World Celebration at Epcot (Spaceship Earth, Imagination, Club Cool)

When visiting Epcot, you’ll see that the park is split up into different sections.

There is, of course, the World Showcase where you can visit 11 different countries. But, the old Future World has been transformed into 3 new neighborhoods called: World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature.

Each of these neighborhoods have their own special pavilions, attractions, entertainment, dining, characters, activities, and so much more.

World Celebration is one of the bigger neighborhoods and covers a lot of the old Future World.

As soon as you enter Epcot at the front, you’re inside World Celebration!

There’s a lot to see and do here, so let’s take a deep dive into the neighborhood pavilion and see all there is to explore.

Overview

• Location: World Celebration
• Restaurants: 4 Quick Service (Connections Eatery, Connections Café, Popcorn Stand by Creations Shop, Popcorn Stand in Imagination)
• Shops: Gateway Gifts, Pin Traders, ImageWorks, Club Cool, Creations Shop
• Entertainment: Beacon of Magic
• Attractions: Spaceship Earth, Journey Into Imagination with Figment, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
• Characters: Goofy, Pluto, Winnie the Pooh, Mickey and friends, Joy, Vanellope
• Popular snacks and drinks: Disney Popcorn (at the 2 popcorn stands), Starbucks (Connections Café), Liege Waffle (Connections Eatery)
• Not-to-miss: Spaceship Earth, Beacon of Magic, Club Cool, Connections Eatery, all of the characters

World Celebration Maps

Epcot Updates Map

World Celebration Overview Map

Imagination Pavilion Map

Dining

World Celebration has 4 Quick Service dining locations, including one that attracts all the Starbucks fans.

Quick Service Restaurants

Connections Eatery

Connections Eatery opened in 2022 and is a Quick Service restaurant that serves a range of food and beverages for lunch and dinner.

There are burgers, salads, pizzas, plant-based options, fountain drinks, milkshakes, cocktails, and more.

Connections Eatery is a huge space and a popular one since it’s located near Creations Shop, Club Cool, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

This is really the main source of Quick Service dining outside of World Showcase and in World Celebration, hence why it’s so busy.

But, the food options are solid, especially the Liege Waffle, which is brioche dough with pearl sugar, strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce.

Tip: You can Mobile Order here, which we recommend.

Connections Café

Connections Café is Epcot’s Starbucks location. You can find it connected to Connections Eatery.

It’s popular for obvious reasons, so be prepared to wait in line.

Like all of the other Starbucks’ across Walt Disney World, Mobile Order is not available.

Connections Café is open starting in the mornings until park close for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Popcorn Stand (near Creations Shop)

If you’re in the mood for a fast snack (or some Disney popcorn, which is the best popcorn ever), you can find a popcorn cart just outside of Creations Shop close to the main walkway into the World Showcase.

Popcorn Stand (in Imagination Pavilion)

You can also get popcorn, ice cream treats, and select beverages at the popcorn cart in the Imagination pavilion.

Seating Areas

World Celebration has several different indoor and outdoor seating locations.

First (and most obvious), is Connections Café and Eatery.

There are both tables inside and outside, but you need to keep the following in mind.

There are certain sections that are blocked off and guarded by Cast Members. You have to physically have food or drinks from Connections in your hand to enter these areas. Simply showing that your Mobile Order has been placed or Is being prepared does not matter.

That said, there are a couple areas that aren’t blocked and are first come, first serve. So, if you’re lucky enough to snag a seat, this makes for a good place to do that.

Next, is the Odyssey Events Pavilion between Test Track and the Mexico pavilion.

The Odyssey pavilion has a lot of tables available to use, but be warned that a majority of the tables are standing only.

The Epcot Experience closed in March 2022, but the Odyssey pavilion is now available. It also usually serves as a space for a booth during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

If you’re in the Imagination pavilion, you’ll be able to find benches scattered around outdoors and also inside the Disney & PixarShort Film Festival.

Shops

There are several different shops to explore inside World Celebration. Let’s take a look.

Gateway Gifts

Located next to Spaceship Earth is Gateway Gifts. This is a small store, where you can shop for everyday essentials and a range of souvenirs.

Pin Traders – Camera Center

On the other side of Spaceship Earth and Gateway Gifts, you’ll find Pin Traders – Camera Center.

Here you can not only purchase and trade pins, but you can also check out the Disney PhotoPass service.

Club Cool

In addition to being able to try different Coca-Cola products from around the world, Club Cool is also a place to shop.

You can find different Coca-Cola-themed products that make for a unique souvenir.

Creations Shop

Creations Shop is the main store at Epcot — and the biggest. It replaced MouseGear, but has a new name and modern twist.

In addition to a Mickey Mouse mural and statues on display near checkout, you’ll find a range of not just Disney merchandise, but special Epcot items, including Spaceship Earth apparel, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind accessories, and festival products.

ImageWorks

ImageWorks sells Figment-themed merchandise, toys, games, candy, and other Disney wares.

You can find pretty much anything Figment you want here. There’s also a range of other Disney and Pixar items, as well.

Attractions

World Celebration has several attractions that are all family-friendly.

