If you haven’t been to EPCOT in a minute, there’s a LOT happening!

In the past several months, Disney has opened two new rides and three new restaurants in this park, and because of all the construction, walkways are constantly changing. But there are lots of other exciting things you may have missed in the park if you haven’t been by this week, and today we’re rounding up the latest news!

EPCOT Construction Updates

Japan Pavilion

Starting out in the Japan Pavilion, we noticed a lot of changes with the pavement this week. Some old sections of the concrete have been replaced, and newer material has been added in. Currently, there doesn’t seem to be a clear pattern in place for which part of the pavilion these changes are affecting.

The construction must be happening during closed park hours because there hasn’t been anything blocked off and the flow of traffic has continued as usual. We’ll keep watching to see if anything major changes.

Germany Pavilion

And speaking of pavement changes, a similar thing is happening over in the Germany Pavilion. Here we also noticed that sections of old pavement had been removed and replaced with new ground. But just like in Japan, it’s not affecting guests during the daytime at this moment.

However, what might affect your day in Germany is the temporary construction wall that’s blocking the bridge by the train village. Typically, guests can walk across this bridge and get a great view of the miniature town and the little trains that run through it, but the pathway is currently receiving some updates, so part of it is off-limits.

The trains are still running though, and you can admire them from the main walkway and the sides of the railing. If you haven’t walked over here and checked this out before, we highly recommend stopping by on your next visit. There are some really fun details!

World Celebration

And for our last construction update, let’s move to the front of the park and see what’s happening in World Celebration (and also World Nature!). We took a ride on the monorail to scope out the construction progress on Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana, and things seem to be moving along.

We’re still noticing new structures popping up behind the walls, and we’ve seen construction crews down there frequently, hard at work creating this new attraction and the new features of World Celebration.

Click Here to See the Latest Updates on What’s Coming to EPCOT!

EPCOT Attractions Updates

Meet Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus

In the Norway Pavilion, there’s a great spot to take your kids if they’re Frozen fans — Royal Sommerhus, where you can meet Anna and Elsa! This week, when we stopped by this popular meet and greet, we noticed that there is now a PhotoPass box that will take guests’ pictures during their visit.

These PhotoPass boxes have been pretty controversial in the past since they don’t have quite the same touch that a PhotoPass photographer would have, so we’re interested to see what the reception is with the installation in EPCOT. We’ll keep you updated if anything changes!

EPCOT Merchandise Updates

Plume et Palette

Finally, let’s wrap this up with some new merchandise! In the France Pavilion, we spotted this stunning Paris-inspired Minnie Mouse Water Bottle. You can grab one for $29.99.

On the bottle, Minnie is dressed in white with her signature red accessories, and it has phrases in a mix of French and English. This would be the perfect addition to your park bag on a hot summer day. Gotta stay hydrated!

Creations Shop

In EPCOT’s main gift shop, we spotted the Dooney & Bourke collection inspired by The Rescuers. There are three new accessories you can buy, starting with the smallest bag for $228.

If that’s a little too tiny, they also have a drawstring-type bag that you can pick up for $298.

Or, the Dooney & Bourke classic, the tote bag. This one is also $298.

Getting a Disney-themed Dooney & Bourke is definitely an investment, but they’ve been pretty popular in the parks the past few years.

Click Here to Shop All of Disney’s 50th Anniversary Merchandise Online!

There’s quite a lot happening at EPCOT these days, so if you’re visiting soon, just be prepared for some changes. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opened up last week, and the only way to ride the popular new coaster currently is to use the virtual queue or purchase the Individual Attraction Selection.

Also, like we mentioned above, much of the middle of the park is under construction. There are walls up all around the center of the park as Disney builds a new Moana-inspired attraction, as well as new gardens and the upcoming CommuniCore Plaza and CommuniCore Hall. Once those projects are complete, the park is going to be completely transformed. We can’t wait to see what it looks like!

For those visiting EPCOT, make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings so that you can have a successful trip. Our guide to EPCOT is a great place to start!

Click Here to See the Ultimate Guide to EPCOT in 2022!

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When is your next visit to this park? Tell us in the comments!

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