Are you heading to Walt Disney World to celebrate Independence Day this year? If so, there will plenty of delicious food to enjoy while you’re there. Check out some of the festive treats being served up throughout the resort in honor of the Fourth of July, courtesy of Disney:
Magic Kingdom
Liberty Square Market (Available June 30 through July 6)
Red, White, and Blue Slushy: Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry and Fanta Cherry layered with whipped cream and topped with popping candies
Sleepy Hollow (Available June 30 through July 6; mobile order available)
Red, White, and Blue Funnel Cake: Funnel cake topped with mixed berries, vanilla ice cream, and festive sprinkles
EPCOT
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (Available June 30 through July 7; mobile order available)
Barbecue Pulled Chicken Sandwich with house-made pickles, coleslaw, and an onion ring on a brioche roll
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
PizzeRizzo (Available June 30 through July 31; mobile order available)
Mickey Apple Pie Cupcake: Yellow cupcake filled with apple pie filling, topped with salted caramel buttercream and cinnamon streusel, and garnished with rainbow silver sparkle and red, white, and blue Mickey ears
Woody’s Lunch Box (Available June 30 through July 31; mobile order available)
4th of July Lunch Box Tart: Cherry pie filling topped with vanilla fondant and star sprinkles
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus (Available July 1 through 5; mobile order available)
Fourth of July Cupcake: Strawberry cake with blueberry compote, red, white, and blue vanilla icing, white chocolate Mickey-shaped decoration and gold star sprinkles
Disney Springs
Amorette’s Patisserie (Available now through July 8; mobile order available)
Fourth of July Minnie Mouse Dome: White chocolate and strawberry mousse with vanilla chiffon cake and glaçage
The Ganachery (Available now through July 7)
Stars and Stripes Minnie Chocolate Piñata: Dark chocolate shell filled with popping candy-chocolate bark
Disney Resorts Hotels
Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Available June 30 through July 6; mobile order available)
Fourth of July Cheesecake: Strawberry bavarois, lemon cheesecake, and blueberry chiffon cheesecake
Available at Various Disney Resort Hotel Quick-Service Restaurants (Available June 30 through July 6; mobile order available)
Red, White, and Brownie: Red velvet-brown butter brownie with cream cheese icing, graham streusel, and caramel. Available at the following locations:
Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Heading to Walt Disney World?
If you are planning a vacation to Walt Disney World soon, please be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time, money, and your sanity:
Will you be visiting Walt Disney World for the Fourth of July this year? If so, you are in luck! As usual, there are lots of exciting and entertaining options available to make your holiday a magical one. Here’s the current lineup courtesy of Disney:
Patriotic hues of red, white and blue will sparkle as Walt Disney World Resort in Florida celebrates Fourth of July with a spectacular lineup of fireworks, food and festive entertainment.
Here are several ways guests can celebrate the stars and stripes this Independence Day at Walt Disney World.
Fireworks over Magic Kingdom
“Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” will light up the nighttime sky over Magic Kingdom Park with a booming nighttime spectacular. A simultaneous fireworks display over nearby Seven Seas Lagoon creates an unforgettable experience for guests in the park and nearby Magic Kingdom Resort Area hotels. This special fireworks show will take place July 3 and July 4 at 9:20 p.m.
Be Inspired by Veterans Portraits in The American Adventure at EPCOT
Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors is a special exhibit from the George W. Bush Institute that debuted June 9, 2024, at EPCOT. Reflecting President Bush’s personal commitment to military veterans and ongoing work of the Bush Institute’s Veteran and Military Families Program, this extraordinary art exhibit brings together more than 60 vibrant oil paintings by President Bush of service members and veterans who have served in military uniform with honor since 9/11 and whom the President has come to know personally since leaving office.
Party Throughout Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom guests can dance the night away with DJs mixing tunes at a dance party in front of Cinderella Castle and throughout the park.
Heartbeat of Freedom Following Luminous The Symphony of Us at EPCOT
Patriotic fireworks display, “The Heartbeat of Freedom,” will follow the new nighttime EPCOT fireworks show “Luminous The Symphony of Us” on July 4 at 9 p.m.
