What's New at EPCOT: A $1,850 Backpack 😳

No two days are alike in Disney World — but you probably already knew that.

EPCOT

Right now, we’re in the midst of the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival, taking in all the sights, sounds, smells, and of course — eats! But before we know it, the Food & Wine Festival will be here. Disney is doing all sorts of preparing to make sure EPCOT is in tip-top shape, so let’s take a look at what’s new!

EPCOT Construction Updates

100th Sign

The 100th Anniversary has come to EPCOT!

100th EPCOT sign

We spotted this new sign with Spaceship Earth in the background.

Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana

Fall is getting closer which means we’re also getting closer to the opening of Journey of Water! As a reminder, this is a walk-through experience where guests can interact with water and learn about the water cycle. It’s located in the World Nature section of the park.

We’re getting close!

Disney has specified things a tiny bit and confirmed the opening timeline by noting that the attraction will open in the fall of 2023 (which means we can presumably expect to see the attraction before the winter of 2023 hits). We’ll let you know when we get an official opening date!

Check Out an Update on the Journey of Water Construction Here

CommuniCore Hall & Plaza

CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza will be housed in EPCOT’s World Celebration (which is slated to be completed in late 2023), bringing EPCOT International Festivals “to the center of Walt Disney World,” according to Disney.

CommuniCore Hall and Plaza is coming along

We’ve been keeping up with the construction progress in this area, and it looks like more of the building’s exterior layers have been added since we last popped in. We can’t wait to experience the first event in this new location!

Learn More About CommuniCore Hall & Plaza Here

Refreshment Station — Cool Wash

Back in October 2022, we noticed that the “Cool Wash” sign DISAPPEARED from the kiosk and was replaced a sign that said “Refreshment Station.” The new sign was in the style of other new additions to EPCOT (it has the same font and everything) and had images of a drink and slushy.

What’s happening here?

It looks like tables and benches have been added inside. These are an upgrade from the previous standing-room-only tables that were in this area before the spot closed.

See the Latest Cool Wash/Refreshment Station Update Here

EPCOT Merchandise Updates

Creations Shop

There’s a new Dooney & Bourke collection available in the parks! It features Mickey and Minnie in the classic Picnic short.

New Dooney collection!

There are three different bags to choose from, and we’ve spotted them online too! You can check out the entire collection at the link below.

See the Full Collection Here

We also spotted this new Joey Chou candle holder for $29.99.

Joey Chou candle holder

Or, pick up this Joey Chou shirt for $39.99.

Joey Chou shirt

There’s a new Star Wars MagicBand+ for $54.99.

NB1 MagicBand+

Get ready to celebrate the new Guardians film coming out soon with lots of new merch, like this youth shirt for $26.99…

Guardians youth shirt

…crop shirt for $26.99…

Guardians crop top

…this baseball hat for $29.99…

Guardians hat

…a red shirt with a very nice-looking friend on it for $29.99…

Guardians shirt

…this logo shirt for $34.99…

Guardians adult shirt

…a dog plush for $26.99…

Woof

…and a mug for $19.99!

Guardians mug

We also found a new Toy Story pin starter set for $34.99…

Toy Story pin starter set

…and this Figment suncatcher ornament for $19.99!

Figment suncatcher

This would probably look so cool hanging in a window!

Gateway Gifts

Add this new Moana pin to your collection for $17.99.

Moana

We also saw this Pocahontas limited edition pin for $17.99 as well.

Pocahontas

Between these and the starter set, you’ll be a pro collector in no time.

Sportsman’s Shoppe

There’s a new Musto Performance Land Rover collection in the UK Pavilion! Pick up this navy hoodie for $140…

Musto collection

…white jacket for $190…

Jacket

…red and black reversible bucket hat for $50…

Hat

…shirt for $60…

Shirt

…duffel bag for $55…

Duffel

…and a lot more, too!

La Gemma Elegante

Disney meets designer with the new Gucci Donald Duck collection! The mini backpack is $1,850…

Gucci and Donald

…and the wallet is a cool $1,125.

Gucci wallet

Disney changes are a lot to keep up with! We’ve done all the research for you in writing our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! We’ve got details on EVERY dining location at Walt Disney World inside our eBook – and it’s easy to download to your tablet or smartphone to take with you on your next trip. Use our discount code for DFB readers – WDW2023 – for 25% off!

That’s everything new we spotted at EPCOT this time around, but keep in mind that things are always changing in Disney World! For the latest updates and news you need to know to be prepared for your trip, be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more.

IT'S WINE & DINE TIME!

Food & Wine Festival can be a bummer. You stand in line waiting for what looks like the perfect treat, and it's a bust. But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE EPCOT Food & Wine Festival experience.

If you're planning a day or a week at the festival, we've got every performance, activity, and tasty nosh detailed out so you can make the most of your time and money. Listen, it's a tough job eating and documenting the nearly 200 bites and sips, but we do it all for YOU!