PHOTO REPORT: EPCOT 9/17/2024 (Pins, The Seas, and Tiny Village Drama Update)

Bryce B.

Bronze statue of a man in a seated position, situated on a concrete structure with a geodesic dome in the background under a clear blue sky.

PHOTO REPORT: EPCOT 9/17/2024 (Pins, The Seas, and Tiny Village Drama Update)

Happy Pin Tuesday! Today was a humid busy day at EPCOT. I found some new pins, The Seas is giving out new educational pamphlets, and of course, got a tiny village drama update.

Monorail Silver

Interior view of a monorail train labeled "Monorail Silver" with Disney World Monorail System signage and safety instructions visible.

Lately, I start my days at EPCOT by riding the monorail to take a peek at the Test Track refurbishment. Today, I got a “private” cabin aboard the Monorail Silver… well, a solo ride to the Transportation and Ticket Center.

Test Track Refurbishment

Construction workers are seen working on a project site next to a blue building under a clear sky during sunset. Construction equipment and safety barriers surround the area.

As I rode by Test Track, I saw that not much has changed since our last reported update. There is still a giant mud hole at the ride’s entrance, but more supplies and equipment have been staged there. Stay tuned to our website for more in-depth updates.

EPCOT Day

A large geodesic sphere with a metallic surface stands at the center of a bustling public area with numerous people walking around and flags on display.

There were more people here today than on my visit last week. It’s hard to know why, other than that the weather has been humid while temperatures stayed in the lower 90s and high 80s. For a warm Florida day, it’s manageable, rather than the 98-101-degree days we had in July and August.

Pin Tuesday

Collage of three Disney limited edition pins: top left shows Bicoastal Buses, top right displays an arcade design, and bottom left features Characters & Scoops. Pins are held by a person's hand.

HAPPY PIN TUESDAY! There were three limited edition pins released in the parks today. I found these two pins at Pin Traders – Camera Center in EPCOT. I have loved seeing the Bicoastal Adventures collection roll out, the Dumbo pin is my favorite. Let me know which one is your favorite in the comments below.

  • Bicoastal Adventures – Dumbo The Flying Elephant
    • Limited Edition of 4000
    • Cost $19.99
  • Character Scoops – Chip ‘n’ Dale and Donald Duck
    • Limited Edition of 4000
    • Cost: $19.99
  • Alley Bowlers – Vanellope and Ralph
    • Limited Edition of 2000
    • Cost: 19.99

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

A large spaceship model is displayed outdoors, with people gathered around it. In the background, there is a geodesic dome and clear blue sky.

This is one of my favorite photo spots in EPCOT. I think it’s fun not only having the icon of the attraction, the Starblaster ship of the Xandarian Nova Corps, front and center but also Spaceship Earth, the icon of EPCOT. I’m not sure Guardians was worth the cost of losing the Universe of Energy with Bill Nye in EPCOT, but the ride is cool.

Moana Meet & Greet Queue

A person in a thematic costume stands against a rock and foliage backdrop on the left; a group of people gather in front of a green trash bin and building under a blue sky on the right.

Today I noticed that Moana’s queue had moved toward the gray gate rather than down the path from the entrance of the park. Cast Members used to set up stanchions splitting the walkway in half, creating a tight path for the guests passing in opposite directions. I think this is a positive change for guest flow and prevents confusion.

The Seas – Seafood Watch Pamphlet

A person holds a Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch guide, detailing seafood choices categorized into Best Choice, Good Alternative, and Avoid, with a cover showcasing yellowfin tuna illustrations.

I can’t get into to many details about The Seas, as they have recently rehomed some of our friends and I am too upset. Today, they did have a Seafood Watch pamphlet from Monterey Bay Aquarium. The inside tells you which seafood options are best for the environment and which to avoid. The back offers some more information and a QR code to their website for even more information.

Side Note: If you haven’t discovered the Monterey Bay Aquarium Live Cams, I cannot recommend them enough — it’s the perfect fix if you can’t run out to your nearest aquarium. It’s also very relaxing. My favorites to just have on are the jellyfish, the sea otters, and the sharks.

DVC Lounge in ImageWorks

Sign at Disney's Imagination Pavilion states the Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge at Epcot is currently closed today. The background shows the entrance to a shop with colorful merchandise.

I have been told yet again that the Disney Vacation Club EPCOT Lounge at ImageWorks is still closed as we all patiently wait… Stay tuned to our website for when the lounge does reopen. Hopefully it will reopen before the Spaceship Earth lounge debuts for regular guests, well, those lucky enough to get a reservation.

Pooh Lug Bags Restocked

On the left, small Disney Pooh-themed crossbody bags in a display. On the right, a cream-colored Disney-patterned backpack on a shelf. Both have orange tags.

In the United Kingdom Pavilion, I saw that in The Toy Soldier shop, near the back of the pavilion, they have restocked the small Pooh Lug bags and Lug backpacks. I love these smaller Lug bags for my quick trips to the park, and yes, I do already own a Pooh Lug.