Voices of Liberty Harmonies at EPCOT
While visiting EPCOT, guests will be treated to the sounds of Americana as the legendary a cappella vocal group Voices of Liberty performs patriotic numbers in the rotunda of The American Adventure. Performances will take place throughout the day.
Special Photo Opportunities with Patriotic Disney Pals
Favorite Disney pals will be dressed for the occasion in their “Spirit of ’76” attire and meet with guests throughout the day at The American Adventure at EPCOT.
Spaceship Earth at EPCOT Glitters in Red, White, and Blue
In celebration of the holiday, the iconic Spaceship Earth at EPCOT will be illuminated in bright red, white and blue colors at night. Guests can bask in a patriotic glow that will reflect across World Celebration, which is part of the park’s recently completed multi-year transformation.
Food That’s Worth a Salute
For a limited time, Walt Disney World guests can dazzle their taste buds with all-new indulgences debuting this year across the resort and the return fan-favorites such as the Barbeque Pulled Chicken Sandwich available at Regal Eagle Smokehouse at EPCOT. More details to be announced in the July 4th Foodie Guide on the Disney Parks Blog being released June 25.
Gear Up with Disney Americana Collection
Resort guests can celebrate in style with a special collection of merchandise featuring red, white and blue colors and patriotic Mickey Mouse. The Disney Americana Collection includes a Loungefly Mini Backpack and Ear Headband along with a variety of tees. Guests can discover these treasures for a limited time at World of Disney at Disney Springs, Emporium at Magic Kingdom, Creations Shop at EPCOT, Discovery Trading Company at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and online at DisneyStore.com.
Celebrate at Disney Resort Hotels
Select Disney Resort hotels get into the spirit with classic summertime fun, from surprise character appearances, campfires, sing-alongs and marshmallow roasts to Movies Under the Stars and children’s activities. Or just enjoy an afternoon poolside or a leisurely boating excursion on sparkling lakes and waterways.
Guests staying in Disney Resort hotels on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake can cap off their day viewing the nightly Electrical Water Pageant. This cavalcade of sea creatures in lights includes a patriotic grand finale featuring the American flag and stars all in sparkling lights. More information about special activities is available in each resort’s daily schedule.
Stroll Down Main Street, U.S.A.
Inspired by Walt Disney’s childhood hometown of Marceline, Missouri, Main Street U.S.A. is a step back in time to a quintessential American town at the turn of the 20th century. The colorful Victorian setting is where guests can enjoy the famous Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, horse-drawn carriages and the high-flying revelry of the Main Street Philharmonic.
Witness the Flag Retreat
Since the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the daily Flag Retreat ceremony has retired the American flag for the night in a celebratory tribute to U.S. Veterans. Veterans often participate in the ceremony, receiving warm recognition for their service and sacrifice.
See History in Liberty Square
Set in the Revolutionary War era, Liberty Square pays tribute to daily life in the original thirteen colonies. Guests can get up close to a replica of the Liberty Bell and meet all 45 different Presidents of the United States in the Hall of Presidents, a stirring show tracing the nation’s history. A walk along the Rivers of America from Liberty Square through neighboring Frontierland reflects a journey through the country’s era of westward expansion.
Experience The American Adventure
The American Adventure in World Showcase at EPCOT features a dramatic production including 35 Audio-Animatronic figures that retell pivotal moments and events throughout the country’s history. From the landing of the Mayflower to Valley Forge, the Civil War to the Great Depression all the way up to today, Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain guide guests on this trip through time.
Heading to Walt Disney World?
If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time, money, and your sanity:
Do you have a Walt Disney World vacation coming up in 2023? If so, there’s so many new experiences and returning favorites to enjoy during your trip this year. Here’s what’s coming to Walt Disney World in 2023, courtesy of Disney!
In 2023, Walt Disney World Resort is the place to embrace thrills of all kinds. Exciting new experiences set to debut this year include one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park, a new restaurant to savor, the continued transformation of EPCOT, returning nighttime spectaculars filling night skies throughout the resort and so much more.
Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Continues Through March 31
It’s your last chance to experience a party fifty years in the making as the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration will conclude March 31, 2023. Make plans to visit now to see Mickey Mouse and his pals in their EARidescent finery one last time and enjoy all the special sights, tastes and merchandise that mark this momentous event.
