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EPCOT Says Goodbye to Original Elements in 3 World Showcase Pavilions

Change is nothing new at EPCOT. The park has spent years reinventing itself through new attractions, updated neighborhoods, and major construction projects.

But some of the most noticeable changes happening right now are taking place inside World Showcase.

Spaceship Earth as seen from the EPCOT World Showcase Lagoon at Disney World.
Credit: Disney Fanatic

While guests often think of the international pavilions as the most stable part of EPCOT, Disney has now confirmed significant changes affecting France, Canada, and Mexico. Each project removes or alters a piece of the experience longtime visitors have known for years.

France's Luxury Experience Disappears

Guests visiting the France Pavilion this summer will quickly notice something missing.

La Signature, the Guerlain boutique that specialized in luxury cosmetics and fragrances, officially closed beginning June 8 for a lengthy refurbishment project. Disney expects the location to reopen later this year.

Parisian-inspired facades at EPCOT with a wine shop, cinema, strollers, and flowers near the 43-year-old closed attraction.
Credit: Erica Lauren, Disney Fanatic

The closure removes one of the pavilion's most distinctive shopping experiences, even if only temporarily. Unlike many stores around Walt Disney World, La Signature focused on authentic French beauty products and personalized consultations rather than Disney souvenirs.

That made it feel like a genuine extension of the pavilion's cultural identity.

Canada Replaces a Familiar Landmark

Canada is experiencing a more permanent transition.

Refreshment Port has closed and is being transformed into La Poutinerie, a new dining venue sponsored by Air Canada. The project will officially integrate the location into the Canada Pavilion once construction is complete.

Guests walk through the Canada World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT
Credit: Disney

Crews have already removed signage and begun visible exterior work as the new concept takes shape.

The new restaurant may continue serving some familiar menu items, but the original Refreshment Port is effectively becoming part of EPCOT history.

Mexico Remains Under Construction

The Mexico Pavilion has seen progress, but construction isn't finished.

Disney recently reopened one entrance to the pavilion's iconic pyramid after months of refurbishment. However, another entrance remains blocked while work continues.

The iconic pyramid in the Mexico EPCOT World Showcase Pavilion
Credit: Gary Todd, Flickr

Guests can still enjoy San Angel Inn Restaurante, Gran Fiesta Tour, and the pavilion's shopping locations. Yet portions of the original exterior experience remain inaccessible during the project.

Small Changes Can Feel Like Big Ones

World Showcase fans often develop traditions around specific stores, restaurants, and pathways.

That's why changes like these tend to resonate more than many people expect.

The closure of a boutique in France, the replacement of a longtime dining location in Canada, and the ongoing work in Mexico may not make headlines like a new attraction announcement. But they still alter pieces of the EPCOT experience guests have known for years.

As EPCOT continues evolving, even its most established pavilions are finding new ways to change.

Brittni Ward

Brittni is a Disney and Universal fan; one of her favorite things at both parks is collecting popcorn buckets. While at Disney World Resort, Brittni meets the princesses and rides Kilimanjaro Safaris. At Universal, Brittni enjoys the Minions and watching Animal Actors on Location! When not at Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando, Brittni spends time with her family and pets.

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