New ‘Wish’ Attraction at EPCOT Is Turning Heads

When it comes to attractions, if you asked anyone visiting Walt Disney World which park is lacking, they’d probably say EPCOT. Although the universally beloved park is home to Spaceship Earth, fabulous food, and unique festivals, it’s lacking in the attractions department, at least regarding rides. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to see and do at EPCOT, and with new Disney films like Wish (2023) to influence the sights and sounds of the famous park, the 2024 International Flower and Garden Festival has seen a few new arrivals that are turning heads.

The festivals at EPCOT are some of the best offerings at Walt Disney World. The current offering is EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival. This annual event at Walt Disney World Resort celebrates the wonders of flora with breathtaking floral displays, enchanting gardens, and vibrant topiaries. Guests can explore the World Showcase, adorned with stunning blooms, and participate in horticultural workshops to learn gardening tips and tricks. The festival also features live music, delicious food offerings, and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. Don’t miss this magical springtime celebration at EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival.

Although you’ll find tons of fabulous food and drink around the World Showcase during the Flower and Garden festival, another huge draw is the amazing topiaries that pop up all over the park during the Spring celebration. Each one brings to life iconic characters and scenes from popular Disney offerings, typical of what you’d expect at Walt Disney World.

new wish topiary at epcot

This year’s festival edition is no different but brings a few new astonishing topiaries to EPCOT, including one that is beautifully bright, especially at night!

Ashley Carter posted recently to X, formerly Twitter, a fantastic shot of this new attraction at EPCOT, a Wish-inspired topiary that can be seen with Spaceship Earth lit up in the background.

If you haven’t seen it, Wish is a heartwarming, Walt Disney Animation Studios animated film that takes viewers on a magical adventure.

Although the film didn’t perform well in theatres during its release last year, the story, which features the voice talents of Ariana DeBose (Asha) and Chris Pine (King Magnifico), combines classic Walt Disney Animation Studios features in an attempt to bring the golden age of Disney animation back to life.

wish fails at the box office epcot

With fascinating characters like King Magnifico and Queen Amaya, Wish is a better movie than received initially, and its new topiary at the 2024 Flower and Garden Festival is a must-see, perfect for those Instagram photos, especially at night.

Although this particular topiary is turning heads, you’ll find many others as you venture around EPCOT and the World Showcase. Miquel from Coco, Elsa Anna, and other newcomers like Groot await guests at the 2024 International Flower and Garden Festival, one of the most highly anticipated events you’ll find in any of the four Disney Parks at Walt Disney World Resort.

Full Flower & Garden Menus Revealed for the 2024 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival!

We’re less than two weeks until the kick-off of the 2024 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. This is my absolute favorite festival at EPCOT! This year, we’re so excited about all of the new items available.

Flavor is about to be in full bloom because the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is nearly here! From Feb. 28 through May 27, 2024, EPCOT will be transformed into a flower-filled adventure budding with delicious bites, masterfully-crafted topiaries, can’t-miss entertainment, and exclusive merchandise you won’t want to miss.

This year there are nearly 20 Outdoor Kitchens and over 60 – yes, you heard that right – new items to indulge in! That’s a lot of new flavors buzzing around. Within all these new menu items, ‘bee’ sure to try delights for the first time like the Cubanito at Florida Fresh and Peach Galette at EPCOT Farmers Feast. But don’t worry, there are plenty of returning favorites, including none other than the beloved Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade at Pineapple Promenade and the Chicken and Waffles at The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board.

Once the Festival kicks off, be sure to pick up a Festival Passport and join in on the tasty foodie fun with the return of Garden Graze. To join in on this food stroll, which features 8 tasty bites from the Outdoor Kitchens, simply get a stamp on your passport after your purchase and once you collect five, you can receive your exclusive treat from the Pineapple Promenade.

And for a convenient way to pay as you go, try these specially designed mini festival-themed Disney Gift Cards. Simply load it and wear it on your wrist for quick and easy scanning when you purchase all your festival favorites.

I don’t know about you, but I am ready to get my flower, garden, and foodie on. It’s time to get your first look at the 2024 menus for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival!

