PHOTO REPORT: EPCOT 8/20/2024 (Checking on the Test Track Refurbishment, Boardwalk Construction Updates, & More)

I’m fresh off a visit to EPCOT for Pin Tuesday and so excited that photo reports are back! I can’t wait to share some of my favorite moments from the day with you!

A Day in EPCOT

Bonjour! Chao! こんにちは! Hello from EPCOT! Food and Wine Festival 2024 is just around the corner and as much as I love EPCOT during any festival, it’s nice to have a little extra elbow room to take in the park as it was designed (especially with the walls down now!).

Outdoor construction site with a white crane, metal framework, and a blue Chevrolet Camaro sign. The sun is shining brightly in the background during the EPCOT Test Track refurbishment. Trees and building are partially visible.

My day started with a ride on the Walt Disney World Monorail System. En route to the park entrance, I got a look at the Test Track refurbishment. It doesn’t seem much has changed since our last update, but a large vehicle assisted construction workers as they worked on the scaffolding in front of the attraction.

Two Disney limited edition pins displayed in packaging. The left pin is themed "Spring Rides!" and the right pin is themed "Bicoastal Adventures." Both packages are held by a person's hand.

Every pin trader knows that the first stop on a Tuesday at any Disney park has to be a pin store. At EPCOT, that means a visit to Pin Central.

I was able to get my hands on two new limited-edition pins.

  • Disney Spring Rides Tinker Bell, Limited Edition of 4000, $19.99
  • Bicoastal Adventures Mad Tea Party, Limited Edition of 4000, $19.99
Split image: left side shows an empty indoor dining area with tables and chairs; right side, located near the EPCOT Boardwalk Construction, features a soda dispenser station with multiple drink options and cups.

There is nothing much to report from Connection Eatery or Creations Shop, though there were a couple of picnic tables outside in the breezeway between the two locations. It’s not unusual for things to be slow this time of year, as it’s typically quiet before the storm (I see you Food and Wine).

A soda fountain at EPCOT with Coca-Cola flavors from various countries. Options include Beverly, Bonbon Anglais, Country Club, Ciel, Royal, Sprite, and Viva. A sign encourages trying another flavor.

I made a stop at Club Cool, so I could sip my favorite flavor: Viva Raspberry from Moldova. Don’t worry if the Korean Minute Made Joy Apple Lychee is your favorite type, it was available on all the other machines.

Two short-sleeve button-up shirts on display. The left shirt has a dark background with colorful space-themed patches, reminiscent of an EPCOT adventure. The right shirt has a white background with various space-themed patches, adding a touch of cosmic flair to any wardrobe.

Over at Mission: SPACE Cargo Bay, RSLVTS shirts featuring NASA and astronauts are available for purchase at $72.00 each.

A purple marine creature in a tank with blue lighting at EPCOT, an aquarium exhibit entrance, and an indoor space with people walking.

At The Seas with Nemo & Friends the Ocean Life Exhibit remains closed. Guests can still enjoy the eels which have been moved outside the curtained entrance. I also snapped this photo of a cuttlefish, one of my favorite fish in the aquarium.

Vibrantly lit empty stage area with colorful wave-shaped lights framing the top. The floor has multi-colored light reflections, and black stanchions mark off the space. Background has abstract oceanic design.

Over at the Imagination! Pavilion, Figment failed to show up for his regularly scheduled meet and greet. The attendants assured us that he was just spending the day giving tours of his house.

Image of a rocky landscape with a waterfall, wooden crates, and pathways. A tall stone building with gabled roofs is visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

At the Canada Pavilion, construction continues on the base of Hotel du Canada. We’re still not sure what is being built at this location, but rumors indicate that a shopping or dining location is coming soon.

A collage of four images showing Twinings tea displays in a store, featuring various flavors including Chai Pumpkin Spice and pricing details for purchasing multiple boxes.

The United Kingdom Pavilion is getting festive, as boxes of Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea are now available at Twinnings Tea Shop. Each box is $6.99.

A construction site with white fencing displaying dessert images and text. A blue lift is visible inside the site. The building appears to be a large, multi-story structure with a cupola.

Cake Bake construction continues, as the location gets ready to open to the public after several delays. I spotted crews working on the far right section of the roof, just out of sight for most guests walking to EPCOT.

An empty food stand under a Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs sign with a menu displayed on a nearby wall showing corn dog varieties, sides, and drinks stands quietly against the backdrop of Boardwalk construction.

The Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs stand has power! The small bulbs were illuminated above the snack stand marquee. What food are you most excited to try when it finally opens? I’m most excited to try the Pickle Dog!

A bakery display case filled with various pastries on the left; close-up on the right features a plate of three scones marked as "New Arrival" priced at $4.99, reminiscent of EPCOT's delightful treats.

An Apple Pie Cookie is now available for $4.99 at Screen Door General Store on Disney’s Boardwalk. I skipped this one, but if you give it a try, let me know what you think!

A group of three people and a child, with one dressed as a princess, pose for a selfie outdoors under a covered structure. A person in a blue shirt is visible in the foreground.

There was nothing new at the France Pavilion, but it was nice seeing Aurora taking selfies with some younger guests.

A marketplace scene with a mix of people walking, inspired by Middle Eastern design, reminiscent of EPCOT's global pavilions. Small garden beds with trimmed plants and flowers are present along the walls, enhancing the lively atmosphere.

In Morocco, some garden trellises have been reinstalled at the back of the main courtyard. They already have some long and full vines. It will be fun to see these fill out over time.

A gray metal mailbox has a patterned front and a weathered knob. It features a small emblem resembling a face with glasses and a hat, set inside a starburst shape. Green foliage is visible in the background.

I always love stopping at the Japan Pavilion and shopping at Mitsukoshi. I also stopped by one of my favorite spots: The hidden plaque representing Perry the Platypus’ “Agent P’s World Showcase” game that was in EPCOT before being replaced with the current Disney’s Ducktales World Showcase Adventure. Do you know where this hidden treasure is located?

An outdoor stage with a semicircular seating area surrounded by trees is next to a small pathway. Two white trash bins are in the foreground.

As I continued my journey around World Showcase, I noticed that the American Gardens Theater is just about ready for Eat to the Beat! What concert are you looking forward to seeing this year? Billy Ocean is the must-see for me this year!

Four miniature scenes: a house with tiny figures in the yard, two figurines by a bush, a small castle-like structure in a garden, and a figurine on a balcony holding something in one hand. The intricate details evoke memories of EPCOT attractions like Test Track Refurbishment and Boardwalk Construction.

The Romantic Road miniature train village in the Germany Pavilion is full of interesting miniatures, including some that need a little TLC from Cast Members. A poor man and his goat have fallen over next to a woman sitting on a steep ledge. The railing atop one of the tall towers has been given away in certain locations, and now a little girl is strange with her teddy bear waving a handkerchief.

There is also love in the air, as I spotted two cuties having a moment under a shady tree. Have you ever looked at the details of the miniature train village? What’s your favorite hidden thing?

A child and an adult interact with a person dressed as Snow White next to a wishing well in a theme park. Another adult stands nearby wearing Minnie Mouse ears.

Snow White was also in the Germany Pavilion meeting fans!

People walk under a dramatically cloudy sky at what appears to be an outdoor recreational area. There are large rocks and a couple of umbrellas on the left side.

After Germany, I made my way to Refreshment Outpost, as the beautiful day turned to rain.

A dimly lit museum exhibit hall features costumes and displays in glass cases. Visitors observe various artifacts and read informational plaques. The ceiling is adorned with intricate patterns.

I made a stop at The House of Whispering Willows at the China Pavilion to don my rain gear. The location was as quiet and visually compelling as always. If you have never been here, the museum showcases some of the offerings at Shanghai Disney Resort.

People walk near a wooden building with a steep roof in a theme park. Trees and other park structures are in the background under a cloudy sky. A sign and a lamp post are visible in the foreground.

I was going to grab School Bread at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in the Norway Pavilion, but the weather forced me to continue on my way to Mexico.

People walk through a wet outdoor area, some wearing ponchos and pushing strollers, reflecting overcast skies and recent rain.

The Mexico Pavilion was the opposite of quiet. There was nothing new inside, and before I could snag any photos, we were asked to evacuate the building due to an emergency. Unfortunately, when I got outside, a thunderstorm was in full force, and my efforts to stay dry were ruined.

A small purple cuttlefish, partially illuminated by ambient light in a blue-tinted water tank, floats with its tentacles extended.

That’s going to do it for today. Let’s take a look at my favorite part, the cuttlefish, one more time! What was your favorite part of our EPCOT day? Let me know in the comments.

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