries slamming shut!!! Those things are the REAL Montezuma’s Revenge!!!
Well, they had the dirtiest bathrooms on Disney property. Can’t say I’ll really miss them. Kids may love nuggest all the time, but most adults don’t go on vacation so they can eat at a place they surely have near home.
Those of you that are saying that a double cheeseburger costs $6 must be high. If that were the case nobody would ever eat there. Quit your hyperbole and shut up. If you really hate Disney then go to Universal where they don’t even look you in the eye when you visit.
Would you like to see the receipt? Trust me, we in orlando seem to think tourists are stupider than they are. I bought a double cheeseburger from this establishment, cost me about 6 bucks. Yes it was after tax, but thats how much it was.
2.55 to be exact…………..not 6 dollars and yes thats with tax
It’s a fact. The food at the DD McD’s is about twice the price of a regular McD’s. And yet, the place is always packed.
Universal and Disney employees are drawn from the same pool of minimum wage workers. So you’re saying Disney waves a magic wand over their head and poof…their polite all of a sudden? That’s hyperbole!
That has been my exact experience of the past 2 weeks visiting from the UK. Disney staff were polite attentive and seemed to want to enhance my experience everywhere i went whilst i found staff at universal (Jaws ride aside) gave the impression of not wanting to be there and wishing that we werent there.
WoW, I am glad that McD’s has assured employees that they will be placed. Anyone for a Five guys Burger???
I have to agree with the closure of PI. I missed getting drunk burgers there afterwards. Seems Disney has no clue what demographic it wants to cater to. First it was adults, now we are shifting to the ever rising Take-Over of rice and bean joints.. Re-open PI and I bet business will be back if not better than before.
Its the changing of the times. No more “White places to eat” they have to have a minority restaurant. Just like the presidentsy. Every thing is going back-words. If you catch my drift.
Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son.
Well Keith, the fact is WASP’s will be a minority in America within the next 20 years. If you want racial purity, move to Austria or Switzerland.
And it’s “presidency” and “backwards”. Talk about flaunting your ignorance.
No, I don’t catch your drift … why don’t you man up and just say what you mean? ‘Presidency’ and ‘backward’ are what you would have learned had you taken advantage of your education.
I am disappointed in this change. OF COURSE it cost more to eat on Disney property..why on earth would you think it wouldn’t???? Plus, there is another McDonald’s at the end of the DTD hotel row anyway.
What made this a nice feature was the familiarity for families. After the sensory overload of new experiences, it was nice to just sit down to something that could be found back home.
I think the replacement place sounds like a bad fit.
One less McDonald’s in the world (or the World) is reason to celebrate!
Disney continually adjusts its offerings to appeal to their changing guest demographics (compare “Princess and the Frog” to “Song of the South”). In the ’90s, Disney’s target was wealthy American yuppies with children. However, a lot of those people got their fill of Disney’s excessive price increases and sick of ex-CEO Michael Eisner’s multimillion dollar salaries. The parks cut back on live Entertainment and staffing levels and the “legendary” Disney quality of customer service has gone down over the years (it’s still better than the competition from Universal, Busch, and Six Flags though). Disney is now aggressively marketing to International tourists. Disney has figured out International visitors stay longer than Americans and spend more money while they’re here. Disney is actively pursuing visitors from South America so they’re bringing in Latin ethnic restaurants. They’ve also greatly increased the number of Hispanic cast members working throughout Walt Disney World. I’m old enough to still remember visiting Disney back when Epcot first opened in 1981. At that time, it was almost impossible to find a non-Caucasian cast member working in any of the parks or resorts…even the housekeepers were mostly older White ladies.
Not so fast Justin. Central Florida as a whole only had around a 5% Hispanic population in 1982 (Epcot opened 10/1/1982). That’s now over 20% and increasing. That is why there are so many Hispanic CMs.
And service has declined because most CMs are young surly retards who wouldn’t know how to be polite if their life depended on it. I find the older CMs (of any ethnicity) to be very polite.
And Disney caters to all comers. International tourism has always been the plum for the reasons you stated, but it’s more directly influenced by the value of the US dollar and exchange rates and not some slick marketing.