The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board  

Food Items:

  • Chicken and Waffles: Crispy chicken and a honey sweet cornbread waffle with whipped honey butter and spicy honey
  • Honey-glazed Cauliflower with honey-roasted carrot purée, wild rice pilaf, spring vegetables, honey-blistered grapes, and sunflower brittle (New) 

Beverages:

  • Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with Streusel (Non-alcoholic beverage)
  • Copperpoint Brewing Co. Bee’s Squeeze Blonde Ale (New)  
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Orange Blossom Honey Wine
  • Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with blueberry vodka and streusel

Pineapple Promenade 

Food Items:

  • Spicy Hot Dog with pineapple chutney and plantain chips
  • DOLE Whip (Plant-based) 

Beverages:

  • Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (Non-alcoholic beverage)
  • DOLE Whip with Fanta (Non-alcoholic beverage)
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Tropical Hefe
  • Copperpoint Brewing Co. Tropical Hibiscus Blonde Ale (New) 
  • Wicked Weed Brewing Perni Haze Hazy IPA (New) 
  • Playalinda Brewing Company Violet Lemonade Ale
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine
  • DOLE Whip topped with Sōmrus Mango Cream Liqueur
  • Pineapple Beer Flight

Florida Fresh 

Food Items: 

  • Grilled Warm Water Lobster Tail with Key lime butter (New) 
  • Cubanito with mojo-marinated pork belly, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and stone ground mustard sauce (New) 
  • Florida Strawberry Shortcake (Plant-based) (Garden Graze Food Stroll)

Beverages: 

  • Cucumber-Watermelon Slushy (Non-alcoholic beverage)
  • Cucumber-Watermelon Slushy with Gin

Swirled Showcase 

Food Items: 

  • Soft-serve in a Waffle Cone
    • Vanilla
    • Peanut Butter
    • Grape Jelly
  • Strawberry Basil Sorbet in a waffle cone (New) 
  • Ice Cream Float: Vanilla Soft-serve and Barq’s Red Creme Soda (Non-alcoholic beverage)
  • Liquid Nitro Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with fresh honey, granulated honey, honey mead blueberry compote Presented by National Honey Board (New) 

Beverages:

  • Vanilla Soft-serve with Cantaloupe Liqueur (New) 
  • Boulevard Brewing Co. Quirk Strawberry Banana Whip Hard Seltzer
  • Strawberry Basil Sorbet with Hard Seltzer

Refreshment Port 

Food Item: 

  • Plant-based Buffalo Chicken Tender Poutine on crispy potato barrels with ranch, and plant-based blue cheese crumbles (Plant-based) (Garden Graze Food Stroll)

Beverages: 

  • Country Boy Brewing Orange Cream Hard Cider (New) 
  • Villa Maria Earth Garden Sauvignon Blanc
  • Frozen Mojito with Boyd & Blair Rum

Northern Bloom 

Food Items:

  • Beef Tenderloin Tips with mushroom bordelaise sauce, whipped potatoes, and garden vegetables
  • Chocolate Maple Whisky Cake

Beverages: 

  • Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Blackberry Wine (New) 
  • Collective Arts Brewing Beyond Reason Micro Pale Ale (New) 
  • Glutenberg Blonde Ale
  • Collective Arts Brewing Grapefruit Lime Sour (New) 
  • Beer Flight

La Isla Fresca 

Food Items:

  • IMPOSSIBLE Jamaican Beef Patty with Spicy Papaya Syrup (New) (Plant-based)
  • Coconut Tres Leches: Vanilla cake soaked with oat, almond, and coconut milks topped with toasted coconut (Plant-based) (Garden Graze Food Stroll)  

Beverages:

  • Tropical Slush: Lemonade, grapefruit, and simple syrup (Non-alcoholic beverage)
  • Wicked Weed Brewing Mango Wowie Hazy IPA with mango (New)
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Tropical Perception White Sangria
  • Tropical Breeze with Don Q Límon Rum

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina 

Food Items:

  • Mediterranean Flatbread with chermoula, roasted vegetables, artichoke, olives, feta cheese
  • Orange Blossom-Saffron Cake

Beverages: 

