Skip to Content

Let’s discuss Epcot changes – PREP125

Let’s discuss Epcot changes – PREP125

Epcot’s undergoing lots of changes, including the addition of some new attractions. We’ll talk about those today, and how touring Epcot could be affected.

We’ll also discuss recent news and a quick tip to help you get the dining reservation times you want.

[powerpress]


These are notes from this episode. There’s much more info included in the audio so be sure to listen to the episode for a better explanation.

Become a WDW Prep To Go Patron

WDW Prep To Go Patrons pay a little to unlock even more content than what’s on the main podcast feed, such as a private FB Group and exclusive audio that’s released on a private podcast feed.
 
Become a Patron Now

Changes coming to Epcot

These things are coming to Epcot soon:

  • Joy and Sadness are coming to Epcot on April 3. They’ll be in the new Character Spot location which doesn’t currently have a FastPass+ option.
  • Finding Dory characters will be part of Turtle Talk with Crush.
  • Soarin’ Around the World will be opening in summer 2016 with a new film and additional theater.
  • Frozen Ever After and the new Anna/Elsa meet-and-greet area will be opening in the Norway section in summer 2016. Though the World Showcase mostly opens at 11 a.m., these will likely open at 9 a.m.

Touring advice

We’ll have to see what the ride tiers end up being, but generally you’ll want to ride a popular ride at rope drop, and then ride other popular rides later using FastPass+. Starting at Frozen Ever After and working around Future World might make the most sense.

News

  • Anna/Elsa FastPass+ not available in June.
  • Extra Magic Hours and park hours often change. Check the app during your trip.
  • Railroad at Magic Kingdom will be closed April 11-22, 2016.
  • Stitch has replaced Marie for a meet and greet at Magic Kingdom.
  • Writer’s Stop at Hollywood Studios undergoing changes, including maybe becoming a Sci Fi Dine in Lounge. The carrot cake cookie can still be found at Sweet Spells, near Starring Rolls Cafe.

Quick tip of the day

To increase your chances of getting the dining reservation times you want, select a time and not a meal when making your reservation. If staying onsite and unable to book for whole trip, log out and back in. If that doesn’t work, call.

Subscribe to get new episodes

There are a few ways to get new episodes of WDW Prep To Go (if you’re used to listening on the website, subscribe so you can take new episodes with you on your phone)

The following products and services give us a commission on sales.

Get our free Quick Start Guide

Have our guide delivered right to your inbox with our 6-step Disney World planning process to make it less overwhelming. Snag our free guide ➡️

Take our course

Check out our course that will help you learn all about Walt Disney World planning with dozens of videos and downloadables for each step along the way. Get access now ➡️

Our recommend travel agency

We partner with Small World Vacations, Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacations Planners in business since 1996. Get a quote now ➡️

Want to stay deluxe on a moderate budget?

It’s 1 of our top fave ways to save! By renting DVC points, you can stay in deluxe accommodations for a fraction of the price. Check availability ➡️

Private car service

Quicksilver Tours will transport you in style. They assist with luggage at the airport, provide car seats, and include a free grocery stop. Book your car ➡️

Need a stroller, wheelchair, or scooter?

Buena Vista Scooters is a company with a great reputation who offers in-person resort drop off and pick up of strollers, scooters, and wheelchairs. Book your rental ➡️

Amazon recommendations

Check out our Amazon shop with trip essentials we love. Start shopping ➡️

WDW Prep merch

Get WDW Prep merch to show off your Disney knowledge (especially fun for spotting others during your trip!). Check out the WDW Prep merch shop ➡️

Shannon Albert

John McCluskey

Friday 29th of April 2016

It is recommended here to visit the new Frozen attraction in Norway at rope drop. Does that mean they will be opening Norway earlier than the rest of Worldcase? Doesn't World Showcase usually open 1 hour later than Future World?

Sondra

Friday 8th of April 2016

I listened to your podcast yesterday. I was able to make our fastpass reservations (we are staying on site) after midnight. I didn't get them done until 5 am. :( I knew that Anna and Elsa wouldn't be available b/c I'd heard you say they were closed for their move. But, Rapunzel and Cinderella weren't available either for either of our MK days. Do you think they were all gone that fast? I didn't think I'd have to rush that much for Rapunzel and Cinderella.

Sondra

Friday 8th of April 2016

We are visiting June 7-11, 2016

Johanna Steffens

Tuesday 5th of April 2016

I was just wondering about the news of Anna and Elsa not offering fast passes in June. Is this a for sure thing? We are going the first week of June and while a Disney rep told me that Anna and Elsa would be leaving MK after May 27th, she also said she thought they would make their appearance at Epcot for a meet and greet the very next day, but she was unsure of when fast passes would be available. I have a 4 year old daughter and this is at the top of our list. I have been checking everyday to hopefully find some info about it and this is the first I have seen. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Randall

Monday 4th of April 2016

I'm new to the site and I love the podcast, it's a ton of help! I've only ever been to WDW once (when I was 9) and finally, after many years, I'm getting to go back.

I have a request though: can you please post what the podcast date is or the date of the upload is here on the site? Or even say so in the beginning of the cast?

Obviously, I'm in planning and to prep (and psych myself up even more) I plan on listening several times to the various casts, so dates would be a huge help to be able to figure out how up-to-date the information in the cast is. For example, your "phone prep" podcast discusses 3rd party technologies and services, but I have no idea how old that info is and what (if any) are new options are out there since then?

Thanks!

Buffi

Wednesday 6th of April 2016

Hi Randall! If Shannon isn't able to get dates added to the podcasts and posts, or not right away, one thing that might help you is to look at the oldest dates on people's comments. Those are pretty accurate for the time frame of the original post. I recommend reading through comments anyway because you can get more info on the topic. Happy planning!

Nicole

Saturday 2nd of April 2016

Thanks Shannon! We are in that transition phase with our first ever trip in early June (Epcot June 10). What is the best way to find out when the Tiers change and when we could try for fastpasses for the new attractions?