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Bring out the balloons and cake — it’s time to wish a very Happy Birthday to the one and only EPCOT! 

EPCOT officially turned 40 years old today, October 1st, 2022, and we’re IN the park to check out all of the celebratory merchandise, snacks, and more. Want to see what it’s like in EPCOT on its special anniversary? Join us!

Crowds

We started our morning at EPCOT bright and early (of course!). But we weren’t alone. Though Park Pass reservations remained available close to the date of the anniversary, there were a decent amount of guests waiting for the 40th Anniversary celebration to begin on October 1st.

We have a feeling it’s going to be like this all day.

People lined up early to get a good spot for the special ceremony at 11AM.

A special ceremony show is happening at 11am for EPCOT 40 and guests are lining up already! pic.twitter.com/XOyVONaiv2

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) October 1, 2022

The crowds seemed excited to get the ceremony going!

Getting ready for the show here at the America Pavilion #EPCOT40 pic.twitter.com/Kcl7tT6azI

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) October 1, 2022

However, we think most guests are waiting in line for EPCOT’s 40th anniversary merchandise in Creations Shop — they’re all following this sign:

The line itself is LONG. It’s wrapped from the Creations Shop entrance…

…around the middle and all the way back past The Seas with Nemo and Friends.

Look at this line!

This amazing cast member is keeping guests excited in the current TWO hour line for EPCOT 40th merch pic.twitter.com/gDxL7W5qm9

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) October 1, 2022

According to a Cast Member we spoke with, those standing at the end of the line probably have around a two-hour wait before they can get into the store.

So if you’re planning on getting some 40th merchandise at EPCOT today, prepare to wait!

Atmosphere

During the 35th Anniversary, there was a special map and even “EPCOT 35” bags for cotton candy, so we were interested to see what this year’s celebrations would hold.

It’s a grand and miraculous morning here at #WaltDisneyWorld! We’re getting excited for all the fun EPCOT’s 40th anniversary will bring! pic.twitter.com/8819bmVZAT

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) October 1, 2022

Once inside EPCOT, we were greeted by some classic EPCOT music and a commemorative map with EPCOT 40 on it!

It even has today’s date on it!

Merchandise

In terms of merchandise, there are a few brand NEW items you can pick up for EPCOT’s 40th Anniversary! The collection features Figment along with some classic EPCOT logos. There are t-shirts, sweatshirts, water bottles…

…a spirit jersey, a new Loungefly bag, new ears, and more!

There is also a Spaceship Earth figurine, a Harveys Figment crossbody bag, pins, and an Alex and Ani charm. Some of these items have been released in EPCOT, and some are also being released on shopDisney.

But those going to EPCOT on the 40th will get an extra special opportunity to buy limited-edition items from the EPCOT 40th Anniversary Day-Of Collection! We’ll be updating this section with more merchandise information as we find it, so stay tuned for more details.

Get a look at EPCOT’s 40th Anniversary collection here!

Treats

It wouldn’t be a celebration without SNACKS, right?! Right!! EPCOT is celebrating its 40th Anniversary with a few unique and colorful snacks throughout the park. Some of these were actually available in the park starting the day before, September 30th and will be available for a few days following the anniversary. Others have more limited availability.

You can head over to Connections Cafe right now through October 3rd to grab a festive Liege Waffle…

…run to Choza de Margarita for a 40th Fiesta drink with a souvenir cup…

…or stop by the Funnel Cake stand near the American Adventure Pavilion to get a Celebration Funnel Cake.

We’ll be picking up some of these treats and sharing FULL reviews of them, so be on the lookout for more updates from us!

Click here to see ALL of the snacks coming to EPCOT for its anniversary

More!

But wait…there’s MORE! Today, D23 Gold members who were lucky enough to get a ticket could enjoy a special 40th Anniversary event inside EPCOT.

We’ll continue to update this post throughout the day, so be sure to bookmark it to check out even more exciting EPCOT 40th happenings!

To learn more about what’s going on in EPCOT, click here to see our list for the very BEST things to eat and drink at EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival (which continues through part of November), and click here to uncover the SECRETS of the Moana attraction coming to EPCOT.

Click here for our DFB EPCOT checklist!

What is your favorite thing to do in EPCOT? Tell us in the comments!

The post PHOTOS & VIDEOS: 40th Anniversary Celebrations in EPCOT Have Begun — Join Us! first appeared on the disney food blog.