For months, EPCOT guests walking through the Japan World Showcase Pavilion wondered what Disney was building behind the construction walls. This week, the mystery was solved when Disney quietly unveiled a brand-new addition to the area.
Construction walls first went up in June 2025 near Katsura Grill in the Japan World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT. Imagineering permits described the development as a “Gachapon Kiosk,” but Walt Disney World Resort kept details close to the vest. By July, the construction footprint had expanded, and in August, the nearby Garden House sake kiosk shut down.
Now, the Bandai Gashapon kiosk has officially debuted. For those unfamiliar, “Gashapon” is Bandai’s trademarked version of “gachapon,” the Japanese word for collectible capsule toys dispensed from vending machines. Popular across Japan for decades, these machines have been catching on in the United States, likely inspiring their arrival at Walt Disney World Resort.
The four-sided kiosk consists of vending machines that offer capsule toys ranging in price from $9 to $15 each. Guests can select a machine, swipe their card (no cash is accepted), and turn the crank to release their collectible. Inside each capsule is a surprise toy tied to pop culture favorites.
According to WDWNT, the kiosk currently carries officially licensed merchandise from Nintendo titles like “Kirby and the Forgotten Land,” popular Sanrio characters, and anime properties including JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and Chainsaw Man. These offerings are expected to rotate, encouraging repeat visits for collectors and curious Disney Parks fans.
Though the Gashapon kiosk has officially opened, the Garden House sake stand has not yet returned. A sign posted at the closed location directs guests to the sake bar inside Mitsukoshi Department Store, keeping the popular beverage option available within the Japan World Showcase Pavilion.
Which characters would you like to see in the Gashapon machines at EPCOT? Disney Fanatic would love to hear your suggestions in the comments!
