Good morning from a bright and beautiful EPCOT! It was another very hot day out today, but we had lots of things to see at this wonderful park to keep us distracted from the weather. Let’s get started!
One major complaint we have had about coming to EPCOT has been the situation at the parking gate. Cast Members have told us to return at various different times, none of them consistent, but after our last trip here we think we’ve figured it out. Cars are now being allowed to line up 45 minutes prior to park opening, so 10:15am, at the parking gate. Those cars arriving early today were allowed to loop through the exit and pause for a moment on the shoulder so that they could proceed to the gate and hold with everyone else at 10:15am, which was previously not allowed. We’re pleased to finally get a routine going here at EPCOT!
We made our way straight to MouseGear to see what was new, and were rewarded with this Limited Edition MagicBand featuring EPCOT Forever. Although the fireworks show is not currently running in order to keep crowds to a minimum for heath reasons, this new MagicBand is a fun way to show your pride for this fun nighttime show.
Although not Limited Edition, we also found this new open edition MagicBand in a fun periwinkle blue color. We think it will accent perfectly with some of the new bright summer colors!
We spotted work being done to the Play! Pavilion as workers rappelled off the side of the domed building. It’s amazing to watch them work!
Last time we were here, we noticed that the Islands of the Caribbean booth for Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival was closed, although we had seen it be closed for the day before and didn’t think much of it. Today, not only was it closed, but all of the menus had been removed from the booth. We hope this doesn’t mean that the booth is done for the year!
Another specialty drink has flown into the Joffrey’s kiosks in EPCOT! The Toffee Flight, previously only available at the Joffrey’s kiosk at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Skyliner Station, is now available throughout EPCOT in regular or spirited form. We’re excited to see a “new” drink hit the menu! You can check out our review here.
While the lower screens at Project Tomorrow have been turned on on an inconsistent basis, they were turned off today. The upper screens, showing in ride photos, were on, but all other screens and interactive stations were powered down.
The France Pavilion had a full restock of their very popular new macaron ear headbands, as well as their new sequin ear headbands. Seeing these imaginative ears themed to the countries coming out we can’t wait to see the rest of the collection!
We found a lovely guest waiting for the Mickey & Friends World Tour who had brought a sign to be able to show her love for each set of characters as they passed. We loved her enthusiasm, she made our day!
Minnie Mouse was especially happy to see her, and drew a big heart in the air for her.
Wait times were fairly low today, with both Living With The Land and Soarin’ Around The World at 10 minutes around midday.
Frozen Ever After was the only attraction with a longer wait, at 40 minutes at midday.
We took a moment to stop in at the Gods of the Vikings exhibit in the Norway Pavilion. Have you been in this “hidden” jem? We enjoy listening to the stories of the Norse gods and goddesses.
Die Weihnachts Ecke, the Christmas shop in the Germany Pavilion, was undergoing some minor refurbishment today in the form of a fresh coat of paint on the doors. “Wet Paint” signs were taped up to the inside of the door, which was propped open.
We found Joy from Inside Out frolicking in the grass next to the Land Pavilion. We love watching her play!
Traffic flow is now being controlled moving in and out of the Mexico Pavilion building. The front doors are closed, with Cast Members directing guests to the left side door, which is an entrance only. Once inside, guests follow around this new queue to enter the lower part of the pavilion building. The exit is the side door on the right, pictured here.
We had a great day at EPCOT, and hope you enjoyed coming along with us. Have a magical day!