The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge closed its food court and dining room for maintenance Sept. 21 to 25. The kitchen is still open for mobile orders, grab-and-go only.
If you’re staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge this week and want a burger, you’ll need your phone.
The Mara, the quick-service restaurant at Jambo House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, closed its food court and dining room for maintenance from Monday, Sept. 21, through Friday, Sept. 25, according to Disney. During that time, it’s mobile order only.
The good news, as Laughing Place put it, is that the kitchen is staying open the whole time.
Is The Mara closed at Animal Kingdom Lodge?
Not completely. The kitchen is still cooking, but you can’t walk up and order at the counter, and you can’t sit in the dining room.
Here’s how Disney describes it on The Mara’s page: “From September 21 to 25, 2026, The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will transition to mobile-order service only while the food court and dining room close for maintenance.”
Disney hasn’t said exactly what work is being done.
How do I order from The Mara this week?
Use Mobile Order in the My Disney Experience app. The Mara is still keeping its regular hours, 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., per Disney.
Everything is grab-and-go this week. WDW News Today reported that pickup happens at tables near Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade, where you’ll also find coffee, water, tea, condiments and utensils.
A quick tip: if you’ve never used Mobile Order, set it up before you’re hungry. Add a payment method in the app so you’re not fumbling at 7 a.m. with kids waiting on pancakes.
Will there be construction noise at Animal Kingdom Lodge?
Maybe. Disney says guests may see or hear maintenance work during the day while the dining room is closed.
If you’re in a room close to the lobby or food court, that’s good to know before you plan a midday nap.
What does The Mara serve?
The Mara is the lodge’s casual counter-service spot. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, from burgers and chicken strips to dishes with African-inspired spices and sauces.
It’s also where a lot of Jambo House guests grab coffee and snacks, so this week’s change will be noticed, even if it’s short.
What else is changing at Animal Kingdom Lodge?
A few things this fall:
Kidani Village is getting its lobby refurbished from Aug. 17 to Oct. 9, with check-in moved to the Palace Library for now, KennythePirate reported.
Jiko, The Cooking Place, updated its menu around mid-September, adding a mushroom and fig flatbread for $15, a pan-seared seasonal fish for $52 and a gin and fig cocktail for $17.50, Disney Food Blog reported.
Nothing has been announced for Boma or Sanaa.
When does The Mara dining room reopen?
The food court and dining room are set to reopen after Friday, Sept. 25, based on Disney’s dates. Maintenance schedules can shift, so check the app if you’re visiting right around then.
Is Animal Kingdom Lodge still worth staying at?
For a lot of Disney fans, yes. The big draw is the savanna, where you can see giraffes, zebras and other animals right outside your window.
The lodge also has a free shuttle to the parks and its own pools, so it stays a favorite for families who want a little safari with their Disney trip.
A five-day switch to mobile order at The Mara won’t change that. Just charge your phone.
Article compiled with the help of the Pirates & Princesses newsroom.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
Walt Disney World (accessed Sept. 22, 2026), The Mara’s mobile order notice, hours and maintenance note
Laughing Place (Sept. 22, 2026), the kitchen staying open
WDW News Today (Sept. 21, 2026), the closure and pickup setup
KennythePirate (Sept. 21, 2026), the Kidani Village lobby refurbishment
Disney Food Blog (Sept. 13, 2026), the Jiko menu changes
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