NEWS: Artist Point Closure Appears Imminent

Changes appear to be on the horizon for the signature dining venue at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Something is happening at Artist Point. We just aren’t quite sure what.

Back in May, the 180 day dining window opened for November 2018 at Walt Disney World restaurants. However, those hoping to book a meal at Artist Point discovered that nothing was available. In fact, October 28, 2018 is the final day for which Advance Dining Reservations can currently be made.

Two more months have passed and there is still no availability for November or December. Disney has not commented on the sitaution but signs point to a closure of some unknown duration.

Restaurant refurbishments are not uncommon. Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk closed for several months back in 2016 for renovations. California Grill did the same back in 2013.

However, rumors suggest this may be something different. One story making the rounds claims that Artist Point will shed its Disney “signature” status and be converted to a character dining venue. But consider that stricty a rumor at this time.

Disney recently took steps to reduce the rowdy atmosphere at neighboring Whispering Canyon Cafe. Time will tell if this policy change has any relation to future plans for Artist Point.

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My enthusiasm for all things Disney all started when my parents took our family to WDW for a vacation. My first trip was at age 13. Since that first time, I have made a trip to WDW almost every year from age 13. As far as I knew there was only one place to vacation! My fascination with WDW began on that first trip. I wanted to know how things at WDW operated and what made it so magical. I wanted to know details like how many people worked there and the length of the monorail track. It is that fascination that fueled my interest in WDW. Each year that my family vacationed at WDW, I learned more about WDW as they built more parks and added more attractions. I am not the average fan; I want to know all the details and I love researching the facts of WDW. I research facts through the Internet, books and DVDs. To me, the best part is to conduct research trip at WDW. After college, my father was transferred to Orlando and I moved with my parents. Seeking employment, I applied for a job at WDW. I passed the first rounds of interviews and was proud to join the Disney family as a security cast member! The job was great. It included Disney-specific training and security training before assuming four duties: driving a security vehicle, standing a post, working in a resort or walking a park or other area. Sometimes I even had special duties like working the Epcot Christmas Processional. I would escort the celebrity guests from backstage to onstage. Interestingly, every cast member is given a WDW fact book monthly to aid in answering guest questions. The pocket book contained great Disney facts that added more fuel for my thirst of Disney facts. Well, all-good things must come to end so we moved back to NJ. In the summer of 2010 I moved back to Florida I am now living in Orlando less then 15 minutes from WDW and living the dream and have fun along the way. Favorite Park – Magic Kingdom Favorite Character – Mickey Mouse Favorite restaurant – California Grill Favorite attraction – Toy Story Mania Favorite resort – Bay Lake Tower / Contempoary First time at a disney park – 1976 & have been every year since Who was on your first disney trip – My entire family Favorite disney memory – My first trip and my first trip with my kids How far do you live from disney now – 15 minutes When is your next Disney trip? – every weekend Favorite Disney Movie – Jungle Book & Toy Story