Our weekly visit to Epcot includes a bunch of construction updates — including seeing part of the track for the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride!

The Guardians of the Galaxy ride isn’t the only thing going on Epcot right now, there’s also the addition of the Ratatouille Ride in the France Pavilion, TWO brand new restaurants, prep work for the new nighttime show, and more must-have merchandise!

Epcot’s Guardians of the Galaxy Ride Construction Progress

The new ride’s queue will be in the former Universe of Energy building which is undergoing its own transformation, including the removal of the solar panel roof.

That giant ride building is coming along — and we even spied some track in the building!

In addition to being giant, this ride will have some pretty revolutionary ride vehicles! Click here to check out this video previewing the new experience!

The ride opens in 2021. How excited are you for this addition to the park?

Epcot’s New Mission Space Restaurant Construction Progress

In 2020 Epcot will welcome a brand new space-themed restaurant between the Mission:Space and Test Track attractions.

We are looking forward to trying out this brand new location when it opens!

Epcot’s New Restaurant in Japan Pavilion Construction Progress

A new signature restaurant is coming to the Japan Pavilion. This won’t replace any location, it will be a third dining location in the pavilion in addition to Teppen Edo and Tokyo Dining.

Like Teppen Edo and Tokyo Dining, Mitsukoshi USA will operate this new location that will be “inspired by the natural beauty of Japan”.

Epcot’s Ratatouille Ride, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Construction Progress

The France Pavilion is preparing for the addition of the Ratatouille Ride, called Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

This ride will open in 2021.

Work is also being done in pavilion to prepare for the addition of a Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along “soon”.

Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon Construction Progress

As if two new restaurants, two new rides, and a new sing-along wasn’t enough, Epcot is also getting ready to say goodbye to IllumiNations this fall and replace it with a temporary show, Epcot Forever, before the permanent replacement for IllumiNations comes next year. All that change means they need to do some work on World Showcase’s islands.

If you’re an IllumiNations fan, check out the IllumiNations Dining Package that just started to help you nab a prime seat to see the show and enjoy a yummy meal.

Menu Updates in Epcot

The Bier Cart near the Lagoon in the Germany pavilion has updated the name of their jumbo pretzel to show the name of the supplier of the Pretzel, Prop & Peller. We did not see this name change on the Bier Cart outside the merchandise shop or the Sommerfest menu yet. We did confirm it is the same pretzel at all three locations despite the mis-matched names right now.

Canada’s Le Cellier Steakhouse, home of the Passholder Exclusive Poutine, has introduced Steak Frites to the menu. The Steak Frites replace the New York Strip Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus.

What’s New in Epcot’s Shops and Stores — New Merchandise

We found those crave-worthy Donut Minnie Mouse Ears!

Now donuts aren’t just for breakfast anymore (like they ever were!).

If you need to reference the lyrics to a song as you do the dishes these new Beauty and the Beast dish towels are here to help you perfect your signing — they’ve got the lyrics and music to Beauty and the Beast songs on them.

And, the other towel in the set features Chip, Mrs. Potts, and Lumiere to keep you company as you do your chores.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, there’s a new Lady and the Tramp Alex & Ani charm bracelet for your (or your sweetheart’s) collection. 

There’s a new line of door hangers  <– click here to see them! — and we’ve already got them on all of our doors! Which one are you picking for your doors — park mode or resort mode?

The Epcot version of the reusable shopping bags is available in Epcot stores and shops.

Which bag is your favorite — Disney World, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom?

Let us know which item from this week’s post you’re looking forward to the most — you’ve got a lot to choose from between new rides, restaurants, nighttime shows, sing-alongs, and more!

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Check out our video 8 ways Disney stays ahead of the competition — including those Guardians of the Galaxy ride vehicles! When you’re done – check out all of our Videos on You Tube!