Howdy! Today was a blast in EPCOT. There were new pins to be purchased, new snacks to devour, and Figment being the ultimate drama queen.

Good Morning from EPCOT

Good morning from a stunning and quiet EPCOT. These are the type of mornings I most look forward to as a reporter—a nice, calm morning with the weather cooperating at a cool, low temperature of around eighty degrees.

New Nightmare Before Christmas MagicBand+ – $44.99

In the Pin Traders shop at the entrance of EPCOT, I found a new Nightmare Before Christmas MagicBand+. I love this spookier design of the classic Tim Burton film. Over the weekend, we found a matching ear headband.

Are you a Nightmare Before Christmas fan? Let me know in the comments below. I love the movie, and I’m a sucker for any Zero merchandise. Zero is Jack’s loyal ghostly pup.

Happy Pin Tuesday

Happy Pin Tuesday from Disney Traders in the EPCOT World Showcase. I had early entry this morning and was surprised to see that there was already a queue forming for the limited edition pins.

Pin trading wasn’t always this cutthroat. I used to enjoy coming in on Tuesday mornings to see the latest releases. But nowadays, with the resellers everywhere, it’s become less pleasant. Not that anyone is unkind, it’s just that you have to be here for early entry and be in line for even a chance to see some of these pins, which has never really been the case until the last few years.

• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Pin
  • Limited Release
  • $19.99
• The Black Cauldron 40th Anniversary Pin
  • Limited Edition of
  • $22.99
• 25th Anniversary Medal Kermit Pin
  • Limited Edition of
  • $22.99
• Mexico Pavilion Pin
  • Open Edition
  • $12.99
• The Fantastic Four First Steps Pin
  • Limited Release
  • $19.99

Let me know which one you like the most in the comments below. I loved Kermit the most.

New Sweaters and More Figurine Sets

In Creations Shop, I found four new Walt Disney World sweaters. I wish they were a bit more cropped, but this style is better for more people. Each sequin-covered sweater is available for $69.99. I love the more muted colors with a little touch of sparkle.

I love the new figurine sets being released. I would have loved having villain figures as a child. I think I only ever had an Ursula doll. You certainly need the villains for any story arc in any playroom. I also loved seeing a miniature Baymax and Honey Lemon. Both of these figurine sets are available for $34.99 each.

Norway Bobbing Heads and Solar Trash Migration

In the Norway Pavilion, I found these bobbing little toys. I love them. The cheapest is available for $19.99. I think this would be the perfect desk companion, although I think it may distract me from my work.

I also spotted a couple of those solar trash cans now in the Norway pavilion. They seem to be migrating through new pavilions. We first saw them in the Germany pavilion a few months ago.

Don’t get it twisted, though. Universal CityWalk has had one of these across from VooDoo Donuts for years.

Germany Pavilion Tiny Village Update

When I stopped to check in on the tiny village in the Germany pavilion, there wasn’t much going on. That is, until the train derailed under my feet. Before my presence burned the rest of the village, I carried on.

Italy Pavilion Tower Peaking Out

I was stoked to see the tippy top of the Italy pavilion tower peaking up over the scrim and scaffolding. The refurbishment appears to be going well. It certainly looks cleaner at top and more golden than before.

Also, if you have never stopped into the mask shop, you must. There are truly works of art in that small corner.

Friendship Boat Operations

The Friendship Boat is still operating between the Canada and Germany pavilions. For now, Morocco dock is sporting one of my favorite things in Walt Disney World, a green box.

There are so many of these “no see green” boxes all across the property. Next time you visit, see who can spot the most in your group.

Snacking My Way Around EPCOT

Perhaps the best part of the day was getting to snack around EPCOT. I got to try so many different types of small snacks. Be sure to visit our website for a full review. That pretzel in the Germany pavilion has never been bad and, spoiler, now it’s only better thanks to some cheese dip.

Turtle Crow Showdown

When I was leaving the World Showcase, I noticed that the falls in Canada are still dry. I miss not only being misted by the water, but the overall effect it had on the nearby ambiance. Hopefully it is in the process of being repaired, but it has been dry for a few months now.

I also spotted a funny question from the DVC Cast Member. Do you know the answer? She shares a name with our favorite reporting manager…? Nana!

I noticed a turtle was being bullied by a gang of crows, and after a lot of noise back and forth, the turtle finally left. Sometimes the local wildlife is just as entertaining as the parks themselves.

Our Favorite Drama Queen

Figment was going through it this morning. I don’t know what was going on, but our favorite little purple dragon seemed to be having a good time. I love it when the characters are free to explore and be themselves.

I also noticed that the very popular egg slicer featuring Figment has been restocked in ImageWorks.

The Seas Updates

I will leave you with a sweet moment from The Seas. Tanimura was having breakfast with her tankmates, Cider and Mermaid. The sea urchins are back wearing their Mickey Ears.

Most exciting is that wet spot on the floor. Perhaps a long-lost demonstration may be returning sooner than we think. As always, stay tuned to our website for more details.

I hope you enjoyed our walk around EPCOT today! I had a blast eating around the park. You must try that new beer cheese in the Germany pavilion if you have the opportunity.

Let me know in the comments below if you have a favorite treat in EPCOT.

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Bryce B.