Howdy! Today is Pin Tuesday and there are some awesome Disney pins that were released, a few of the bars in EPCOT World Showcase are under refurbishment, and more fun around EPCOT.
Good Morning from EPCOT
OH MY GOODNESS! Y’all I am a fully southern woman and as such I am not built to be pleasant in these freezing conditions, but we prevail. It is a pretty rare sight to see guests bundled up in Florida, donning gloves and beanies.
Monorail Morning
Would it even be a day at Disney without at least one monorail ride, I think not. I was almost frozen solid this morning so rather than waiting for the park to open in front of Spaceship Earth I opted for a roundtrip ride on the monorail.
When I passed Test Track it appeared that construction crew was hiding from the chilly weather. I’m kidding, but there hasn’t been much progress outside since my last visit.
Pin Tuesday!
It’s the first Pin Tuesday of the year and I’m stoked! This year Disney is celebrating their 25th Anniversary of Pin Trading, and as such released open edition pins featuring some of our favorite Disney characters.
There is also a new Winnie the Pooh Hundred Acre Wood series that will release new pins each month throughout the 2025 year that fit perfectly in a framed display.
Let me know which pin is your favorite from today’s releases in the comments below. I am in love with the Winnie the Pooh pins already.
- Chip ‘n’ Dale 25th Anniversary Pin Trading Pin
- Open Edition
- $14.99
- Donald 25th Anniversary Pin Trading Pin
- Open Edition
- $14.99
- Mickey 25th Anniversary Pin Trading Pin
- Open Edition
- $14.99
- Classic Mickey 25th Anniversary Pin Trading Pin
- Open Edition
- $14.99
- Minnie 25th Anniversary Pin Trading Pin
- Open Edition
- $14.99
- Stitch 25th Anniversary Pin Trading Pin
- Open Edition
- $14.99
- Anzellan Group Pin – 10/12
- Limited Release
- $17.99
- Valentine’s Day Belle & The Beast Pin
- Limited Release
- $19.99
- Collection Display Frame (includes 1 limited release pin)
- $79.99
- Winnie the Pooh and Christoper Robin Pin Set
- Limited Release
- $34.99
25th Anniversary of Pin Trading Lanyard – $19.99
In Disney Traders I found a 25th Anniversary Pin Trading lanyard. I really liked the rubber puck at the bottom. For whatever reason when I was growing up they would sell these pucks made of metal, same as the pins, so they were heavy on your neck. I think this is much nicer, although may not last as long. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
EPCOT Lounge Construction Begins
Disney promised us a new lounge area for guests inside Spaceship Earth, and now there are walls at the one exit. This is an exciting change because really since pandemic in 2020 the space has been underutilized. Although the fight to get in may be brutal because it isn’t a huge space.
Journey of Water
Hard pass. It’s far too cold to play and learn about the water process. Please be advised this is not a heated water experience enter at your own risk in freezing temperatures.
The Seas
In the Ocean Life exhibit a small sea urchin was wearing bright orange Mickey Ears, and without fail this always makes me smile. I also checked in with our Manatee friends and both seemed to be enjoying breakfast and the attention.
In the nursery upstairs all holiday decor has been removed, but some new hatchlings have joined the display. Banggai Cardinal Fish hatchlings once fully grown will be about the size of your credit card and are popular among aquarium enthusiasts. I think currently I would say they are the size of my thumb nail.
Celebration Garden Lights
I can’t decide if it’s a losing battle or a valiant effort by Disney to continue to try to fix the lights in Celebration Garden. The stanchions make the area look messy, but at night when the lights work like they did the first night it’s beautiful.
Gran Fiesta Tour with The Three Caballeros CLOSED
Before you pull out your pitchforks, Gran Fiesta is only closed temporarily for scheduled maintenance. It was still shocking to see the ride path drained as Gran Fiesta is one of my favorite EPCOT rides.
Weinkeller CLOSED
Again, hold off the pitchforks it’s only temporary, but the Weinkeller is also in refurbishment. From what I was told it is a simple floor refurbishment so it shouldn’t be too long until they are able to get back into their space. Until then the menu is still completely available just next door with a temporary bar.
Tiny Village Drama Updates
There isn’t too much to update you on at this time. The Festival of the Holidays banners have been removed from the walkways of EPCOT, but they remain hung in the tiny village. Thre does appear to be a town meeting in the gazebo, perhaps following up on the giant lizard attacks.
Our tiny friend remains strong while more railing disappears. A man has fallen in a small manmade pond which is horrifying given the current chilly weather.
One of those lizards from my last update has caused a roof to cave in, however it appears that the villagers have sturdied it underneath. On a happier note a happy couple was giant people watching from the tower.
Shattered Glass
Not to be that guy, but my understanding of taping glass is that it is supposed to taped on both sides… Correct me in the comments if I’m wrong, but I thought it was strange to only tape the outside.
I do hope Disney fixes the window soon. Morocco is aesthetically pleasing to look at.
Calm Moment with a Crane
Before I got to the France Pavilion I spotted a sweet crane hunting his lunch. It wasn’t until after I took the picture that noticed Spaceship Earth in the background. Unfortunately it also has the Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind building, you’re right Disney I totally can’t see the giant blue box.
Les Vins de France CLOSED
At first I thought the Holiday Market housing a bar was leftover from the New Year’s Eve festivities, however, this is the temporary location for the Les Vins de France bar. Strange spot, too, it’s temporary location is in between Morocco and Japan.
Likely this closure is much like the Weinkeller and is just a quick floor refurbishment.
United Kingdom Fence Fixed Sort Of
In the United Kingdom Pavilion the fence has finally been repaired. I thought it was pretty rough show to have Father Christmas in front of a broken fence so I am happy to see post holidays that they are trying to fix it.
Initially the entire railing between the two end pillars was missing and obviously there was damage done to both pillars in whatever happened to rip the rails out.
Skyliner Trip
I took the Disney Skyliner to Disney’s Pop Century Resort to check on the progress in their renovations. I dislike the Skyliner very much. Are the view spectacular? Sure. Does it stop too much and have too much sway? YES. Am I horrified at the idea of being trapped up there and then even worse have to go to the bathroom? Without a doubt. As usual though we prevail.
Disney’s Pop Century Refurbishments
I don’t know if you noticed but there is a lot of refurbishments happening not only in EPCOT and the other parks but the resorts as well. Tis the season I suppose. I was surprised to see so little progress visible in the Pop Century food court and shopping areas.
I did see a man painting the ceiling of the shop behind a window, but that was really it.
Marathon Weekend 2025
On your mark. Get set. Oh no no… I feel like as a reporter we run a marathon every week, but more power to those of you running this weekend or previously. I value sleep and can never plan my life to be awake at 3 a.m. then run at 6 a.m. I just can’t be bothered is the truth.
I am, however, looking forward to hearing from Nana after her run this weekend. We are all rooting for her so be sure to send her extra support this week. She’s got this!
I hope you enjoyed our day in EPCOT. The crowds have started to shift to a more manageable level that is actually fun again which was my favorite part of the day. I could’ve done without the freezing temperatures. I don’t know how some of y’all survive in these conditions, but I respect it.
Let me know what your favorite moment from the day was in the comments below.
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