Spaceship Earth

Did you really experience Epcot if you didn’t ride Spaceship Earth?

The Omnimover-style attraction travels around “the big golf ball” (as some guests refer to it) and takes you through the history of human communication.

Never forget to thank the Phoenicians (if you know you know).

Spaceship Earth was set to undergo a lengthy refurbishment, but it’s unclear if that will happen in the future. You can read more about that here.

Whatever the case, Spaceship Earth has both a regular Standby Line and a Lightning Lane, which you can use if you purchase Genie+.

It’s definitely not a priority, but, if you’re curious about what you should and shouldn’t prioritize attraction-wise at Epcot, check out the above graphic and link below.

Journey Into Imagination With Figment

Journey Into Imagination with Figment isn’t a ride at Epcot that you need to run to. The wait times are usually pretty decent, and it’s far from the most popular.

The ride not only features Figment as your guide as you ride through the sensory labs of Imagination Institute, but also chairman Dr. Nigel Channing, played by Monty Python‘s Eric Idle.

There have been updates made to the ride over the years, and if you’re a fan of Dreamfinder, you may not like this version.

Like Spaceship, this isn’t an attraction that you need to make a priority with or without Genie+.

Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival

The Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival is a good place to cool off and relax.

For 18-minutes, you can experience 3 popular Disney and Pixar short films in 4D, while wearing 3D glasses. There are also in-theater effects.

You’ll even see exhibits in the lobby illustrating the creative process behind the stories and the characters.

There is a Lightning Lane available here, but you don’t need to prioritize this as one of your Lightning Lane selections.

The Disney and Pixar Film Festival is listed in the My Disney Experience app, but there aren’t official showtimes because it runs continuously throughout the park day.

There is also hearing disability services for those who need them.

Entertainment

While there isn’t much entertainment in World Celebration currently, the Beacon of Magic is absolutely phenomenal.

Beacon of Magic

Each evening, you can watch the Beacon of Magic, which debuted during Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration.

The points of light on Spaceship Earth light up and create the most magical and unbelievable show, alongside music.

Once nighttime hits, the show begins and runs for a few minutes throughout the evening.

You can also usually catch a special limited nighttime show for each festival that alternates with the Beacon of Magic, like a Beauty and the Beast sequence for the 2022 Food and Wine Festival.

Activities

There are several family-friendly activities in World Celebration.

Project Tomorrow

Project Tomorrow is located at the exit of Spaceship Earth.

You don’t have to ride Spaceship Earth to enter here, there is a door next to the attraction for guests to enter Project Tomorrow.

Here you can build, create, compete, and play in a series of exhibits that bring innovative ideas and technologies to life.

For example, there’s a driving simulation game!

You can also view the video from the future you made while riding through Spaceship Earth — and email it to family and friends.

This area makes for a great interactive play space for little ones. If you need to escape rain, the heat, or to burn off steam, try Project Tomorrow.

Club Cool

Club Cool is where you can try different Coca-Cola products from around the world.

There are several fountains with a range of global Coca-Cola items for you to taste. And, yes, this where the famous “Beverly” drink from Italy is.

You will either love it or hate it.

You can order select Coca-Cola beverages here, as well.

Coin Press Machines

You can use this coin press machine to create Imagination-themed pressed pennies. You can either pay $1.00 for each or $5.00 for all 8.

This coin press machine is inside ImageWorks, next to the tunnel where Vanellope and Joy come in and out of to take a break.

“What If” Labs

The “What If” Labs is found inside ImageWorks.

This area is perfect for kids and is a great space for them to explore their senses at different interactive stations.

Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge

This lounge is reserved exclusively for Disney Vacation Club Members and is completely complimentary.

The following is included:

• Seating
• Complimentary soft drinks
• Children’s play area
• Wi-Fi
• Charging stations
• Computers
• Member Services Advisors

The lounge is typically open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and located on the second floor of the ImageWorks merchandise location.

You will need to show valid Membership Card and photo ID for entry. The name on the Membership Card must match the name on the photo ID.

Party size is limited to the Member and up to 5 guests per Membership Card. Guests and associates must be accompanied by a Member with a valid Membership Card and photo ID.

There is no automatic re-entry. Members and their guests who leave must follow the same entry policy. Strollers must be parked at the attraction stroller parking outside.

Bubblegum Wall

Another fun activity is to take your photo at the famous Bubblegum Wall, which is located right near Spaceship Earth’s exit doors.

Characters

There are a lot of characters to meet throughout World Celebration. You’ll find them near Spaceship Earth and in the Imagination pavilion.

Goofy

Goofy meets near Spaceship Earth. When you’re walking into the park from the main entrance, Goofy can be found on the righthand side before walking underneath the attraction to get in line.

You can find times he meets listed in the My Disney Experience app, along with his exact meeting location.

Pluto

Note: Sometimes Minnie will appear here instead of Pluto and he’ll take over her spot in World Showcase Plaza. Check the My Disney Experience app or ask a Cast Member for confirmation.

Pluto meets near Spaceship Earth. When you’re walking into the park from the main entrance, Pluto can be found on the righthand side before walking underneath the attraction to get in line.

