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Disney World Makes Unexpected Change to 44-Year-Old Attraction

Walt Disney World is preparing to make another adjustment to its entertainment schedule, and guests who enjoy EPCOT’s original attractions may be disappointed.

Over the years, Disney has introduced new experiences throughout EPCOT while making changes to several longtime favorites. Although some adjustments involve permanent closures, others simply make attractions harder to experience.

Spaceship Earth glowing at night at EPCOT
Credit: Sarah Larson, Disney Dining

Now, another change is coming in January 2027, and it could leave visitors with very little time to enjoy a classic attraction that has been part of EPCOT for more than 40 years.

Disney World Removes Evening Showtimes From Classic Attraction

Beginning January 1, 2027, Impressions de France at EPCOT is scheduled to lose its evening presentations.

The film, located inside the France pavilion in World Showcase, has entertained guests since EPCOT opened in October 1982.

Impressions de France takes visitors on a scenic journey through the French countryside, featuring famous landmarks, historic locations, and beautiful landscapes.

Guests walking in the World Showcase France Pavilion at EPCOT.
Credit: rickpilot_2000, Flickr

Currently, guests can enjoy the film between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. or return for evening presentations between 7:00 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.

However, according to the My Disney Experience app, the evening showtimes will disappear beginning January 1.

Instead, the film will only operate from 9:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. on most scheduled dates.

That gives guests a very limited opportunity to experience the attraction, particularly those who prefer exploring World Showcase later in the day.

Another EPCOT Experience Keeps Its Hours

Since January 2020, Impressions de France has shared its theater with Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along.

The sing-along features familiar characters and music from Disney’s animated film Beauty and the Beast (1991).

Under the newly listed schedule, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along will continue operating from 10:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. on most dates.

Interestingly, Disney has not scheduled additional sing-along performances during the evening hours previously occupied by Impressions de France.

Instead, the theater currently has no presentations listed after 6:30 p.m.

Disney made a similar adjustment in March 2023, removing the evening presentations of Impressions de France before restoring them just three days later.

That history leaves open the possibility that the upcoming change could eventually be reversed.

Some Guests Could Miss the Attraction Entirely

The reduced schedule creates another problem for visitors arriving during certain dates in January.

EPCOT is scheduled to open at 10:00 a.m. on January 7, 9, and 10, 2027.

Because Impressions de France is only scheduled during the 9:00 a.m. half-hour window, the attraction currently has no showtimes listed on those dates.

Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, meanwhile, is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m.

Guests hoping to experience Impressions de France before the change takes effect can still catch its evening presentations through December 31, 2026.

The elegant yellow facade of the Impressions de France theater in Epcot features French-style doors, vibrant pink flowers, and potted plants. This charming location is one of Disney World’s lesser-known attractions, making it a tranquil hidden gem for guests looking to escape the crowds and experience authentic French ambiance in World Showcase.
Credit: Disney

Disney has not announced a permanent closure, and the available January 2027 schedule only extends through January 12.

For now, visitors planning an EPCOT vacation in the new year should check the My Disney Experience app carefully.

After all, experiencing this opening-year attraction may soon require making it one of the first stops of the day.

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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