A Day at EPCOT: Highlights and Observations
EPCOT has always been a place of wonder, but today brought a mix of excitement and some concerning updates. The heat was intense in Orlando, FL, but that didn’t stop the fun from happening. From Pluto’s Pin Tuesday to some unexpected issues across the park, there was plenty to take in.
Test Track Gets New Merchandise
One of the highlights of the day was visiting Test Track, where I was excited to see some new attraction-specific merchandise in the Gear Shop. Finally, guests could purchase items like a Mickey pin for $14.99, an adult shirt for $34.99, and a youth shirt for $26.99. While the selection is limited, it's a welcome addition. I hope more items will be released soon, as this is a great start.
Pluto’s Pin Tuesday
Pluto took center stage on Pin Tuesday, with two new pins celebrating his 95th birthday coming up in September. It’s a fun way to honor one of Disney’s classic characters. But here’s a question: If Pluto is 95 years old, how old is he in dog years? That’s something to ponder while enjoying the new pins.
Canada Pavilion Faces Challenges
The Canada Pavilion had its own set of issues. The waterfall wasn’t running, and the rocks around the garden pond were disappearing. The shop smelled strongly of paint, making it difficult for Cast Members to work inside. It seems like the area is undergoing some sort of renovation, but the smell was quite overwhelming. Hopefully, things will improve by the end of the day.
United Kingdom Pavilion and Pooh Bear
In the United Kingdom Pavilion, I had a delightful encounter with Pooh Bear, who caught me peeking through his exit door. These impromptu character interactions are always a treat. Also, the little lamb door stoppers in the tea shop have been restocked, adding to the charm of the space.
France Pavilion Updates
The France Pavilion saw some updates, including new personalized lipstick cover designs from Guerlain. These feather-like designs join the restock of previous releases. However, the bikes in the area remain in poor condition, with Linguini’s bike missing and Collette’s tire still damaged.
Private Event in Morocco Pavilion
A private event for Cast Members was held in Restaurant Marakesh, which had previously been reported as unlikely to reopen due to high renovation costs. This raises questions about the future of the space. Additionally, the seat in the Race Against the Sun museum display has been missing for months, and it’s unclear when it might return.
Italy Pavilion Improvements
The Italy Pavilion showed signs of improvement, with construction walls and scrim removed from the tower and algae cleared from the gondola area. While the space still has a strong odor, it’s definitely better than before.
Germany Pavilion Tiny Town Plague
As I passed by the Germany Pavilion’s tiny village, I noticed that many of the villagers and animals had fallen over. Was it due to the recent rain or something more sinister? Could it be a plague or simply heat exhaustion? With the extreme heat, staying hydrated is essential, especially for those standing in the sun.
Brown Stein in Germany Pavilion
The silver plastic stein in the Germany Pavilion has been redesigned in brown. While the color change is subtle, it raises the question of why such a minor update was made. Nothing else has changed, so the reason for the color shift remains unclear.
Mexico Pavilion Walkway Updates
The Mexico Pavilion has been undergoing concrete theming over the past few months. The new design is interesting, even if it may not be necessary for the World Showcase. Disney has also been mindful of guest flow during these updates, avoiding major bottlenecks.
A Rant on the Lighting Situation
I’m tired of seeing the same issues every time I visit EPCOT. The lighting situation in one area is particularly concerning, with six holes in a single piece, broken pieces, and random screws painted white. It looks like a middle school project gone wrong. This is embarrassing, and it’s clear that Disney isn’t prioritizing this area. Just fill it in with glitter at this point.
The Seas
After my rant, I found solace in The Seas. It’s a great place to cool down and enjoy the air conditioning. I was sad to see that the water feature outside wasn’t working and the seagulls were struggling. Details matter, and these features are missed.
Tips for Enjoying EPCOT in the Heat
If you're planning a visit during hot weather, consider taking afternoon lunch breaks at the pool, napping, and rehydrating before heading back to the park in the late afternoon. There are ways to enjoy the parks while beating the heat.
Let me know your thoughts on the lighting situation and my opinions in the comments below. I’m open to debate, but it would have to be a pretty good argument. Six holes—just saying.