New and Returning Character Greetings – All Year
New and returning character experiences are sure to thrill guests of all ages. Beginning April 22, Moana will greet fellow voyagers on Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – just in time for the park’s 25th anniversary. Fans of Figment will get the chance to hug the long-time EPCOT icon at the Imagination! pavilion beginning late summer. Mickey Mouse and friends will also have a new home at Communicore Hall opening later this year as part of the EPCOT transformation. And, at Magic Kingdom Park this fall, Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ hit film “Encanto” will greet guests in Fairytale Garden surrounded by whimsical décor inspired by La Familia Madrigal. These new experiences follow the return of several Magic Kingdom character experiences including Pete’s Silly Sideshow, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Ariel in her underwater grotto and the return of character dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – March 23
Yee-haw! Andy’s backyard is preparing to welcome more toys at Roundup Rodeo BBQ opening March 23 in Toy Story Land. Serving barbecue-inspired comfort foods, this one-of-a-kind dining experience is the first “Toy Story” table-service restaurant in the world. A collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney World Food & Beverage, Roundup Rodeo BBQ will bring more toy-sized, tasty fun to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. For more information, please click here!
Nighttime Spectaculars Brighten Skies and Warm Hearts at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT – April 3
Fan-favorite nighttime spectacular “Happily Ever After” Presented by Pandora Jewelry returns to light up the night sky over Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park beginning April 3. New this year, the nightly fireworks show will fully immerse guests in heartfelt Disney stories as brand-new projections extend down Main Street U.S.A., adding even more magic to this unforgettable spectacle.
“EPCOT Forever” returns to World Showcase Lagoon starting April 3. Featuring stirring renditions of memorable EPCOT music, the show sparks fond memories from the park’s rich history.
The Grid Awaits on TRON Lightcycle / Run Presented by Enterprise – April 4
Beginning April 4, guests can climb aboard Lightcycles for a thrilling race on TRON Lightcycle / Run Presented by Enterprise. Located in Magic Kingdom Park, it is the fastest coaster attraction in a Disney theme park, alongside its sister coaster at Shanghai Disneyland. The attraction masterfully blends coaster thrills with speed, visual effects, music and a one-of-a-kind ride system to create an experience like no other. A virtual queue will be in place when TRON Lightcycle / Run opens and guests will also have the option to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry for the attraction via the My Disney Experience app on the day of their visit. For more information, please click here!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 25th Anniversary – April 22
2023 marks a special milestone as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park celebrates its 25th anniversary. With the return of entertainment such as “Festival of the Lion King” and ”Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!,” there has never been a better time to explore this one-of-a-kind park. It is the place to encounter wild animals, take in high-speed thrills and even journey to a world beyond belief, Pandora – The World of Avatar. Make plans now to visit this special place that celebrates the magic of nature.
EPCOT Transformation Continues – Late 2023
This fall will bring even more exciting experiences as part of the multi-year transformation of EPCOT. Guests will be able to explore the wonders of water when Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana opens. This fun interactive outdoor trail offers a chance to play and interact with water as it travels from the sky to the oceans and back again. Along the way, guests learn about the importance of water and discover its playful personality – just as Moana did on her heroic voyage.
Fall will also see completion of the new World Celebration neighborhood. As the hub of the park, it will feature different gardens that change with the seasons. It will also be home to the new Communicore Plaza and the new Communicore Hall, the latter offering a place to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. World Celebration will also anchor the park’s renowned festivals. It is also where guests will discover Dreamers Point, an inspiring overlook showcasing a statue of Walt Disney called “Walt the Dreamer.”
Guests will be treated to the debut of an all-new EPCOT nighttime spectacular later this year. A dazzling display of music, pyrotechnics, lasers and lighting, the show will feature an original composition and evocative selections from the Disney songbook – all woven together to remind us that we are more alike than different.
Disney100 Celebration – Late 2023
Later this year, Walt Disney World Resort will join the global celebration of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary – 10 decades of creativity and innovation. Look for more details to come, as EPCOT prepares to host this unforgettable celebration at Walt Disney World.
