Walt Disney World Resort is once again retheming an attraction at EPCOT in preparation for the 2026 International Food & Wine Festival, which begins on August 27. Here's what to know before your next visit to the second Central Florida Disney park.
Attraction Closure & Retheme at EPCOT
On August 10, Walt Disney World Resort closed the playground located on the pathway between La Poutinerie in the Canada World Showcase Pavilion and the Imagination! Pavilion at EPCOT. The interactive area for young guests first opened in 2025 and has been rethemed repeatedly for seasonal festivals, such as the International Flower & Garden Festival and the upcoming International Food & Wine Festival.
Just a week after the play area closed, the first signs of this year's theme appeared. On August 18, WDWNT reported that fall-themed decals had been added to the pillars supporting the canopies above the playground.
Though the playground is still blocked by green scrim fabric and several potted plants, signs of construction can be seen and heard in the area. The pillars are wrapped in brown decals, making them look like tree trunks adorned with 2D images of orange autumn leaves and furry friends, like an owl.
After debuting in 2025, Acorn Seating will also return to the playground for the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, giving kids and their families a place to rest and recharge. However, the Acorn Seating isn't visible from behind the scrim, so it's unclear whether it has been installed yet.
WDWNT reported that guests could hear construction in the area during the day, which is unusual; Walt Disney World Resort typically works on noisy projects overnight. With the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival just days away, Disney appears to be taking every chance to wrap up the playground project on time.
2026 International Food & Wine Festival
The 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival kicks off on August 21 and runs through November 21. On Wednesday, Disney Parks Blog revealed the full list of Global Marketplaces coming to the park for the multi-month event.
To celebrate 30 years of the seasonal festival, Walt Disney World Resort is bringing back or reimagining 30 fan-favorite menu items from previous events.
Have you ever attended the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival? In the comments, share your favorite memories with Disney Fanatic!