Disney’s Downtown is really just part of all their other bad recent decisions. I am a adult that goes there(downtown) every year on vacation from N.Y. Virtually no more live entertainment is huge mistake as far as drawing adults. However, the more serious problem is ridiculous admissions prices to there parks. Universal is cathcing up quickly as far as food and cleanliness and overall “things to do there” as for price, I can get a WEEK hopper at Universal for $115. That is almost as much as a single day admission to a single Disney Park!!!
Also, I’m finding it harder to find parking than ever, which seems odd with PI mostly shuttered.
I no longer consider going to DD from Thur eveneing to Sun evening anymore.
ELIZ best comment I’ve seen yet, did anyone ever think that just maybe the products have to cost more because Disney charges so much more to be have that location? Folks know one is in business to be non profit! By the way why pick on McDonald’s their the cheapest restaurant there! Has anyone been to the other restaurants? Just wait until you purchase your first chicken meal from the new place!
DD needs a coffee place, Panera Bread or Starbucks
They do…It’s called Ghirardelli’s. You should check it out sometime. It’s really awesome.
While Ghirardelli’s may sell coffee… I don’t think anyone looks at the place and gets the impression that it’s a “coffee place”.
The vast majority see it as a premium priced chocolate stores first, and an ice cream parlor second.
Sheeesh , Panera’s ? I love Panera’s but always feel like I am splurging when I go there and after a sandwhich drink and maybe a cookie for $12 bucks. What would a Panera’s cost on a Disney property? I am very biased on this topic because I detest McDonalds and wouldnt eat anything there except for the occasional breakfast sandwhich on the run. Pollo Campero is actually excellent chicken and less expensive than and no more unfamiliar to diners than a KFC’s food would be. I enjoy them in So California . I know they originated in Brazil and are all ovcer the world and growing very fast. For the people and their children compalining they want the familiar burgers and chicken nuggets from Mc Donalds I say, I am sorry for you and your kids. Sounds more like an addiction than familiarity. Goodluck you all, I am going to Disneyland :0)
One less place for the non-disabled, Scooter Rental crowd to maintain their lifestyle.
I agree. I never realized being a fatass was a disability! And for all you fatasses out there who are offended by that comment…good! I’m offended by your glutony and complete lack of self control. Slap some duct tape over your mouth!
…and yes, I understand there are some people who are truly disabled. yet their disability is not visibly apparent. Our anger/disgust is not aimed at you.
But we have all witnessed those whose morbid obesity in simply self-inflicted, who then ask for special treatment and accomodation. Or those who baloon up to 350 lbs, and then claim they are disabled due to back, hip, or knee problems. Bad behavior gets rewarded.
If you are embarassed by your appearance, good. Use that to motivate yourself to do something about it. you’d be surprised how your diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol will improve, and possibly eliminate the need for meds.
One McD’s down, how many more millions to go?
I have never seen a more “whiney” group of people before. Yes it’s sad Mickey D’s closing and I have been to many states and have NEVER seen one of the new chains restaurants. I also need to say that although their prices were high, considering it was on Disney property it really doesn’t surprise me. You pay for the experience.
About wages, If you think Disney’s wages are low, try working in the retail sector. We have become a society of fat, lazy good for nothings who feel that if we whine loud enough that someone will give us what we want. Prices are high and wages low because in the business sector everything is about the bottom line. People don’t want to work unless they get those huge paychecks. Yes, it’s good to get paid a good wage; however, some people expect to get paid well and don’t want to work. This is why jobs went overseas. Don’t argue with me because you know I’m right. Nuf said . Move on.
Have you considered the fact that executives make over 100x the wage of the average worker?
Companies *can* afford to balance that disparity and pay living wages, they just choose not to.
Does it make sense in America that a pilot flying for Continental’s regional carrier can make as little as 16,000/year?
Bravo Fed up
I am surprised at all of the negativity posted here. You should all be glad that you can visit and enjoy places like this, there are those who can’t.
When McD’s first arrived, I never thought they made a good fit with WDW. It was the beginning of the corporate muscle flexing and took away from the vacation element. I always tell my son that it’s ridiculous to eat somewhere you could go to when at home.
For those who gripe about their food prices, unless it’s your first time at WDW, you’re not shocked. Stay home until you can afford the compete trip.