More Disney Dining Options – Throughout the Year
On April 1, 2023, Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will welcome guests to an exciting new dining experience. This signature-dining restaurant – renowned for its panoramic views of Seven Seas Lagoon – will introduce a new interior along with a refreshed menu offering a perfect balance of updated classics and new culinary delights. Guests can look forward to the return of house specialties such as lobster bisque and new dishes like Blackened Redfish and tasty plant-based options. For more details, please click here!
Later this year, more dining delights will debut, including Summer House on the Lake at Disney Springs and The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk.
Will you be visiting Walt Disney World in 2023? What are you most looking forward to enjoying? Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!
If you’ll be visiting Walt Disney World this month and are in the mood for a yummy treat to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you’re in luck! There are always the classic candy apples, cookies, and rice crispy treats that will be festively decorated for the holiday, but if you are looking for something a little different check out these delicious eats and drinks being served up throughout the resort in honor of the holiday.
Disney Resort Hotels
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)
St. Patrick’s Day Cake: Irish cream cake with mint ganache, buttercream, fondant rainbow, and a chocolate pot of gold
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping & Dining (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)
St. Patrick’s Day Parfait: Layers of green velvet cake, ganache and Irish crème cheesecake topped with sweet cream and white chocolate shamrock décor
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (Available through March 31)
Mickey Shamrock Milkshake: Mint milkshake with chocolate drizzle, shamrock sprinkles and a specialty vanilla cupcake
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)
Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake, whipped mint ganache, and house-made chocolate décor
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Contempo Café (Available through March 17; mobile order available)
St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake: Chocolate cake filled with gold crisp pearls with green buttercream, green sugar, shamrock sprinkles and a white chocolate Minnie Mouse topper
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago (Available March 10 through 17)
Lucky Leprechaun: Whiskey coffee custard, whiskey-soaked cake, and pistachio mousse topped with a dark chocolate shamrock
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Good’s Food to Go (Available through March 17)
Mickey Pot of Gold: Stout-chocolate cake filled with Irish cream mousse dipped in chocolate shell, buttercream, gold sprinkles, and rainbow gummy
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)
Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake and whipped mint ganache with chocolate décor
Scat Cat’s Club – Café (Available through March 31)
Irish Pork Bangers Poutine: Irish cheddar, onion marmalade, stout gravy, and french fries
D-Luxe Burger (Available through March 31; mobile order available)
Dublin Burger: Two pressed signature blend patties with Irish cheddar, corned beef, shoestring fried onions, Irish stout barbecue, lettuce, tomato
The Ganachery (Available through March 19)
St. Patrick’s Day Mickey Piñata: Chocolate piñata filled with mint marshmallows enrobed in chocolate, white crisp pearls, and green sprinkles
Milk Chocolate Irish Cream Ganache Square
Dark Chocolate Irish Whiskey Ganache Square
Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant
Revelers can enjoy Raglan Road’s Signature Brew Flight, whiskey flight, or craft beers, wines, and hand-crafted cocktails of their choice while choosing from the chef’s selection of authentic Irish dishes, including the dry-aged prime short rib and brisket beef OMG Burger, Shepherd’s Pie (beef and lamb version or the popular plant-based option), and fresh-caught fish with chips. The authentic fish & chips also are available to go at the adjacent Cooke’s of Dublin counter. Please click here for more information about Raglan Road’s Mighty St. Patrick’s Day Celebration!
Salt & Straw (Available through March 30)
Pots of Gold & Rainbows: Hand-sorted rainbow marshmallows tossed into cereal milk ice cream
Sprinkles (Available March 13 through 19)
Irish Coffee Cupcake: Chocolate coffee cake filled with marshmallow, topped with Irish whiskey green-vanilla buttercream frosting, and finished with a clover décor (This cupcake contains a small amount of alcohol; for adults 21+)
Swirls on the Water (Available through March 31)
St. Patrick’s Day Cone: Chocolate and mint soft-serve swirled in a black vanilla cone topped with gold sprinkles
Bailey’s Chocolate Float: Frozen hot chocolate with mint soft serve and Bailey’s Irish Cream float
Vivoli il Gelato (Available through March 31)
Shamrock Shake: Mint chocolate chip gelato and pistachio gelato topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings
Pistachio Bombolato: Pistachio gelato and chocolate sauce in a warm Italian donut
Mint Cannoli: Sweet cream of ricotta cheese, sugar, mint, and chocolate shavings in a crispy pastry shell
Marshmallow Cereal Cannoli: Ricotta cheese and marshmallow cereal
Marshmallow Cereal Bombolato: Marshmallow cereal and vanilla icing
Marshmallow Cereal Shake: Vanilla gelato and marshmallow cereal topped with a bombolato
Will you be trying a St. Patrick’s Day treat in Disney World? Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!
