Impressions de France at EPCOT closed February 22, 2026, for refurbishment with no announced reopening date at Disney. The 18-minute film that has showcased France’s grandeur, charm, and romance since the park opened in 1982 now sits behind closed theater doors with only an A-frame sign directing guests away.
Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, which shares the Palais du Cinéma theater, also closed the same day, suggesting the entire theater will remain unavailable during refurbishment rather than one show continuing.
No Clear Disney Timeline
Disney hasn’t announced a specific reopening date. The calendar currently shows the attraction closed through April 3, 2026, but that represents only as far as the reservation system extends rather than an actual confirmed timeline. The refurbishment could finish before then or extend well beyond, leaving guests planning spring EPCOT visits in uncertainty.
The timing is notable given recent weather-related disruptions. EPCOT dealt with broken pipes and operational challenges from the historic Central Florida freeze, raising questions whether this closure is routine maintenance or connected to infrastructure issues revealed by extreme weather.
What’s Actually Closed
Impressions de France is an 18-minute film shot entirely on location in France, taking viewers from Paris streets to Loire Valley châteaux, from Normandy beaches to Bordeaux vineyards. The sweeping aerial photography and classical music soundtrack create an immersive portrait of French culture.
Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along is a 15-minute film featuring songs from the animated classic. Both presentations being unavailable confirms the entire theater is closed, which makes sense since theater work typically requires access to projection systems, seating, sound equipment, and other infrastructure serving both shows.
Limited Disney Operating Hours Before Closure
Impressions de France hasn’t been operating full days for some time. The film ran only during specific windows: 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.. These limited hours reflected theater-sharing with Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along.
This scheduling meant many EPCOT guests never encountered the film. Families arriving mid-morning and leaving before evening missed both windows entirely. The early slot caught only dedicated park openers, while the evening window competed with dinner reservations and nighttime spectaculars.
Possible Refurbishment Scope
Disney hasn’t released details about what work will happen. Theater refurbishments typically involve several possibilities:
Technical upgrades seem likely. The film was digitally transferred in recent years, but projection equipment, sound systems, and lighting controls all need periodic maintenance after 40+ years of operation.
Seating repairs or replacement could be included. Theater seats endure constant use and eventually need refurbishment. Addressing seating while the theater is already closed makes efficiency sense.
Projection system updates might be most significant. Newer systems offer improved brightness, color accuracy, and reliability that could enhance the visual experience substantially.
Structural or cosmetic work might be necessary. HVAC systems, carpeting, and wall treatments all deteriorate over time. The recent freeze that caused pipe breaks throughout EPCOT could have revealed theater infrastructure issues, though there’s no confirmation.
Additional Disney Pavilion Work
A white sheet has been hung in one window of a fake patisserie facade near Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, blocking a macaron display. This suggests cosmetic or maintenance work on that pavilion section, though whether it connects to the theater refurbishment remains unclear.
Historical Significance
Impressions de France is one of EPCOT’s original attractions, opening on October 1, 1982. Unlike many EPCOT attractions that have been replaced or substantially altered, Impressions de France has remained largely unchanged. While digitally transferred for image quality, the content stays true to the original vision, making it increasingly rare among EPCOT experiences.
Disney Planning Considerations
Guests with EPCOT visits planned between late February and early April should assume Impressions de France won’t be available. The closure also eliminates Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along as an entertainment option at the France Pavilion.
The pavilion still offers Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, shops, and dining locations, but the theater entertainment component is completely unavailable.
Without an official reopening date, theater refurbishments can range from weeks for minor work to months for comprehensive overhauls. The refurbishment could enhance the presentation through better projection, improved sound, refreshed seating, and updated infrastructure without fundamentally changing the film that has charmed guests for over four decades.
