The transformation of a beloved EPCOT kiosk is moving faster than some guests might have expected, and new details emerging above the construction walls this week offer the clearest preview yet of what La Poutinerie will look like when it opens in the Canada World Showcase Pavilion.
Stone Work and a New Roof Take Shape
WDWNT reported on June 4 that stonework has appeared on two exterior support pillars of the former Refreshment Port building, which is now in the midst of a transformation into La Poutinerie (sponsored by Air Canada). The decorative stones appear to have been hand-pieced and will presumably be sealed before the restaurant welcomes its first Walt Disney World Resort guests.
After crews tested both copper and gray paint on the roof, Disney appears to have settled on gray, with the repainting now complete. The former Refreshment Port signage has since been removed from the building entirely, erasing the last visible connection to the kiosk that occupied the space for years.
A Transformation in the EPCOT World Showcase
Refreshment Port had been a fixture near the World Celebration entrance to the EPCOT World Showcase for years, known primarily for its DOLE Whip soft serve and specialty poutine. When it closed in January, no replacement was immediately announced.
It wasn't until May that Walt Disney World Resort revealed La Poutinerie: a new dining location sponsored by Air Canada that will absorb the former Refreshment Port footprint into the Canada World Showcase Pavilion.
La Poutinerie will unsurprisingly center its menu on specialty poutines and other Canadian-inspired dishes. Whether it will preserve any of Refreshment Port's other offerings — including the DOLE Whip that drew loyal fans to the kiosk — hasn't been confirmed.
The Air Canada partnership extends beyond the new restaurant. The airline also announced a sponsored fireworks-viewing area in the China World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT, offering Aeroplan Members exclusive access to reserved viewing for Luminous The Symphony of Us.
Walt Disney World Resort has not announced a grand opening date for La Poutinerie.
Have you noticed any other construction at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, or Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your experience with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
