Greetings from an overcast, but miraculously dry EPCOT! While the skies threatened rain all day, we managed to stay dry while taking a tour around the World Showcase and beyond. We had a fun-filled day, so let’s get started!

With rumors floating around that Disney may have quietly increased capacity at the parks, we definitely saw in increase in cars waiting to enter the parking lot this morning at EPCOT. Normally we are the only ones waiting to enter at 10:15am, and are first in line at the parking gate. Today we were just one car in about 12, and, try as we might, we were third in line at the gate.

Since it seemed so ready to open before the weekend, we checked in on the Taste of EPCOT booth we believe to be Flavors From Fire, but it is still closed. While it seems all of the culinary equipment is in place, the register machines themselves are not present, so it seems they aren’t ready to open just yet.

At Mouse Gear, we found a curious restock. A few Loungefly mini backpacks that haven’t been in stock at this location or even this park were available in very limited quantities, including the new leopard sequin mini backpack which is usually at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the Forky mini backpack, which can usually be found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, along with certain stores in Magic Kingdom.

We also found one singular Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction Dumbo Loungefly Waist Pack on the shelf. While the remainder of this collection was supposed to be only be released online, we’ve seen quite a lot of these pieces surface in the parks, especially recently.

We found these leggings featuring “The Child” a few weeks ago at Disney Springs, but couldn’t resist putting together a new outfit when we saw they had come to Mouse Gear.

With Pumpkin Spice season in full swing, we say let your “basic“ flag fly and wear a full “Baby Yoda” outfit. This is the way. The leggings retail for $39.99, and you can find more information on the Crocs here.

We found a new, stylish way to beat the Florida heat at Disney Traders. This foldable fan is large and sturdy, and features rainbow Mickey heads. It retails for $9.99.

In construction update news, landscaping in the form of large trees was added to the Space 220 site next to Test Track.

We got to watch a triangular roof panel get installed today on the roof of the future Play! Pavilion. It was amazing to see who thin and flexible these panels really are.

The lucite pylons that will be the focal point of the new entrance fountain were wrapped in a protective sheeting even higher up than previously part way through the morning. Work continued on this area throughout the day.

The work being done to the Future World West restrooms seems to be on hold today. Metal beams were exposed today, and spare pieces of trim or shim wood was seen leaning up against the building but work was not being done on this project today.

The Restrooms by the Skyliner are nearing completion, with new water fountains and a service door revealed today. This area was previously covered in scrim fabric. We were pleased to see that one of water fountains includes a water bottle filling station.

Inside the France Pavilion expansion, work was being done on the attraction building, we hope in preparation to mount the sign for the ride.

We got a peek inside the scrim at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, although not much was discernible beyond some plumbing. Curved steel structures could be seen, but not much else. We can’t wait to see more!

With the recent reopening of the newly remodeled World Discovery restrooms near Test Track, we found the Spaceship Earth East restrooms near Gateway Gifts walled off today. A sign directing guests to the remodeled Restrooms was installed on the front wall.

We had a quiet day strolling World Showcase, but we enjoyed taking in the sights. Entrance to the Mexico Pavilion was not being managed today, although “Exit” and “Entrance” doors were marked by large signs, until previous weekdays.

Like several other restaurants in EPCOT, San Angel Inn was open earlier than in the past to compensate for the park’s new earlier closing time.

In Las Halles in the France Pavilion, we found the new Dooney & Bourke France Pavilion bags behind the register. We were surprised and pleased to see these bags here today!

Sometimes guests arrange the shoulder pets along the metal display, and today we found two of our favorites staring back at us. It was a fun end to a lovely day. We had a great day at EPCOT, and we hope you enjoyed coming along with us. Have a magical day!