  • Pomegranate Mimosa
  • Keel Farms Pear Honeysuckle Hard Cider (New) 
  • Woodchuck Imperial Sippin’ Citrus Hard Cider (New) 
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Pomegranate Hard Cider
  • Cider Flight

Magnolia Terrace 

Food Items:

  • Muffuletta Panini with ham, salami, mortadella, provolone, and Swiss with olive salad
  • Spicy Chicken Gumbo with andouille sausage and long grain & wild rice
  • Bananas Foster Bread Pudding

Beverages:

  • Bayou Cocktail: Spiced rum, coconut rum, fruit punch, and orange juice
  • Urban Artifact Capy Snacks Fruit Punch Fruit Ale (New) 
  • Schneider Weisse LoveBeer Weissbier (New) 
  • Parish Brewing Co. Ghost in the Machine Double IPA
  • Beer Flight

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market 

Food Items:

  • Potato Pancakes with house-made apple sauce (Plant-based) (Garden Graze Food Stroll)
  • Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with black forest ham and melted cheese
  • Warm Cheese Strudel with berry compote

Beverages:

  • Bitburger Premium Pils
  • Stiegl Brewery Raspberry Radler
  • Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier
  • Apfelschaumwein: Apple Sparkling Wine and Apple Liqueur
  • Beer Flight

Refreshment Outpost

Food Items:

  • Seasonal Fruit Parfait with sweet chili sauce and DOLE Whip Mango (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze Food Stroll)
  • Tangerine Soft-serve
  • Ice Cream Float: Tangerine soft-serve and Barq’s Red Creme Soda

Beverages: 

  • Lavender Martini: Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka with lavender and lemon
  • Crooked Can Brewing Sorpresa Picante Pale Ale Winter Garden (New) 
  • Woodchuck 802 Barrel-Aged Hard Cider (New) 
  • SweetWater Brewing Co. Fruit Punch IPA (New)

Trowel & Trellis

Food Items:

  • IMPOSSIBLE Farmhouse Meatball with lentil bread, spinach, marinated vegetables, and creamy herb aïoli (Plant-based) (Garden Graze Food Stroll)
  • Soy-glazed Sticky Ribs with green onions and peanuts
  • Chocolate Mousse Terrarium with matcha crumble, and chocolate soil (New) 

Beverages:

  • Raspberry and Lemon Herbal Tea: Twinings Raspberry & Lemon Herbal Tea, and Simply Limeade (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New) 
  • Raspberry and Lemon Herbal Tea with Gin: Twinings Raspberry & Lemon Herbal Tea, Simply Limeade, and Conniption Kinship Gin (New) 
  • Surreal Brewing Co. Natural Bridges Kolsch Style Non-Alcoholic Beer (New) 
  • Brew Hub Strawberry Heatwave Berliner (New) 

The Citrus Blossom

Food Items:

  • Orange Sesame Tempura Shrimp with orange-chile sauce
  • Lemon Meringue Pie: Lemon curd, lemon mousse, and toasted meringue

Beverages:

  • Orange-Lemon Smoothie in a souvenir Orange Bird sipper cup (Non-alcoholic beverage)
  • Southern Tier Brewing Company Orange Twist Imperial Ale (New) 
  • Left Hand Brewing Lemon Drop Shandy (New)
  • Stone Brewing Tangerine Express Hazy IPA (New) 
  • Key Lime Wine Slush (New) 
  • Beer Flight

BRUNCHCOT 

Food Items:

  • Avocado Toast with marinated tomatoes and plant-based cheese crumbles on toasted ciabatta (Plant-based) (Garden Graze Food Stroll)
  • Biscuit and Gravy with IMPOSSIBLE Chicken Fried Steak and IMPOSSIBLE Sausage Gravy (New) 
  • Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites with cream cheese frosting and candied bacon

Beverages:

  • Froot Loops Shake (Non-alcoholic beverage)
  • Peach Bellini
  • Coffee Cocktail: Joffrey’s Coffee with milk, vanilla vodka, and Kahlúa Rum and Coffee Liqueur

EPCOT Farmers Feast 

Food Items:

Early Bloom Menu (Available Feb. 28 through March 30):

