Life-Changing Announcements for EPCOT This Summer

Right now, EPCOT feels a bit like Walt Disney World’s forgotten theme park. After all, it’s the only one without a major, park-altering construction project happening.

However, that doesn’t mean nothing’s happening at EPCOT this summer. From a patriotic retheme of an iconic attraction and returning character experience to Passholder Perks galore and the start of one of Disney World’s most beloved annual events, a lot is happening at Disney World’s second park over the next few months.

Soarin’ Across America (Opens May 26th)

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday this coming July, EPCOT’s Soarin’ will receive an “all-new airborne adventure across the US, honoring the heart and spirit of the nation.” Disney even brought in “aviation” legend Patrick Warburton (IYKYK) to announce the overlay, which will be opening at Disney World on May 26th.

GoofyCore Returns to CommuniCore (May 26th)

As part of the Cool Kids’ Summer event (May 26th – September 8th), guests can “dance and play along with the Goof Troop, DJ Dance Pants, and Goofy himself during wacky activities at CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT. Goofy’s Game Machine brings silly, kid-approved games like Goofy Says, Balloon Bonanza, and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks.

Food & Wine on the Horizon:

While Disney has yet to officially confirm the dates for the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, recent years suggest the annual event will likely begin in late summer and run through the fall, ending in mid-November, just before the Thanksgiving Holiday.

• 2021: July 15th – November 20th
• 2022: July 14th – November 19th
• 2023: July 27th – November 18th
• 2024: August 29th – November 23rd
• 2025: August 28th – November 22nd

Looking at those dates, in particular the 2024 and 2025 installments, each festival began on the final Thursday of August and ended on the weekend before Thanksgiving. If Disney follows the same pattern in 2026, this year’s festival would last from August 27 through November 21st.

Further evidence pointing to these dates can be found in the scheduling of the 2026 Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic!

This annual event, which is usually in conjunction with the final weekend of EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival — and features two days of gourmet cuisine from award-winning chefs, paired with fine wines, beers, and spirits from around the world, as well as live entertainment, seminars, and fireworks —  is scheduled for November 20th and 21st, from 5 PM until 9 PM each day this year.

V.I.Passholder Dining Savings!  (May 26th – July 31st)

Beginning on May 1st, Disney will once again launch V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days, a “summer celebration brimming with limited-time offerings and exciting perks just for Passholders!” and plenty of those perks are coming to EPCOT!

Given EPCOT’s reputation as Disney World’s best park for dining, the biggest of those parks is arguably the 40% off at Biergarten Restaurant (lunch only), Coral Reef Restaurant (dinner only), and Garden Grill Restaurant (lunch and dinner) on Mondays to Thursdays from May 1st through July 31st.

In addition, there will be several exclusive Passholder souvenirs available at the park, including:

• A new exclusive Woody and Buzz Passholder Magnet will be available for Passholders at the Creations shop from May 1st through July 31st.
• Exclusive V.I.Passholder merchandise, including a Zip-Up Hoodie, a Tee, a Loungefly Crossbody Bag, a Baseball Hat, and even a Corkcicle Canteen, will be available at Creations Shop beginning May 1st
• An exclusive Popcorn Bucket featuring a design from illustrator Ashley Taylor will be available beginning May 1st at the Popcorn Cart in World Celebration, near the Creations Shop.

EPCOT may not be in the midst of a massive construction project like its sister parks, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t major happenings at the park this summer. Stay tuned to AllEars for further Disney World updates.

Why Disney World Fans Are Suddenly Changing Their Summer 2026 Plans

Will you be heading to EPCOT this summer? Let us know in the comments below.

Post a Comment