Over 40 years ago on October 1, 1982, EPCOT opened to visitors thrilled to experience Disney innovation. In the four decades since, Disney has continued to expand and create even more cherished experiences for guests to enjoy with family and friends. Recently Disney shared a timeline of innovation at EPCOT. Check it out and see how many of the milestone moments you remember!
On October 1, 1982, Walt Disney World Resort invited guests to imagine what life would be like in the 21st century with the opening of EPCOT Center. This first-of-its-kind theme park focused on showcasing ideas and technologies the world had never seen before.
May EPCOT Center entertain, inform and inspire and, above all, may it instill a new sense of belief and pride in man’s ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere.”
– Official Dedication, October 24, 1982
With the sentiment above, Disney Chairman and CEO Card Walker carried on Walt Disney’s legacy at the park’s official dedication. A month-long celebration introduced the park’s five Future World pavilions and nine World Showcase pavilions to guests from around the world. The formal grand opening was held over three days, with the theme park’s official dedication taking place on October 24, 1982.
Now known as EPCOT, the park inspires curiosity, imagination and wonder through its international festivals, innovative attractions and cultural experiences.
Home to four unified neighborhoods – World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery and World Showcase – the park continues to evolve with the biggest transformation in its history underway. As Walt Disney once said, EPCOT will “always be in a state of becoming,” and the park is set to enter its next 40 years with all-new ways for guests to experience the magic of possibility.
Here’s a look at some of the milestones in the 40-year history of EPCOT:
1965
November 15 – Walt Disney and his brother Roy publicly announce plans for Walt Disney World Resort in a press conference held in downtown Orlando, Florida.
1966
October 27 – Walt Disney records a film outlining plans for the Florida Project, including details for Walt Disney World Resort and the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT).
1978
Card Walker, President and CEO of Walt Disney Productions, announces plans for EPCOT at the International Chamber of Commerce, and presents concepts to President Jimmy Carter, the ICC’s keynote speaker.
1979
October 1 – After years of planning, construction begins on EPCOT.
1982
September 24 – Walt Disney World Cast Members and their families and friends are among the very first to experience the new theme park before it opens to the public. Special preview days give Cast Members a sense of pride and help ensure the park is ready for the guests to come.
October 1 –EPCOTopens with five Future World pavilions – Spaceship Earth, Universe of Energy, World of Motion, Journey Into Imagination and The Land – and nine World Showcase pavilions representing Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, United Kingdom and the United States.
“Carnival de Lumiere” debuts as the theme park’s first nightly fireworks show, replaced in 1983 with “A New World Fantasy” and in 1984 by “Laserphonic Fantasy.”
October 24 – EPCOT is officially dedicated by Card Walker, Chairman and CEO of Walt Disney Productions.
A new four-mile extension of the Walt Disney World Monorail System opens, extending from the Ticket and Transportation Center to EPCOT.
1983
October 1 – On the park’s one-year anniversary, Horizons (now MISSION: Space) makes its debut in Future World. Featuring a first-of-its kind ride system, the attraction gives guests a glimpse of what life might be like in the future.
March 5 – The ride-through attraction Journey into Imagination (now Journey into Imagination with Figment) opens.
1984
September 7 – EPCOT World Showcase expands with the opening of the Morocco pavilion.
June 3 – The France pavilion in World Showcase opens its second signature restaurant, Bistro de Paris.
1985
September 24 – Lotus Blossom Café opens, the first of two new restaurants to open in the China pavilion.
October 23 – The China pavilion’s table-service restaurant Nine Dragons Restaurant begins serving guests.
1986
January 15 –The Living Seas(now The Seas with Nemo & Friends) opens. Centerpiece of the pavilion is a 5.7-million-gallon aquarium – the world’s largest at the time – that’s home to more than 200 species of marine life.