  • Veal Tenderloin with spring pea risotto featuring BEN’S ORIGINAL INTERNATIONAL GRAINS Arborio Rice and red wine syrup (New)
  • Strawberry Rhubarb Upside-down Cake with crème fraîche whipped cream

Springtime Menu (Available March 31 through April 27):

  • Seared Scallop with tomato risotto featuring BEN’S ORIGINAL INTERNATIONAL GRAINS Arborio Rice and tomato beurre blanc (New) 
  • Blueberry Buckle with lemon crème fraîche (New) 

Summer Solstice (Available April 28 through May 27):

  • Seared Pork Tenderloin with corn risotto featuring BEN’S ORIGINAL INTERNATIONAL GRAINS Arborio Rice and roasted red pepper sauce (New) 
  • Peach Galette with ginger-vanilla whipped cream (New)

Food Item (Available throughout entire festival):

  • Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread and plant-based cheese (Plant-based) (Garden Graze Food Stroll)

Beverages (Available throughout entire festival):

  • Hibiscus Lemonade Cocktail featuring Islamorada Brewery & Distillery Hibiscus Gin
  • Frozen Lemon Tea Cocktail with Bärenjäger Honey & Bourbon

The Land Cart hosted by AdventHealth

Food Items:

  • Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with cucumbers, olives, and multigrain crackers (New) 
  • Açaí Parfait with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and granola (New) 
  • Strawberry Fruit Bar (Plant-based)

Beverage:

  • Florida Smoothie: Pineapple, orange, and mango (New) 

Connections Eatery

Food Items:

  • Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich: Southern-fried chicken sandwich with hot honey and pickles on a brioche bun (New)
  • Orange Bird Liege Waffle

Beverage:

  • Blood Orange Hibiscus Margarita: Teremana Tequila with hibiscus and blood orange syrup, and orange juice (New)

Canada Popcorn Cart

Beverage:

  • Peach Smash: Canadian Club Whiskey with lemon, peach purée, and ginger (New)

United Kingdom Beer Cart

Beverage: 

  • Scottish Thistle: Fords Gin with lemon and blackcurrant-cucumber syrup garnished with cucumber (New)

Jardin de Fiestas 

Food Item:

  • Sope de Chilorio: Guajillo pepper-braised pork on fried corn shells with black beans, shredded cabbage, crema Mexicana, queso fresco, and chives (New) 
  • Tamale de Rajas: Poblano peppers, corn, and cheese in masa topped with poblano cream sauce, crema mexicana, pickled carrots and onions with chives (New)  
  • Flan de Guayaba: Vanilla flan with guava coulis, whipped cream, and fresh fruit (New) 

Beverages:

  • Lychee Margarita: Centinela Blanco Tequila, lychee liqueur, citrus juice, and agave nectar (New) 
  • Floral Margarita: Cherry liqueur, mezcal, hibiscus tea, and lime juice (New) 
  • Craft Mexican Draft Beer

Lotus House

Food Items:

  • Spicy Mala Chicken Skewer with creamy peanut sauce
  • House-made Cheesy Crab Wontons
  • Pan-fried Vegetable Dumplings

Beverages:

  • Mango Bubble Tea (Non-alcoholic beverage)
  • Brew Hub Honey Jasmine Lager Draft Beer
  • Dragon Dynasty: Baijiu spirit, light rum, dragon fruit syrup, piña colada mix, and soda water (New)
  • Lucky Peach: Peach whiskey, oolong tea, honey, lemon juice, and soda water (New) 
  • Tropical Moon: Vodka, triple sec, passion fruit syrup, soda water, and white boba pearls

Primavera Kitchen 

Food Items:

  • Bocconcini: Mozzarella bocconcini, grape tomatoes, and pesto sauce (New) 
  • Arrabbiata: Pennette pasta, spicy tomato sauce, and buttery shrimp (New) 
  • Quattro Formaggi: Pennette pasta and four-cheese sauce (New) 
  • Chocolate Cannoli: Chocolate-covered cannoli shell with peanut butter-ricotta filling (New)

Beverages:

  • Peroni Pilsner
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Prosecco
  • Italian Sangria (Available in red or white) 
  • Italian Margarita with limoncello and tequila

Hanami

Food Items:

