Planning a Walt Disney World trip usually feels like putting together a puzzle. You line up your Lightning Lane selections, lock in dining reservations, and map out each park day. But every now and then, an update comes along that doesn’t show up until later—and it can change your plans in a pretty noticeable way.
That’s where EPCOT finds itself right now. Disney has confirmed that two popular spots in the park will be unavailable for part of May. These aren’t permanent closures, but they do hit at a time when crowds are already picking up. If you’re visiting during that window, it’s the kind of detail you’ll want to know ahead of time.
A Bigger Shift Happening Across Disney World
These EPCOT changes are just one piece of a much larger story. Walt Disney World is in a stretch where nearly every park is evolving at the same time.
Magic Kingdom continues to build toward its future with projects like Piston Peak and Villains Land generating plenty of attention. Hollywood Studios is also moving forward with a Muppets-themed coaster and a new Monsters, Inc. area, showing how Disney is mixing familiar characters with new ideas.
At Animal Kingdom, the transformation is already well underway. DinoLand U.S.A. is being replaced by a Tropical Americas-themed land inspired by Indiana Jones and Encanto, which will completely reshape that part of the park.
EPCOT may no longer have construction walls dominating every corner, but it’s still changing—and some of those changes are now affecting guests directly.
France Pavilion Theater Remains Closed Into May
One of the biggest impacts hits the France Pavilion. The Palais du Cinéma theater has been closed since February 22, 2026, for routine refurbishment, and it won’t reopen until May 10.
That means guests visiting in early May won’t have access to either Impressions de France or the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along. Both shows offer a chance to slow down during a busy day, especially for families looking to step inside and take a break.
While neither experience is a headliner ride, they add a lot of character to the pavilion. Losing both, even temporarily, changes the flow of that area more than you might expect.
Soarin’ Steps Out Later in the Month
As the France Pavilion reopens, another major experience goes offline not long after. Soarin’, one of EPCOT’s most popular attractions, is scheduled to close from May 14 through May 25, 2026.
This closure is tied to an upcoming update that will shift the ride to Soarin’ Across America, timed with the United States’ 250th anniversary. For now, though, the focus is on the downtime.
For guests visiting during that stretch, Soarin’ simply won’t be available. That’s a big deal because it’s often one of the first rides people target early in the day or book through Lightning Lane.
Without it, crowds are likely to shift, especially around The Land Pavilion.
Plenty of EPCOT Favorites Still Running
Even with these closures, EPCOT still offers a full day’s worth of experiences. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind remains one of the park’s biggest draws, and Spaceship Earth continues to anchor the entrance.
Test Track offers a high-speed option, while Frozen Ever After keeps drawing families over from Norway. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Mission: SPACE, and Journey Into Imagination with Figment all remain open as well.
The difference comes down to how guests adjust. With fewer options in certain spots, popular rides could feel even busier.
What Guests Should Expect in May
When you look at the calendar, it becomes clear that most of May will feel slightly different at EPCOT. Early visitors miss the France Pavilion shows, while later guests lose access to Soarin’.
The closures don’t overlap entirely, but they still affect a large portion of the month. Depending on your dates, your experience could shift more than expected.
What’s Next for EPCOT
EPCOT continues to evolve, even after years of visible changes. These temporary closures may not seem like a huge deal on their own, but they still shape how a park day unfolds.
For May 2026 visitors, planning ahead will make all the difference. Knowing what’s unavailable before you arrive helps you adjust—and avoid surprises once you’re already inside the park.