1987
The EPCOT Daredevil Circus Spectacular opens in Future World. Dubbed “The Greatest Show in Space,” it featured a variety of daredevil circus acts performed in and above the CommuniCore area of the park.
1988
January 30 – “IllumiNations,” a new nighttime spectacular, premieres. The new show incorporated the World Showcase pavilions for the first time with rim lighting and special projection effects.
June 3 – World Showcase expands with the opening of theNorway pavilion that introduces Maelstrom, where guests board Viking boats to discover the country’s natural beauty, traditions and modern cities.
1989
October 19 – Wonders of Life pavilion opens in Future World. Beneath a giant gold dome, three humorous attractions offer a fun look at health and fitness. The pavilion also includes state-of-the art, hands-on activities, live comedy shows and a fast-casual restaurant.
1990
November – The first phase of the EPCOT Resort Area opens with the debut of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (November 5) and Disney’s Beach Club Resort (November 19). The following year brings Walt Disney World Swan Hotel (January 13) and the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel (June 4). All within walking distance of the theme park, the collection of resorts significantly expands lodging and convention options.
1994
April 29 – The inaugural EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival debuts.
July 1 – Innoventions pavilion replaces Communicore, featuring interactive exhibits and demonstrations of emerging technologies.
November 21 – “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience,” a lively interactive 3-D adventure, opens in the Journey Into Imagination pavilion.
November 25 – The Candlelight Processional moves to EPCOT from Magic Kindgom, where it had been presented since 1971. With the move to America Gardens Theater, the show was able to expand to multiple nightly performances throughout the holiday season.
1995
January 21 – “Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable” debuts in The Land. The 20-minute, 70mm film features Simba, Timon and Pumba in a story about the importance of respect for the natural environment.
September 15 – Ellen’s Energy Adventure debuts, bringing a new storyline and humor to what was previously Universe of Energy.
1996
September 28 – The first annual EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival makes its debut.
1999
March 17 – Test Track opens in Future World. The park’s first thrill attraction, it takes guests on exhilarating twists and turns in a test vehicle.
October 1 – TheMillennium Celebration begins at EPCOT. The 15-month event marks the debut of the popular nighttime spectacular, “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth”, that will run for 20 years. Also new is Millennium Village – celebrating the cultural achievements of 25 countries – and the Tapestry of Nations parade. The celebration also brings pin trading to the forefront for Disney collectors everywhere.
2000
October 1 – The Art of Disney shop opens in Future World, selling Disney artwork, prints and other collectibles.
2003
August 15 – Mission: SPACE opens in Future World. The attraction takes guests on a simulated training spaceflight to Mars.
2004
November 16 – Turtle Talk with Crush opens in The Living Seas. The first-of-its kind attraction enables Crush from Disney-Pixar’s “Finding Nemo” to talk with guests, as he learns about humans and shares his stories of life in the ocean.
2005
May 5 – Soarin’ opens in The Land pavilion, taking guests on a breathtaking aerial adventure over iconic California locations.
2006
October 1 – “The Year of a Million Dreams” begins. Across EPCOT and the other Walt Disney World theme parks, Dream Squads surprise thousands of guests with an array of prizes, from special attraction access, and merchandise to Disney vacations.
November 26 – The Living Seas pavilion is transformed to become The Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilion. Its official dedication will take place January 24, 2007.
2007
April 6 – Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros opens inside the Mexico pavilion. A re-imagining of the pavilion’s opening-day boat ride El Río del Tiempo (River of Time), the updated attraction features Donald Duck, José Carioca and Pistoles Panchito from Walt Disney’s 1942 film “Saludos Amigos.”
April 25 – The Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future exhibit opens at Spaceship Earth. The series of exhibits showcases advances in medicine, technology and energy management.
October 1 – The 25th anniversary of EPCOT is marked by a rededication ceremony and a gallery showcasing memorabilia from the park’s history.
2008
February 15 – After extensive renovations, Spaceship Earth reopens with an expanded storyline. New narration follows the history of human innovation from prehistoric times to the 21st century.
2009
January 28 – Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure interactive attraction opens. Guests transform into secret agents as part of Team Possible to save the world via the Disney Play! App on mobile devices. The scavenger hunt-style experience interacted with seven World Showcase pavilions.
