Epcot Guide for the Newly Reopened Park and Food and Wine 2020
There are some things you need to know before visiting Epcot that will improve your experience greatly. Here is an updated Epcot guide…
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EPCOT is finally open at Walt Disney World. Not only is the park finally back, but the Food and Wine Festival also opened with it. This is a great time to enjoy the park’s additional offerings in the height of summer with minimal crowds. However, there are some things you need to know before visiting Epcot that will improve your experience greatly. Here is an updated Epcot guide to help you navigate the new EPCOT.
Still Under Construction
The first thing you need to prepare for is that there is still a lot of construction. Since shutting down operations Disney slashed costs associated with developing new attractions. Even some attractions Disney promised would open soon are disappearing from the project timeline altogether.
With that in mind, be prepared for more construction walls and some different ways to get around the park. You’ll notice upon arriving that there is now a convenient path leading from the entrance to the Seas with Nemo and Friends instead of the breezeway that once led to the center of Future World West.
EPCOT GUIDE 2020
Epcot Guide 2020: Easiest Festival Ever
The Food and Wine Festival is well underway at EPCOT for the 2020 season. It’s the earliest the Food and Wine Festival has ever started. Unfortunately, it’s also on a much smaller scale. On the plus side, it’s much easier to take in the festival in its entirety because there isn’t the same range of options.
The number of food locations is very manageable and the entertainment is conveniently moved to the American Gardens Theater. If you missed the Flower and Garden Festival, you’re in luck. Some of the topiaries still remain and you can even still buy the merchandise from that festival as well.
Planning Ahead
Before you arrive at EPCOT be aware of the new guidelines involving social distancing and face coverings. You need to reserve your entry via Park Pass in addition to your park admission. Also, if you want to dine at a table service restaurant, the reservation window has changed. You now have up to 60 days prior to arrival to make a reservation. Dining reservations also require both a parking ticket and a park reservation.
Know that character meet and greets and buffets are suspended until further notice. Masks must be worn unless you are eating and stationary except in designated “relaxation stations” there are three relaxation stations in EPCOT. One by Test Track, one by the Yorkshire Co. Fish Market and one inside Akershus, which is no longer operating as a restaurant at this time.
Spaceship Earth
This is a great time to get one last trip on Spaceship Earth. The attraction was supposed to close for multiple years of renovation. The updates are now on hold and the ride remains open!
New Hours
If you are used to arriving at Future World two hours before the World Showcase, be prepared for a change in park hours. Currently, the park opens at 11:00 and closes at 9:00. It’s also important to note that park hopper options are no longer available, so keep that in mind as you plan your day.
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