Alice Meet & Greet

A person dressed as Alice from "Alice in Wonderland" interacts with a group of visitors, including a child, outside a rustic building surrounded by greenery.

It was early enough in the day that Alice was still meeting in the tea garden. There was once a tree here that kept her shaded, but it was removed. Now she moves closer to the lagoon in the afternoon, similar to Belle in France, to keep cool during her greetings.

Crêpes à Emporter Menu

A menu board reads "Crêpes à Emporter" and lists prices for galettes, crêpes, ice creams, ciders, sparkling wines, wines, and drinks. The menu is mounted on a beige wall.

Silly reporter moment… There is nothing new on the menu at Crêpes à Emporter, but the menu itself has been changed. There is no protective glass or plastic on the already plastic menu inside the box. However, after years of the elements and people physically touching the menu, it starts to wear down.

It was nice to see that they noticed this small detail and had the menu reprinted rather than waiting for something to change before replacing it.

Mitsukoshi Bag

Left side: A traditional multi-tiered Japanese pagoda with people walking in front. Right side: A blue bag featuring colorful Japanese-themed illustrations.

In the Japan pavilion, I noticed that Mitsukoshi is selling their own name-branded reusable bag for $6.50. Might be handy if you’re walking out of there with far too many souvenirs… like me.

Tiny Village Drama Update

Collage of model train setups: top-left, a person tends to a model landscape; top-right, figures on a building; bottom-left, a shed with a tank figure; bottom-right, people near a small building.

In this week’s episode of the Tiny Village Drama in the Germany pavilion, there’s not too much that’s changed. Another human was spotted in the village helping to repair a train track. They were able to have the train running in less than five minutes; if only that were true in real-sized life.

Our tiny friend still patiently waits for aid atop the tower with no railing. There seems to have been a fire at the local pump station — no injuries but a doctor was standing by. At the church, the wait for the bride’s arrival continues…

If you missed my last update, you can catch up with my previous photo report from EPCOT.

Cuckoo Clocks in the Germany Pavilion

Wooden display case holding various traditional cuckoo clocks and miniature wooden houses, each intricately designed and adorned with miniature figurines and decorations.

Someone has bought all the large cuckoo clocks in the Germany pavilion. Only a few of the smaller ones remain on the far right wall. It makes the space a lot quieter and the empty walls certainly don’t help. I’m excited for whoever bought those authentic clocks but eagerly await a restock. I have an internal debate almost every EPCOT trip about not purchasing the smaller $100 range clocks.

Natti’s Last Day in the International College Program

A hand holds a button that says "I'm Celebrating: Matthew's 1st Bday" with a drawing of Goofy. In the background, there are buildings and people at a theme park.

Natti is a Cast Member in the Germany pavilion, and today was her last day of the International College Program. Everyone was celebrating by wearing a customary “I’m Celebrating” button. If you didn’t know, there are many different kinds of celebratory buttons that are totally free at the parks. There are basic ones that a Cast Member can fill out for you, or more specific ones like Happy Birthday buttons, Anniversary buttons, Just Engaged, etc.

Unfortunately, I do lose my eyes on the Oktoberfest ear heaband Disneyland already has that matches our Oktoberfest collection.

Plastic Covers on Merchandise

A display rack holds multiple long-sleeve shirts with the words "Food & Wine" printed on them. A few people are browsing nearby, and the scene is under sunny weather.

I spotted these plastic covers over the shoulders of shirts for sale at the festival kiosk. Maybe it helps buffer the damage from the rain? You don’t get to keep the cover if you buy one of the shirts, though.

Green Tea with Honey from the China Pavilion

A hand holds a bottle of green tea in front of a storefront with Chinese characters on the door and awning.

I ran out of water and stamina in the China pavilion, so I picked up one of the Green Tea Honey drinks from the stand inside for just under $5. It was pretty good and I would get it again if my boss, Nana, hadn’t already told me that I had to get my pick me ups from the Japan pavilion next time.

Often, when people think of EPCOT, they think of alcohol and drinking around the World Showcase. But each pavilion also features snacks and prepacked drinks that you can try as well, if you’re looking for a sober alternative.

FREE Brew Wing Lab Buttons and Sticker!!!

A collection of badges and stickers on a geometric-patterned table, featuring Muppets characters, "I ♥ Pickle Milkshake," "Safety First!" and "Official Taste Tester" slogans.

At the Odyssey pavilion, Cast Members were passing out free buttons and stickers for the Brew-Wing Lab as part of the 2024 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. These were not all that they had to offer, but they only give out certain freebies at certain times, so I’ve been told. Let me know if you are able to collect any for yourself in the comments below!

Side Note: The photo op still is not back, and I’m not sure it will come back…

What was your favorite moment of the day in EPCOT? Do you have a favorite character you meet in EPCOT? Let me know in the comments below.

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