2011
April 4 – House of Good Fortune merchandise location opens in the China pavilion. The new shop sells authentic Chinese merchandise.
2012
June 23 – Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure opens, replacing Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. The new quest takes guests on an adventure with Agent P to solve clues and thwart Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s evil plots.
December 6 – Test Track – Presented by Chevrolet re-opens. The re-imagined attraction allows guests to design their own vehicles before setting off on a thrilling test drive.
2013
May 30 – L’Artisan des Glaces Ice Cream shop opens in the France pavilion. The shop makes its own ice cream.
2014
January 20 – Spice Road Table opens in the Morocco pavilion. Inspired by the outdoor cafés throughout the Mediterranean, the restaurant serves small plates, specialty wines and aperitifs from the region.
2016
June 17 – Soarin’ Around the World debuts in The Land pavilion. The reimagined attraction takes guests on a flight high above many of the world’s natural and man-made wonders.
June 21 – Frozen Ever After opens in the Norway pavilion, replacing Maelstrom. The attraction takes guests on a boat ride through the kingdom of Arendelle. Along with the ride-through attraction, Royal Sommerhus opens, allowing Queen Elsa and Princess Anna to meet with guests inside a charming cabin.
New holiday experiences are found across the theme park as part of what’s now the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.
2018
January 12 – The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts debuts, expanding the park’s festival offerings to all four seasons.
2019
August 25 – The historic multi-year transformation of EPCOT is announced at D23 Expo 2019.
October 1 – “EPCOT Forever” nighttime spectacular debuts at World Showcase Lagoon, replacing “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.”
October 1 – Walt Disney Imagineering presents the EPCOT Experience opens, offering a preview of attractions coming as part of the theme park’s multiyear transformation.
July 5 – Takumi-Tei opens in the Japan pavilion. The signature dining table-service restaurant specializes in wagyu beef, sushi and signature cocktails.
2020
January 17 – Three new films debut around World Showcase. “Awesome Planet” debuts in the Harvest Theater inside The Land pavilion. The new film showcases the beauty and diversity of our planet. “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along” premieres in Palais du Cinema inside the France pavilion. The new film offers a new twist on the classic Disney movie. “Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360” debuts at the Canada pavilion, updating the O Canada! Circle-Vision 360 film.
February 19 – Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts and Barbecue opens at The American Adventure pavilion. The fast-casual restaurant serves classic American backyard barbecue and home-style craft brews.
December 22 – A transformation of the main entrance is completed with the unveiling of a new fountain, inspired by one that originally debuted with the theme park’s 1982 opening.
2021
September 15 – Creations Shop opens in World Celebration. The new flagship store features unique merchandise dedicated to EPCOT, as well as other Walt Disney World collectibles.
September 20 – Space 220 opens in the Mission: SPACE pavilion. The new restaurant gives guests the chance to enjoy a meal among the stars, after a simulated flight 220 miles above the Earth’s surface.
October 1 – Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration begins with new experiences across all four theme parks. In honor of the celebration, Spaceship Earth transforms into a spectacular Beacon of Magic at night, illuminating the skies with brilliant colors. As part of the park transformation, three new neighborhoods – World Celebration, World Discovery and World Nature – join World Showcase as the geographic areas that make up EPCOT.
October 1 – The expanded France pavilion opens with Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, a new ride-through 4D experience inspired by Disney-Pixar’s “Ratatouille.” A new restaurant, La Crêperie de Paris, offers guests a delicious taste of French cuisine.
October 1 – “Harmonious,” a new nighttime spectacular, debuts with the 50th Anniversary celebration. The show celebrates the way Disney music inspires people across the world and features a culturally diverse soundtrack coordinated with spectacular visuals and fireworks.
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April 27 – Connections Café and Eatery opens in World Celebration, offering guests a new selection of internationally-inspired cuisine.
May 27 – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opens in the Wonders of Xandar pavilion. The family thrill coaster features myriad firsts, including the first ever reverse launch on a Disney coaster and ride vehicles that rotate 360 degrees. It’s also one of the world’s largest fully enclosed coasters.
October 1 – Walt Disney World Resort celebrates the 40th anniversary of EPCOT, as the park continues its multi-year transformation.
What is your favorite EPCOT memory? Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!
Disney World Enthusiast 