What's New at Epcot: Construction Updates, Colorful Merchandise, Changes to Cheesecake, and More!

Welcome to another What’s New from Walt Disney World’s Epcot! We’ll be strolling through Future World and World Showcase to give you a look at construction, merchandise, and FOOD! Grab your passport, and let’s stroll!

Welcome to Epcot!

What’s New in Epcot’s Future World

Construction at Epcot is visible before you even leave your car! The Guardians of the Galaxy Coaster is housed inside this massive building (painted blue, presumably, so it can disappear into the blue sky beyond), which looms large on the horizon as you walk towards the park’s entrance.

Guardians of the Galaxy Construction

And, in case you missed it, work has begun in removing the Leave A Legacy photos as the entrance of Epcot begins its transformation.

Epcot Entrance

Inside the park, lots of construction is visible on the old Universe of Energy pavilion.

Guardians of the Galaxy Construction

Nearby, the space-themed restaurant (now officially scheduled to open later this year!) construction continues, with exterior work progressing via scaffolding. Much of the restaurant is hidden behind trees to the left of this visible portion.

Space Restaurant Construction

In food news, Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion has changed up the popular Mickey Oreo Cheesecake! The original was bright red and drew some skeptical responses from readers concerned about the color. (See our review here!)

Mickey Oreo Cheesecake

The new version removes the red frosting layer in favor of a cookies-and-cream layer that tops plain cheesecake. It seems to be a little smaller than the original, and it no longer features two mini Oreos on the ears. Instead, there’s a stick pushing into the side of the cheesecake, making this one… portable?

Mickey Oreo Cheesecake Changed

Except, from the looks of it, Mickey isn’t super happy about it. This cheesecake was already cracking in the pastry case.

Mickey Oreo Cheesecake Changed

In drink news, Sunshine Seasons has added three cold drinks: Raspberry Rum Lemonade, Kahlua Iced Coffee, and Flavored Frozen Lemonade available in watermelon, cherry, and green apple.

Frozen Lemonade at Sunshine Seasons

What’s New in Epcot’s World Showcase

Meanwhile at the International Gateway, construction continues on Disney’s Skyliner! This project is expected to conclude this fall, and we’ve started seeing several unwrapped character-covered gondolas on the tracks! (You’ve GOT to see them here!)

Epcot Skyliner Construction

Wrapped gondolas are visible on the tracks near the Station, and beyond them, work continues in the France Pavilion, too!

Epcot Skyliner Construction

The pavilion’s Ratatouille ride is under construction (you can see unfinished construction toward the back of the pavilion from this angle).

France Pavilion Construction

And there’s plenty of construction visible on this side of the building, too.

France Pavilion Construction

We also recently discovered an updated Frangipane in Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie.

Les Halles Boulangerie et Patisserie Menu

You can read our review of this updated treat here!

New Frangipane at Les Halles

At Spice Road Table, Pistachio Saffron Custard has replaced the Saffron and Lemon Custard.

Spice Road Table Menu

Saffron and Lemon Custard has been replaced

In the small pastry display case at Tangierine Cafe‘s Outdoor Bar, various muffins were in the case instead of the usual Almond Pastry. We don’t know if this will be a regular thing or if it was a temporary offering.

Tangierine Cafe Desserts

Over at the Japan Pavilion, work continues on Takumi-Tei, the pavilion’s new signature dining restaurant. Disney recently announced that the restaurant will open its doors to diners this summer!

Takumi-Tei Construction

Entrance-area construction walls are down at the America Pavilion. Work appears complete on the bricks in front of the American Adventure attraction’s doors.

America Pavilion

In Italy, Pizza al Taglio was closed on our visit. This Via Napoli neighbor is open seasonally and offers pizza, other bites, and beverages when it’s open. We’ll let you know when we see it open again!

Pizza al Taglio Closed

Tutto Gusto has added Gamberi (shrimp or prawns) and removed the Pollo alla Parmigiana and Salmone entrees.

Tutto Gusto Menu

And over at the Mexico Pavilion, construction walls are up at La Cantina de San Angel. It doesn’t appear that any of the outdoor seating has been affected, but the views are blocked, unfortunately.

La Cantina de San Angel Construction

What’s New in Epcot Merchandise

Just a couple updates on merchandise at Epcot. The Rainbow (Pride) Collection is available in the Park. See our post here to check it out!

Rainbow Collection Display

The Walt Disney World Americana spirit jersey is on display in Epcot, too. We do love the vibrant colors along the back.

Americana Spirit Jersey

And we spotted a new-to-us Pizza Planet mug! Remember there’s tons of Toy Story 4 merchandise in the Parks (on BOTH coasts).

Pizza Planet Mug

And with that, we’ll rocket off to our next Park — and launch our next What’s New from the Parks of Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort soon! Until then, thanks for exploring with us!

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