  • Frushi: Strawberry, pineapple, and lychee wrapped in coconut rice and pink soy wrap served with whipped cream, drizzled raspberry sauce, and toasted coconut
  • Steam Bun filled with vegetables and plant-based soy meat (New) 
  • Ramen Cup: Ramen salad shaken in a cup with fresh vegetables, grilled chicken, and dashi broth with chili oil and yuzu (New) 

Beverages:

  • Watermelon-Strawberry Lemonade (New) 
  • Orange Blossom Brewing Co. Cherry Blossom Green Tea Pilsner (New) 
  • Ichigo Breeze Cocktail: Sake with Strawberry and Watermelon (New) 
  • Ozeki Pineapple Nigori Sake (New) 

Fleur de Lys 

Food Items:

  • Croissant au Fromage de Chèvre, Herbes et Ail Rôtie: Croissant with Goat Cheese, Herbs, and Roasted Garlic
  • Parmentier de Canard A L’Orange: Pulled Duck Confit with Orange Sauce and Garlic-Rosemary Mashed Potatoes (New) 
  • Gâteau au Crémeux Citron, Lavende et Thym, Compote de Fruits Rouges: Warm Cake filled with Lemon, Lavender, and Thyme-infused Cream served with Berry Compote (New) 
  • Beignet Caramélisé, Fourré Crème Vanille, Glacé au Caramel Fleur de Sel: Caramelized Beignet filled with Vanilla Cream and glazed with Caramel Fleur de Sel

Beverages: 

  • Kronenbourg Blanc 1664: Fruity White Beer with Citrus Notes
  • Sparkling Raspberry Cocktail: Sparkling Wine with Raspberry Flavor
  • Jean Bojour Val de Loire: Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley (New) 
  • La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose L’Orange, St. Germain Liqueur, White and Red Cranberry Juices

Funnel Cake

  • Funnel Cake with powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream, strawberries, whipped cream, strawberry glaze, and strawberry crunch (New)

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company 

World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE) 

  • Iced Honey Jasmine Latte: A floral fusion of espresso, honey jasmine syrup, milk, whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbles (New) (Alcoholic version available with Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur) 

Near Canada

  • Citrus Frosted Iced Tea: A tangy blend of frozen lemonade, Minute Maid Lemonade, Iced Tea, and orange-tangerine syrup garnished with a glazed orange peel (New) (Alcoholic version available with Grey Goose Vodka)

Showcase Plaza (Near Disney Traders) 

  • Iced Berry Chai Latte: A berry sweet blend of chai tea, blueberry syrup, and milk topped with whipped cream and cinnamon (New) (Alcoholic version available with Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur) 

The American Adventure

  • Tropical Frosted Iced Tea: An exotic blend of frozen lemon, Minute Maid Lemonade, iced tea, and Hawaiian Island Syrup garnished with a glazed orange peel (New) (Alcoholic version available with Grey Goose Vodka)

Wow! What a delicious lineup coming to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival this year. I cannot wait to try everything.

Disney Cast Member Narrowly Escapes Kidnapping Attempt at Parking Lot Near EPCOT

A Disney World cast member narrowly escaped a perpetrator who attempted to kidnap her as she walked to her vehicle following the end of her shift at EPCOT.

Cast members at Disney Parks have some of the most important jobs in all of The Walt Disney Company. No, they don’t have a corner office in Burbank, California, and they don’t fulfill the roles of Disney’s CEO, CFO, or CCO. They are, however, responsible for making the magic real and tangible for guests of all ages who visit the Disney theme parks.

And at a company like Disney, making magic is probably the most important job there is.

disney castle pixie dust tinkerbell

Despite cast members’ focus on doing things to keep the magic alive for guests, there are still some guests who seem focused on being difficult and unruly, just for the sake of being . . . well, difficult and unruly. For some guests, it’s not enough to merely break the rules at Disney’s parks–they have to include belittling and disrespecting cast members in their repertoire.

And sometimes, things get even worse for cast members.

