Guests usually expect Disney's newest offerings to make a strong first impression. After months of planning, construction, and testing, opening week is when every detail is supposed to come together. That's why one of EPCOT's latest additions has drawn unexpected attention just days after making its debut.
The location remains open, and visitors continue to stop by throughout the day. However, one of its most noticeable themed features has already stopped working, leaving guests wondering what happened so soon after opening.
Here's what visitors are seeing.
A New Stop Joins World Showcase
One of the reasons EPCOT continues to stand apart from Disney's other parks is the World Showcase. Guests can stroll from country to country while enjoying authentic-inspired food, entertainment, architecture, and cultural touches that make every pavilion feel unique.
That experience expanded on July 1 with the arrival of La Poutinerie near the Canada pavilion.
The restaurant replaced Refreshment Port and opened a permanent location focused on Canadian-inspired dishes. Disney also partnered with Air Canada, weaving aviation-inspired details throughout the space to create a distinct identity.
The most recognizable of those additions is a retro split-flap display mounted above the pickup window. Designed to resemble the classic arrival and departure boards once found in airports, it immediately became one of the restaurant's signature design elements. Additional airplane-themed decorations help carry the concept throughout the location.
An Eye-Catching Feature Is Already Offline
When La Poutinerie welcomed its first guests, the split-flap display wasn't simply there for decoration.
Instead, it continuously rotated through Canada-themed trivia questions while guests waited for their orders. Disney later added a “Now Arriving” decal that complemented the airport-inspired atmosphere even more.
Unfortunately, that feature didn't remain operational for very long.
By July 7, the split-flap board had stopped functioning. As of July 8, it remained inactive, leaving one of the restaurant's biggest themed details sitting idle.
Thankfully, the issue appears limited to the display itself. Guests can still order food as usual, and there have been no signs that the technical problem has affected the restaurant's day-to-day operations.
While the malfunction doesn't interfere with dining, it does remove a feature that helped make the location feel different from the quick-service restaurant it replaced.
EPCOT Has Plenty on the Horizon
The timing comes as EPCOT continues rolling out updates across the park.
Guests visiting this summer can currently experience Soarin' Across America, which has temporarily replaced Soarin' Around the World during the celebration leading up to the United States' 250th anniversary. The limited-time offering gives returning visitors another reason to experience one of EPCOT's most popular attractions again.
Looking ahead, Disney is also preparing for the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.
Running from August 27 through November 21, 2026, the event is included with regular park admission. It brings global food marketplaces, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, exclusive menu offerings, and activities designed for guests of all ages.
Although the festival booths haven't arrived yet, World Showcase is already preparing for another busy season. As one of the area's newest permanent dining locations, La Poutinerie is expected to become a popular destination for guests spending the day sampling food throughout the park.
A Minor Problem Disney Will Likely Want to Resolve Quickly
Technical issues occasionally pop up throughout Walt Disney World, especially when new experiences have only recently opened. In many cases, they're corrected quickly without creating a major disruption for guests.
This situation appears to fall into that category.
Even so, it's disappointing to see one of La Poutinerie's defining visual elements stop working during its first week. The moving split-flap board reinforces the Air Canada sponsorship, strengthens the restaurant's airport theme, and provides guests with something entertaining to watch while they wait for their meals.
With Food & Wine Festival season just around the corner, Disney will likely want the display back in working order before larger crowds begin arriving. Once it's operating again, the themed experience at La Poutinerie will feel much closer to what guests enjoyed when the restaurant first opened.
