EPCOT has been undergoing a significant and much-needed refurbishment these last few years. With those updates, we have seen a lot of construction. During Destination D23 this past weekend at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Josh D’Amaro made a lot of announcements about EPCOT and the exciting next few months at this Disney park.
There are many reasons why the end of the year is a great time to visit EPCOT, but after the more recent announcements, EPCOT will be the Disney park everyone wants to be at as 2023 wraps up, and we have why.
Festivals
As 2023 wraps up, two big festivals take place at EPCOT. Currently, guests are to experience the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. This festival started July 27 and will run through November 18, 2023.
During this festival, guests can enjoy delicious cuisine worldwide at various booths. Guests can also experience amazing concerts with the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, which brings fantastic artists to the American Gardens Theatre each night.
Once Food & Wine wraps up, EPCOT will quickly transform to celebrate the holidays with the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Once again, this festival will bring holiday cuisine from around the world and amazing storytellers from November 24 to December 30, 2023.
The highlight of this festival is the Candlelight Processional. This show takes place each night and includes a fantastic orchestra, beautiful choir, and guest narrator who work together to retell a Christmas story beautifully and touchingly.
These two festivals have always been a big reason why EPCOT is so popular as the year wraps up, and 2023 will be no different. Guests love to experience the great food that these two festivals bring and the fantastic entertainment.
Figment Meet and Greet is Back
Figment joined the party this weekend, announcing he was back and ready to greet guests again. This Sunday, September 10, 2023, Figment was back at EPCOT, giving big hugs to guests. The meet and greet is inside the Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT.
It came as no surprise that guests were lined up for this experience early. If meeting Figment is essential to your Walt Disney World experience, be prepared to wait in line for a while. Come ready with water, snacks, and protection from the sun as the part of the queue is outside.
This lovable purple dragon and the joy he brings many is again back at EPCOT.
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana Opens
We have anxiously watched this new walk-through experience come to life over the last few years at EPCOT. From seeing the large Te Fiti section arrive to seeing Cast Members and select guests enjoy the experience, the anticipation for this journey has been building for a while.
We will all be able to enjoy Journey of Water- Inspired by Moana starting on October 16, 2023. This journey will help guests understand the importance of water in our world. From fun water features to a splash area for kids, this new experience looks like a lot of fun.
Guests will also be able to meet Moana herself when the attraction opens. She will have her dedicated meet-and-greet area near Journey of Water. We anticipated this meet and greet to be just as popular as Figment, so be ready to wait.
This beautiful new attraction looks to bring a lot to EPCOT and includes a little history as it works to teach us while having some fun.
World Celebration to Open
The last neighborhood in EPCOT to finish will be World Celebration. This center neighborhood, once completed, will connect World Discovery and World Nature. Located at the front of the park, World Celebration is the welcoming area of EPCOT.
Spaceship Earth remains the focal point of this area. Still, an all-new Dreamers Point will feature an all-new statue of Walt Disney surrounded by a beautiful natural environment perfect for dreaming.
This new area will be opening in December 2023 and will complete the multi-year transformation of EPCOT.
Test Track to Be Updated
A surprise announcement was made regarding Test Track. Imagineers and Chevrolet will be reimagining the ride. The focus will be bringing the spirit of optimism to the next generation of guests.
Very few details were given regarding this update, but we look forward to what this could mean for the future of this ride.
Soarin’ Over California Returns
Another exciting and surprising announcement came regarding Soarin’. As part of the Disney100 celebration at EPCOT, guests can experience Soarin’ Over California starting September 22, 2023.
This will be for a limited time only, although no end date was given. With the 100th celebration running through December, we anticipate the change to continue for that time.
Luminous The Symphony of Us Coming!
The biggest and most anticipated announcement was about what nighttime show would be coming to EPCOT. After the removal of Harmonious, guests have been waiting for something to replace EPCOT Forever.
The wait will finally be over as Luminous The Symphony of Us debits on December 5, 2023 at EPCOT. This new show will feature fireworks, fountains, lasers, lighting effects, and music. Luminous, The Symphony of Us will continue Disney’s long tradition around fantastic nighttime shows.
We can’t wait to see this outstanding show light up the sky at EPCOT.
As we wrap up 2023, EPCOT will be the Disney park you want to visit during your Walt Disney World vacation. So many outstanding experiences are opening and coming as the year wraps up that the magic will be stronger than ever at EPCOT.
