I Hate To Break It To You, But EPCOT Is Going To Look VERY Different Soon

BIG changes are happening all throughout Disney World. We’re getting new lands, new expansions, new rides, and SO much more. However, EPCOT already had its big transformation, but that doesn’t mean that things in EPCOT aren’t changing soon.

EPCOT

You see, EPCOT is about to look a LOT different with the end of the EPCOT Festival of the Arts, which runs through February 23rd. After that, everything related to the festival will be removed, and we’ll be in that weird holding pattern that happens before the next festival starts. Let’s discuss.

How EPCOT will change

When the EPCOT Festival of the Arts ends, all the food booths will go away, along with any festival-specific treats, as well as the photo ops, chalk art, the Lorcana activities, the scavenger hunt, and the Disney on Broadway exhibit inside CommuniCore Hall. EPCOT will revert back to what it looks like when a festival is NOT happening. EPCOT will just be regular old EPCOT (which we still love, BTW).

EPCOT

However, the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival begins on March 4th, so you’re likely to start seeing signs of that festival. The topiaries have already started appearing in EPCOT, so you can check those out early. Eventually, food booths and signs will go up, too.

Take advantage of the quiet time

The good news is that we generally see fewer crowds in EPCOT between festivals, so this is a chance to take advantage of lower crowd levels. Yes, all the festival extras will be gone, but you might be able to score shorter lines for rides, which we think is a good trade-off.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

You will still probably want to utilize Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass for those rides that are a must, so consider purchasing those, as well.

Eat your way around the world

During festival seasons, you probably don’t think too much about EPCOT’s restaurants, but when there isn’t a festival happening, you’ll want to take advantage of EPCOT’s restaurants. EPCOT has some of the best restaurants in Disney World, so make those reservations for the ones you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t yet.

Via Napoli in EPCOT’s Italy pavilion

Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities to drink and snack around the World, even without a festival. Take advantage of all the great food EPCOT has year-round.

Visit the Pavilions

Festivals bring so much entertainment and special activities to EPCOT that you might not have time to really visit all the pavilions. Between festivals, though, you’ll want to make your way around World Showcase and spend time in each Pavilion to learn more about its host country.

Japan Pavilion

Don’t miss out on the gardens in the U.K. Pavilion. Take time to have a moment of zen in front of the giant waterfall in Canada. Find some peace and quiet in Morocco. Get a view of the Eiffel Tower in France. It’s also a lot of fun to talk to Cast Members in each Pavilion who are ready to share tales of their countries with you. Don’t forget to check out the Kidcot Fun Stops, too. Finally, SHOP around the world…you’ll find lots of unique souvenirs from each country in the pavilions.

Don’t forget to shop around the world

So, you see, there’s plenty to do in EPCOT even when there ISN’T a festival happening. Not only are there plenty of rides and attractions, but there are a lot of dining opportunities, as well as things to see and do.

We’ll keep you updated on ALL things EPCOT, so stay tuned to DFB for more.

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Do you prefer EPCOT during or between festivals? Let us know why in the comments!