Epcot: What’s Open, Closed & Coming? Does Genie+ Offer Value? And Highlights of the International Flower & Garden Festival

Epcot: What’s Open, Closed & Coming? Does Genie+ Offer Value? And Highlights of the International Flower & Garden Festival

It’s Spring at Epcot and that means the International Flower & Garden Festival is well underway. We’ll bring you our three favorite gardens, topiaries and culinary kiosks. But then there’s much more as we look at whether you get the bang for your buck with Genie+. Is this park worth it? What about getting an exclusive Lightning Lane option for Ratatouille? Can you do this? Or is there another way to get in without the long wait? We then move beyond Genie+ to discuss what’s come back to Epcot, what’s still not present in Epcot, and importantly, the status of attractions promised to the park–are they coming or are they not? Finally, we’ll end with Epcot’s best lunchtime secret. Something I had no idea of! So stay tuned.

The podcast carries the narrative and is available on PodbeaniTunesSpotify,  and ListenNotes. Please subscribe to the podcast and to this website so you can be notified of upcoming posts and podcasts! 

Favorite Topiary

  • Three Caballeros
  • Tinker Bell’s Fairy House Garden
  • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Favorite Gardens

  • Bambi & Friends Butterfly Garden
  • Japan’s Bonsai Collection and Kokedema Garden
  • Italy’s Garden Italiano
Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Favorite Dishes & Kiosks

  • La Isla Fresca Between Morocco and France: Arepas and Coconut Tres Leches
  • Hanami in Japan: Frushi
  • Epcot Sunshine Griddle Near Test Track: Avocado Toast, Corned beef Brisket Hash, and Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites
Delicacies from the Sunshine Griddle

Genie+

  • Not Enough Offerings Behind Genie+
  • Should Genie+ Have Different Per Park Pricing
  • Ratatouille No Crowds
Photo by Disney.

Open, Closed, and Coming Soon?

Opening

  • Spaceship Earth Post-Show Activities
  • Vanellope but not Ralph
  • Joy is back Inside Imagination
  • Anna & Elsa in Royal Sommerhus

Still Closed

  • Askershus Royal Banquet Hall
  • Monsieur Paul
  • Restaurant Marrakesh
  • Takumi-Tei
  • Brass Bazaar, Casablanca Carpets, Marketplace in the Medina, Tangier Traders, and Souk-al-Magreb
  • Der Teddybar
  • The Toy Soldier & Sportsman’s Shoppe
  • The Epcot Experience–What’s Next?
Zac Riddley posted details from the new Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout attraction.

Coming Soon?

  • Connections
  • Guardians of the Galaxy
  • China Film
  • Mary Poppins
  • Spaceship Earth
  • Play Pavilion
New rendering has surfaced suggesting a new scene for Spaceship Earth–if it ever happens.
This new berm put in front of the Play pavilion is very confusing, and unnerving. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Epcot’s Best Lunchtime Secret

Typically I would never recommend La Cantina de San Angel. But combined with dining inside La Hacienda de San Angel, you have my interests. This is a beautiful space where you can take your counter service items and enjoy quiet, air-conditioned dining with beautiful views. It’s usually open from 11:00-1:30 each day, and it’s approached from the left after you visit the counter to pick up your food.

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There are four tiers to our society, two of which are available to all who love Disney and are fans. The second two tiers not only celebrate all things Disney, but focus on best-in-business practices from the happiest and most magical places on earth that can be applied to your own organization. All of them offer unique offerings only available here at Disney at Work and Play. For instance, right now subscribers to the three top tiers can experience a deep dive into Pirates of the Caribbean unlike any other.

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Check out the Wayfinder’s Society to see these two new Sneak Peeks!

Ready to Visit the Disney Parks?

Hopefully this podcast has made you realize you need help and support in planning your next trip to Disney. David and Leah with Out the Door Travel know Disney in ways few do and they can make your next trip on land or sea an exciting one–or at least less stressful! Be sure to contact them as you explore your next vacation, whether it is a Disney theme park vacation, a cruise, or an Adventure by Disney. There is no charge to utilize their services, but it will save you enormous time getting all the details right, and with their insight you can be assured you’re going to experience the best trip possible. Contact them today!

David and Leah Zanolla
Owner/Agents
(309) 863-5469
zanolla@otdtravel.com
Facebook: facebook.com/OTDwithDavid
Instagram: @otdwithdavid

J. Jeff Kober

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