On Thursday, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office officially released a report detailing an incident that occurred on the evening of July 3, 2023, between a Disney World cast member and a would-be kidnapper in a parking lot near EPCOT. Though some news outlets briefly reported on the incident in July, the official police report was not released to the public until this week.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

According to the report, a female cast member who worked at EPCOT had just finished her shift and was walking to her vehicle, which was parked in a parking lot reserved for cast members only. But on the way to her car, an unknown man leaned out of the driver’s side window of a vehicle parked nearby.

According to investigators, the man grabbed the female cast member around her waist and pulled her into the window of his vehicle. The woman began screaming and then “elbowed him in the head” until he finally let her go. But the terrifying incident didn’t stop there.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office report states that after the man let go of the female cast member, he reportedly said to her, “It’s ok; just come to me, princess.”

parking lot

Despite the perpetrator’s statement to the cast member, he then sped off in his vehicle toward the exit of the parking lot as the cast member ran to her vehicle, according to detectives working on the case. After the incident, the woman contacted law enforcement officials, telling them that the man was driving a dark-colored sedan. She was unable, however, to see the license plate on the vehicle and could not give officers any information about the vehicle’s plates.

The incident took place just outside the range of Disney’s surveillance cameras, but security footage in the parking lot shows the sedan speeding through the lot just after 9:00 p.m. local time.

The cast member described the perpetrator as a bald male, possibly in his 40s or 50s. His identity is unknown at this time. More details and information about this case will be shared as it becomes available.

NEW World Celebration Gardens at EPCOT

Via DisneyLists.com

Since 2019, EPCOT has been undergoing a historical transformation; thankfully, it is almost complete. On December 5, 2023, World Celebration Gardens, including the sure-to-be popular Dreamers Point, opened to guests. The new area is a gorgeous spot to sit, relax, and enjoy the views of Spaceship Earth.

World Celebration Gardens

In the middle of EPCOT, you’ll now find World Celebration Gardens. This area features beautiful greenspaces for guests to explore. In the center, there is a large planter based on the five rings of the iconic EPCOT logo.

The gardens feature ample seating and shade. Guests are invited to connect with one another and the nature around them in this lush new area. When we visited, we found lots of different kinds of seating areas. From tables and chairs, benches, and Adirondack-type chairs. This area will be a fantastic spot to take a rest or eat a meal.

The area also includes many different charging stations where guests can charge their devices while sitting there.

Dreamer’s Point

Found within World Celebration Gardens is Dreamers Point, where guests can visit the new “Walt the Dreamer” statue. The statue shows Walt later in his life when he was dreaming up the initial concepts for the park and the overall Florida Project. His relaxed and reflective demeanor was important to the design of this statue, a nod to the pure optimism he felt for the future and the magic of possibility that was the basis for the dream he never saw come to life.

Below, you can see the entire area. Guests can sit on either side of Walt for a special photo. So far, we’ve seen a Disney PhotoPass photographer posted there regularly.

As you can see from the photos, guests will need to step up to sit next to Walt. One criticism we’ve heard is that guests who cannot transfer from a mobility device will have trouble getting close to Walt. However, as seen below, there is a spot to the left of Walt where a wheelchair could be backed in for a photo.

We’ve visited both during the day and at night. Do note that the lightning is quite blinding in the evening, and you’ll need to be extra careful stepping down after your photo.

Overall, we’re very pleased with the statue. We’ve seen some really tender moments from guests. We’ve seen children hug Walt and some adults getting a bit teary. Like Roy Disney’s statue with Minnie at Magic Kingdom, the ability to sit next to Walt and have some interaction makes the experience more meaningful.

New Character Greeting Spaces

Also, in the new gardens are a few new character greeting spaces. We’ve seen Pluto and Daisy greeting guests. Check the My Disney Experience app for greeting times.

Communicore Plaza

The last section still yet to be completed is Communicore Plaza, which was also supposed to open in December 2023. However, Disney pushed back the opening until sometime in 2024. Communicore Hall will be a place to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

Communicore Plaza will be the new home for festivals. See the concept art below for an idea of what it will be like inside.

World Celebration Gardens is a fantastic new addition to EPCOT. The beautiful gardens offer guests a great place to rest and meet. Guests will also not want to miss the Walt the Dreamer statue. Be sure to check out the gardens on your next visit to EPCOT.