The New Procedures You Have to Follow in EPCOT

If you’re heading to EPCOT in 2026, make sure to familiarize yourself with the latest policy changes at Disney’s second park, as things have changed even in the last year.

Spaceship Earth

Whether it’s how to approach some of EPCOT’s most popular attractions that have been refurbished, some of the park’s most popular restaurants, or even its newest lounge.

Many Riders are Heading to Frozen Ever After for the First Time in Forever…

After a month-long closure early in 2026, EPCOT’s Frozen Ever After reopened with brand new animatronics of Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff. The long-awaited update saw new and improved versions of the characters (as seen on other versions of the ride, including Hong Kong Disneyland’s) replacing the original projection-mapped versions in place since the ride’s opening.

Let it gooooo!

These new animatronics are drawing even bigger crowds to the attraction, as many who’ve taken to skipping the crowded attraction in recent years are checking it out again to see the updated figures. Meaning that, unless you want to wait nearly an hour or try rope dropping the attraction, it may be worth using your Tier 1 Lightning Lane.

The best Disney couple, sorry!

Remy in a New Dimension

Frozen Ever After isn’t the only EPCOT ride to see a big technical change recently. Five years after its 2021 opening, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – the immersive trackless dark ride based on the Pixar film – remains IMMENSELY popular. The ride is usually a lock for being one of EPCOT’s 2-3 busiest rides based on average wait time every week, and is usually in the overall Top 10 of the resort according to our data.

Remy’s

Believe it or not, the ride is EVEN busier in 2026 thanks to the 2D conversion that eliminated the need for 3D glasses following 2025. That’s why, if you purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you may want to use your Tier 1 Lightning Lane on Remy’s if you can. You can also try entering the International Gateway entrance from the EPCOT area hotels or the Skyliner and attempt to rope drop the attraction.

No more 3D

Take a Celebratory Flight

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday this coming July 4th, EPCOT’s Soarin’ will receive an “all-new airborne adventure across the US, honoring the heart and spirit of the nation.” Disney even brought in “aviation” legend Patrick Warburton (IYKYK) to announce the overlay, which will be opening at Disney World on May 26th.

©Disney

The New Lounge is Adults’ Only

Located at the back of the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth, GEO-82 offers a selection of cocktails and appetizers in a setting that’s meant to celebrate “the storied history and enduring legacy of this timeless EPCOT icon.” However, in a first for a U.S. Disney park, the lounge is only for those 21+, which guests traveling with children must keep in mind.

Clarified New York Sour at GEO-82

Of note, while GEO-82 is the only establishment at EPCOT limited to 21+, it’s not the park’s only eatery with an age minimum. Monsieur Paul in EPCOT’s France Pavilion requires that guests be AT LEAST 10 YEARS OLD, and the Japan Pavilion’s Takumi-Tei is slightly less strict, welcoming guests ages 8 AND ABOVE.

Takumi-Tei

If you’re making your way to EPCOT for the first time – or the first time in a while – in 2026, keep these new developments in mind, and stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney World.

2 New Things EPCOT World Showcase Desperately Needs

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