You can find times he meets listed in the My Disney Experience app, along with his exact meeting location.

Mickey

You can find Mickey just inside the doors at the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival.

There’s even a Disney PhotoPass photographer stationed here!

You can find times he meets listed in the My Disney Experience app, along with his exact meeting location.

Mickey and Friends

Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto (characters are subject to change) meet at the Disney Visa Cardmember Photo Opportunity.

You can find them in the building near ImageWorks.

You’ll also find a Disney PhotoPass photographer here!

This location is reserved just for Cardmembers. You must present a valid Disney Visa Card for entry.

You can find times listed in the My Disney Experience app.

Joy

Joy is located inside ImageWorks and has a really cute meet and greet set-up.

There is a Disney PhotoPass photographer, who will take your photo.

You can find times she meets listed in the My Disney Experience app, along with her exact meeting location.

Vanellope

If you’re visiting ImageWorks, you’ll also find Vanellope von Schweetz.

There is a Disney PhotoPass photographer, who will take your photo too!

You can find times she meets listed in the My Disney Experience app, along with her exact meeting location.

Winnie the Pooh

While not a traditional meet and greet, you can watch Winnie the Pooh frolic in the grassy area just outside Journey Into Imagination with Figment.

You’re able to take pictures with Winnie the Pooh, but they will be at a distance.

You can find his daily showtimes in the My Disney Experience app, along with his exact meeting location.

Disney PhotoPass Photographer

If you want to take a nice photo in World Celebration, you’ll find several Disney PhotoPass photographers around Spaceship Earth. Just look for the Cast Member with the professional camera — you can’t miss them.

There are also PhotoPass photographers with some of the characters in the Imagination pavilion.

Remember: unless you have Memory Maker, Memory Maker Day One, or a PhotoPass entitlement with your Annual Pass, you will have to pay to download or print these photos.

Here is an example of the Tiny World Magic Shot, which is in front of Spaceship Earth. It’s unique and fun!

Restrooms

There are several restrooms in World Celebration.

You’ll find 2 sets on both sides of Spaceship Earth.

There are also restrooms inside Connections Eatery.

You can find a set of restrooms attached to Journey Into Imagination with Figment. They are located on around the corner on the far side of the building away from the main pavilion area.

The Odyssey Events Pavilion has restrooms inside as well.

Other Things To Look For

There are a few other important items around World Celebration that you may need to know about, including the following.

FuelRod

You’ll also find a portable phone charging station (aka where you can swap and purchase a FuelRods) inside Gateway Gifts.

Lockers

Near the Camera Center by Spaceship Earth, there are lockers available for rent.

Wheelchair and Stroller Rentals

At the front of the park next to Spaceship Earth is where you can rent both strollers and wheelchairs.

Park Maps and Festival Passports

At the front entrance, right after you scan into the park, you’ll find stands that hold both park maps and passports for whatever festival is happening at that time of year.

Guest Services

Near Spaceship Earth, as you walk past Gateway Gifts, you’ll find a Guest Relations location.

Animal Relief Areas

In the Imagination pavilion, there is an open outdoor relief area next to the restrooms available for guests visiting with service animals.

First Aid and Baby Care Center

Attached to the Odyssey Events Pavilion, you’ll find both First Aid and a Baby Care Center for any guests who need them.

Surrounding World Celebration

Outside of the front park entrance, you’ll also find the following. These aren’t technically part of World Celebration, but they’re important to note.

Leave a Legacy

Leave a Legacy is a project with tiny tiles made up of people’s faces on them.

It used to be in front of Spaceship Earth, but Disney moved it outside of the park as part of Epcot’s transformation.

The former project allowed visitors to purchase tiny little tiles with their pictures on it to commemorate their visit to Epcot.

The panels look much better now, are prettier, and feature colors that align with Epcot’s new color block scheme.

Monorail Station

Epcot’s Monorail station is outside the main park entrance, with access to the Transportation and Ticket Center, Magic Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom resorts (Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian).

Buses

For those who need access to Disney buses, they are located outside the main park entrance. If you’re driving, the parking lot is here too, along with anyone using rideshare services and Minnie Vans.

Restrooms

There are 2 sets of restrooms outside the entrance — one near bus transportation and the other on the complete opposite side of the entrance.

Joffrey’s

Yes, there is even a Joffrey’s before you enter the park. You can grab coffee, tea, other beverages, and pastries here (get a donut!).

Guest Relations

There is a Guest Relations outside of the entrance, before the ticket booths and prior to you scanning into the park.

Coming Soon To World Celebration

There are many new additions still set to come to World Celebration, including CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza, Dreamers Point, a “Mickey & Friends” character spot, a Figment meet and greet, and more.

The image below is an artist rendering of what you might be able to see during the Festival of the Holidays. For this element, light “becomes a unifying element of global holiday celebrations.”

We have a breakdown of everything new coming to World Celebration that you can read more about, along with concept art to help you visualize what all these fun new changes will look like!

World Celebration Checklist

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What’s your favorite thing about World Celebration at Epcot? Tell us in the comments!

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