PHOTOS: Go INSIDE the Newest Restaurant in EPCOT — Connections Eatery

We have been waiting on the edge of our seats for the opening of the Connections Eatery in EPCOT. We got a sneak peek of the menu, the temporary EPCOT Starbucks location closed, and now, Connections Cafe (the new Starbucks location that’s connected to the Eatery) has opened.

Connections Eatery

Just a few hours later, we found that the Eatery side of the restaurant had soft-opened, and now we’re checking it out!

First thing in the morning, the backside of the building was blocked from guests visiting the new Starbucks location. There was open seating in the Cafe side, but the Eatery was still unavailable.

You’ll see the area that’s blocked off in the back.

Along the back wall, there’s a giant mural that follows the length of the open hallway between the two parts of connections. Each of the entrances to the Eatery were blocked off in the morning, but we could still get a fairly good look at the restaurant’s seating area.

There’s a beautiful mural back here!

While the Starbucks section of Connections is outfitted with black tables and chairs, the tables in the restaurant are white with off-white/tan chairs. It really brightens up the space!

A first glimpse at the seating area.

There’s a giant seating area here, and early in the day, the only people inside were Disney Cast Members, likely training and preparing for the opening of the restaurant. Disney later announced that the official opening date is May 27th!

There were only Cast Members inside currently.

However, it seems that they’re ready to do a soft open because today, Connections Eatery opened up in the afternoon…with the FULL menu available! Let’s check it out!

It’s all open!

This restaurant is definitely one of the nicer quick service spots in Disney World, with REAL silverware and restrooms inside. Plus, all those windows make for some beautiful natural light (and great food photos!).

They have real silverware!

There are several ordering stations at the main counter. Disney hasn’t shared yet whether or not Connections Eatery will be on Mobile Order when it officially opens, so for now, we walk up to one of the multiple registers to choose our meals.

The counter where you order.

Once you order at the counter, you can watch the chefs preparing meals in one of the three “show kitchens” around the restaurant. Our food was ready incredibly quickly (almost immediately!), so we set out to find a nice place to sit.

One of the show kitchens.

Like we mentioned above, there are massive windows in this restaurant, so you can head to one side to dine with a view of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, or head to the other for a view of Spaceship Earth.

Time to eat!

We’ll be sharing a full review of the eats at this new restaurant, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest updates! We’ve got you covered with all the Disney World food news.

Check Out the New Connections Cafe Starbucks Here!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

What are you most excited to try at Connections Eatery? Let us know in the comments!