The kickoff of EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival is supposed to be one of the most exciting days of the year. Fans look forward to exploring new booths, savoring creative dishes, and soaking up the atmosphere that makes this festival so popular. But this year, instead of a smooth start, guests were met with complications that changed the mood quickly.
A Shocking Start to the Festival
Guests arriving bright and early expected long lines at food booths—not closed attractions. Spaceship Earth, EPCOT’s most recognizable ride, was suddenly unavailable. The giant geodesic sphere has been the park’s icon since 1982, and many families consider it a must-do. To see “Currently Not Operating” signs posted outside on opening day left people frustrated.
Disney has explained that the ride is down for a multi-month refurbishment, but no firm reopening date has been promised—only a vague “later this year.” Crews were spotted working at the site with protective gear, signaling that the project is already in full swing. The post-show area, Project Tomorrow, has also been sealed off.
Parking Adds to the Pressure
As if the loss of EPCOT’s crown jewel wasn’t enough, parking presented another headache. The Moana lot—one of the park’s busiest—remains closed for resurfacing. On an average weekday, that might not cause too many issues. But on a festival’s opening day, when crowds are already heavy, every spot matters. Guests were redirected to alternate lots, creating backups, longer walks, and delays.
Even though Disney has urged visitors to allow extra time, many felt that the disruptions added unnecessary stress to what should have been a celebratory day.
The Bigger Picture
The Food & Wine Festival runs until November 22, featuring more than 35 food booths, returning fan-favorite dishes, and even a Guardians of the Galaxy-themed marketplace. While the menus are sure to keep people happy, the backdrop of closures dampened the start.
EPCOT has been in a constant state of change, with new attractions, massive construction projects, and updates taking place across the park. Test Track’s latest overhaul just opened, while Journey of Water—Inspired by Moana—remains one of the newest additions. But even as the park grows, the absence of Spaceship Earth during such a high-profile festival is hard to ignore.
For now, guests can only hope the food, drinks, and entertainment help overshadow the frustrations caused by closures and parking troubles.
