Kouzzina to close 9/30/14; Trattoria al Forno Opens December '14

[AgentC]

It is being reported that Kouzzina will close on 9/30/2014 and then be replaced by a new restaurant. I have not seen an official announcement yet.

[Basket Mommy]

Just returned from a week's stay at Beach Club Villas. I have to admit, as I looked across the water at Kouzzina, that I didn't think it would last much longer. I liked it the one time our family ate there, but I've seen so many negative reviews from others that I didn't think it was very popular among regulars. I hope something else delicious goes there.

[Jared]

Farewell to the best non-signature restaurant on property. What a shame.

[SBETigg]

Farewell to the best non-signature restaurant on property. What a shame.

Yeah, I agree. I hope we get a good replacement, but I've had some really good meals at Kouzzina and will miss it. Spoodles was really popular before Kouzzina went in that same space. I wonder why restaurants there don't seem to last long, and what will come next.

[DVCJohn]

I never ate at Kouzzina. after looking at the menu, it never appealed to my taste. Frankly what is missing at the Boardwalk is a Quick Service location similar to the food courts in the value resorts. The food at the stands on the boardwalk is barely edible. The ESPN Club and the Big River Brew Works basically sell "Bar Food", The Flying Fish is a high end choice. Other than the small selection at the Boardwalk Bakery there is no true Quick Service.

[MississippiDisneyFreak]

I suspect the reason it is closing is the same reason I've never eaten there. I think the menu sounds interesting and yummy but I am an adventurous eater. The problem is its far too exotic for my mom and nothing my son would try, so I would never be able to eat there unless I was traveling alone. I've noticed that most of the restaurants in the WS will have something on the menu simple and kind of plain that will appeal to picky eaters but I don't see anything like that at Kouzzina. Disney being a family vacation, I don't see a lot of people with kids eating there either....too bad for those folks tired of the same ole same ole

[jamiem]

Just made my breakfast reservation for our June trip! One more sweet potato hash before it is gone. . .

[MrPeetrie]

I suspect the reason it is closing is the same reason I've never eaten there. I think the menu sounds interesting and yummy but I am an adventurous eater. The problem is its far too exotic for my mom and nothing my son would try, so I would never be able to eat there unless I was traveling alone. I've noticed that most of the restaurants in the WS will have something on the menu simple and kind of plain that will appeal to picky eaters but I don't see anything like that at Kouzzina. Disney being a family vacation, I don't see a lot of people with kids eating there either....too bad for those folks tired of the same ole same ole

MississippiDisneyFreak, I think you're right on the money with your analysis. We ate there in 2012 and although my meal was just good, my wife's was amazing. My daughter, a huge Food Network fan, thought she'd love it. Unfortunately, there was nothing that appealed to her. She hated her meal, as did my DS3. In fact, it's become a joke wih her. All bad meals are compared to Kouzzina's now for her.

Too bad. I'd go back. So would my wife.

[SBETigg]

I suspect the reason it is closing is the same reason I've never eaten there. I think the menu sounds interesting and yummy but I am an adventurous eater. The problem is its far too exotic for my mom and nothing my son would try, so I would never be able to eat there unless I was traveling alone. I've noticed that most of the restaurants in the WS will have something on the menu simple and kind of plain that will appeal to picky eaters but I don't see anything like that at Kouzzina. Disney being a family vacation, I don't see a lot of people with kids eating there either....too bad for those folks tired of the same ole same ole

I really doubt this, actually. I don't think you have to be adventurous to enjoy Kouzzina, though it certainly doesn't cater to picky. Still, the place was always packed when we were there, as was Spoodles before it. Though, both were always good bets to get last minute reservations so maybe there's something to it. I don't know.

I tend to think it's more that the profit margin was off for Cat Cora to continue. Despite the success of the F & W festival and claims that people see the inebriated everywhere during that time, I think that Disney venues, being very family friendly places, maybe don't make as much money on alcohol sales as might happen in other locations, making it a daunting process to try to break even.

Most restaurants lose money on their food, especially those that feature high end ingredients, but they can usually count on making that up in alcohol sales despite a significant markup. Maybe not so at a place like Kouzzina, which has to compete with the close Epcot restaurants for customers, and people going to the Boardwalk to drink might be saving it for some of the clubs nearby. Plus, Cat Cora's wines were pretty bad. I like wine with dinner, but I would usually pass at Kouzzina. Though the Ouzo was good. Opa!

[Lindsey310]

I never ate at Kouzzina. after looking at the menu, it never appealed to my taste. Frankly what is missing at the Boardwalk is a Quick Service location similar to the food courts in the value resorts. The food at the stands on the boardwalk is barely edible. The ESPN Club and the Big River Brew Works basically sell "Bar Food", The Flying Fish is a high end choice. Other than the small selection at the Boardwalk Bakery there is no true Quick Service.

I feel the exact same way. And with so many dining choices at WDW it was hard for me to even give it a try. Looking forward to seeing what replaces it!!

[Kairi_7378]

Farewell to the best non-signature restaurant on property. What a shame.

It's my second favorite non Signature, and I am so bummed. My son and husband celebrated their birthdays here one year and got a double Opa. DS was 3 at the time and he loved his meal and watching the kitchen. It will be missed by our family.

[Melanie]

Not sure why, but I've never had a desire to eat there. Sorry to hear that some of you are upset. Hopefully there will be a good replacement.

[RAIDER]

We ate there last year and just found it average am sorry to say ..But i did find the place to dark and grey to be honest and for a mediterean themed restaurant was surprised how drab it was inside .
But i hope they replace it ASAP i tend to agree with DVC John it needs a really good counter service there

[purplestarlisa]

I'm sad to see it go. We ate here on our last vacation and it was a memorable meal - great service, loved the decor, and delicious food. It was the first time I ate calimari - and now I eat it every chance I can get - although not as good as it was there.

[TheDuckRocks]

Worst meal I have ever had at Disney, from appetizer to entrée to dessert was awful. And the management would not replace anything, my plates returned to the kitchen with only 1 or 2 bites gone and they charged a complete deluxe DDP credit for a meal I couldn't eat. As I was never going to go back, I'm rather glad to see them gone. Maybe something will come in that I like. Now done with venting.