Why are they getting rid of McDonalds? But honestly, isn’t there like 5 more within a 5 mile radius. Everyone who wants McDonalds that bad can get in their car and get their Dollar Menu food
. Pollo Campero sounds like a good change for the new decade.
The one thing I’d like to see the article mention is why Disney/McD’s decided to end their sponsorship agreement in 2004. That’s the piece that might help us understand what’s going on here.
I definetly agree with Fed Up and Tereza.
So you’re okay with them charging the high price possible and pay the lowest wage possible?
That’s good news, actually I happen to know Pollo Campero as a company and you’ll be surprised of how popular it is. First, to mention, it is the best latin fast food chain in the world, Its got restaurants in USA, Mexico, Guatemala, el Salvador, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Spain, China, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Italy, England and still expanding. It’s actually a pretty solid company, and their food is great, their chicken is way better than KFC’s and they also have chicken burgers. I know all of this cuz I lived in Guatemala and learned a lot from that company. You should try it!
I agree, I’ve also heard of them, I was in Guatemala for a very long time in 2005, and in that same year while I was reading Newsweek i happened to know that Polo Campero’s CEO’s was in Newsweek’s 10 most successful bussiness men in the World. Learn more from Campero here: http://www.newsweek.com/id/50117/page/4
What a bunch of ignorant posts.
Eventhought I like McDonald, I love Pollo Campero. I grew up eating at this place and the chicken is the best. I can’t wait to go there and enjoy it again.
I love the whiners complaining about low wages at Disney. Don’t like it, leave. I’m sure that BA in art history will really help you out in securing a 6 figure job. No, wait. You mean you have a GED? Why didn’t you say so, you can work for NASA.
To all,
Its only a big M so lets wait and see what happens with the new Pollo Campero.
in the eleven years I have visited Disney I have used M’s about twice, but i use the
Earl of Sandwich as it gives great value for money and the food is Fantastic.
So goodbye to McDonald’s and here’s to the future.
Besides a nice outward appearance, there was NOTHING unique or different about the McDonald’s at DTD, on the other hand the “largest” McDonald’s on I-Drive is HUGE, has a sweet playground & arcade for the kiddies & has one of them “uppity” food bars to get more “adult” food…just a short drive away from WDW.
I, for one, have NEVER had Pollo Campero…it’ll be nice to have at least ONE in Central Florida (I’m in Tampa), so I think its a good thing for DTD. There’s still a McD’s within WDW property & plenty within short driving distance, so I’m unsure why there is so much whining!
The California Disney only has a stand inside the park that serves only french fries and a drink, nothing else. I think this is done as not to compete with the other restaurants that serve expensive food. We always go to a nice sit down restaurant when we are there. The line for the french fries is always too long.
i agree with some comments posted i feel disney madea bad move bringing a company that no one ever heard of unless you live in one of 12 countrys its in. Then i feel that they should put in a company like chicka fil a or some other healthy food chain tht we all have heard of. And i also felt tht mcdonald fit in downtown disney especially the decor they had when walk in around the tables and certain things they had up on cealing walls and moving things and sound i think they coming from pop machine
Pollo what? Never heard of it. When we went in Dec 08 I was shocked to see a McDs in DTD. At that time that was all my littlest would eat (or just about). So it saved us a few times. Though I am not sad to see McDs close. I would prefer healthier choices even while on vacation. Again, not so sure what Pollo whatever is. Hope they have healthier options than McStery Nuggets.
Amen Fed Up!
The reason McD is so popular around the world is because that is what people want. If people did not want it, they would go out of business. People who want healthier choices can have a salad and fruit and a water there if they want. As far as the prices, they have the overhead of paying Disney so if you are complaining about prices, blame the mouse, not the clown. I would assume prices at this new place will also be higher then elsewhere.
I like some items at McD and when we have run out of money at WDW, we have eaten there.
I was upset about the fact that my kids had to walk forever to finally find a hotdog stand at Downtown Disney, and then we had to eat outside. We really enjoyed being in the McDonalds restaurant. It was cheap, and we had money for other things. I can’t stand latin restaurants looks like Adventure Island is more worth it next year.