‘Florida Blue Medicare Lounge’ to Replace This World Showcase Restaurant

EPCOT is currently undergoing its largest transformation yet, and while most of the work on this Disney Park is happening in World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery, there are some changes to be found around World Showcase.

One of these changes actually began in 2020, when Disney took over operations of the Morocco pavilion in World Showcase. Until 2020, the pavilion had been operated by the Kingdom of Morocco since it opened in 1984, but with Disney obtaining complete management of the pavilion over the past couple of years, we have already seen some changes.

One such change is coming to Restaurant Marrakesh, one of the pavilion’s table-service restaurants that had yet to reopen following the Park’s closure early on in the pandemic.

According to a sign currently posted outside of Restaurant Marrakesh, the classic World Showcase dining location will be reopening as the Florida Blue Medicare Lounge on September 3, 2022.

The new lounge will be similar to others that have popped up around World Showcase in the past, offering light refreshments, and a place to relax and unwind (likely while charging your phone) in the air conditioning during a hot day of exploring the Park.

@ExpThemePark shared a photo of the sign announcing the news on Twitter:

Inside Restaurant Marrakesh for the first time in forever. It is going to become the future home of the Florida Blue Medicare Lounge. pic.twitter.com/k02fYMBLbO

— Expedition Theme Park (@ExpThemePark) July 16, 2022

When it was open prior to the pandemic, Restaurant Marrakesh was sort of a hidden gem for Guests who enjoy Moroccan food as the experience offered some delicious eats with a live performance by a talented belly dancer in the main dining space.

It is not surprising though that Disney would be quick to fill the space with something like the Florida Blue Medicare Lounge as World Showcase has no shortage of table service restaurants (even with some still remaining closed), and Restaurant Marrakesh was often easy to find a walk-up table or last-minute reservation.

Moroccan dining remains available in EPCOT at Spice Road Table which offers small plates right along World Showcase Lagoon, as well as at Tangierine Cafe, the pavilion’s quick-service restaurant.