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Disney Shuts Down Alcohol Sales at EPCOT, Guests Refused Service

A popular EPCOT drink spot has suddenly stopped serving guests, leaving some visitors searching for an alternative. Without any official announcement from Walt Disney World Resort, construction walls have gone up around the location, cutting off access to its alcoholic beverage offerings.

On August 11, WDWMagic reported that the Garden House sake kiosk in the Japan EPCOT World Showcase Pavilion had abruptly closed. Guests arriving at the spot found beige construction walls blocking the building, preventing them from purchasing drinks. With the kiosk unavailable, Walt Disney World Resort is encouraging guests to visit the small sake bar inside Mitsukoshi Department Store, the pavilion’s largest shop.

Exterior of  Mitsukoshi Department Store
Credit: Mitsukoshi Department Store

“Garden House is planting something new,” read signs posted on the construction walls. “Please visit the Sake Bar inside Mitsukoshi. Arigato!”

The sudden closure comes as part of a wider construction effort in the area. In June, a separate set of construction walls appeared in a walkway just steps from Garden House, but the kiosk continued serving Disney Park guests at the time. The latest walls extend from the original barriers, suggesting the work is connected.

Katsura Grill Exterior
Credit: Disney

Permits filed for the walkway reportedly reference plans for a “Gashapon Kiosk.” Gashapon refers to a Japanese capsule toy vending machine that has surged in popularity in the United States. However, Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t publicly acknowledged these permits.

Walt Disney World Resort has not announced how long the Garden House shutdown will last. It’s unclear whether the closure is temporary or part of a larger redesign of the Japan Pavilion’s offerings. The rest of the World Showcase Pavilion remains open, including its restaurants, shops, and cultural displays.

Have you noticed any small construction projects around Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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