Opening week is usually when a new Disney experience is at its very best. Everything is expected to be polished, operating smoothly, and ready to impress the first wave of guests. That’s why a problem that surfaced at EPCOT has caught the attention of Disney fans so quickly.
Less than a week after one of the park’s newest additions welcomed visitors, one of its signature themed elements has already stopped working. The issue isn’t keeping guests from visiting the location, but it does take away one of the details Disney clearly intended to be part of the experience.
Here’s a closer look at what happened and why guests have noticed.
A Fresh Look for World Showcase
World Showcase has long been one of EPCOT’s defining experiences. The area invites guests to explore countries from around the world through food, shopping, entertainment, and architecture, making it unlike anything found at the other Walt Disney World theme parks.
That lineup expanded on July 1 when La Poutinerie officially opened near the Canada pavilion.
The new quick-service location replaced Refreshment Port and focuses on Canadian-inspired menu items. Air Canada sponsors the venue, and Disney leaned into that partnership by incorporating aviation-themed elements throughout the space.
The most recognizable feature sits directly above the pickup window. Disney installed a vintage-style split-flap display reminiscent of the arrival and departure boards once commonly found in airports. Combined with several airplane-inspired design touches, it gives the location its own unique identity while tying into the Air Canada sponsorship.
The Signature Display Didn’t Last Long
When guests first visited La Poutinerie, the split-flap board was more than just decoration.
The display cycled through Canada-themed trivia questions while guests waited for their food, adding a fun interactive touch to the queue area. Disney also introduced a “Now Arriving” decal that fit perfectly with the airport-inspired theme.
Only days later, however, the display stopped functioning.
By July 7, the split-flap board was no longer operating, and as of July 8, it remained inactive.
Fortunately, the problem appears to be isolated to the display itself. La Poutinerie continues to serve guests as usual, and there have been no signs that food service has been affected.
Still, it’s surprising to see such a prominent themed feature experience problems so soon after opening. Because the display is positioned in such a visible location, many guests immediately notice when it stops moving.
EPCOT Is Getting Ready for Another Busy Season
While Disney works through the issue, EPCOT has no shortage of other changes happening throughout the park.
Guests can currently experience Soarin’ Across America, which temporarily replaced Soarin’ Around the World as part of the celebration leading up to the United States’ 250th anniversary. The limited-time version gives visitors another reason to revisit one of EPCOT’s most popular attractions.
The park is also preparing for one of its biggest annual traditions.
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival returns from August 27 through November 21, 2026. Included with regular park admission, the festival features global food marketplaces, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, specialty food and beverage offerings, and family activities throughout World Showcase.
Although summer is still in full swing, the festival is approaching quickly. As one of the newest permanent dining locations in World Showcase, La Poutinerie will likely become a popular stop for guests exploring everything the event has to offer.
A Small Issue That Will Hopefully Be Short-Lived
Minor technical issues occur throughout Walt Disney World every day, and many are resolved before most guests even realize there was a problem.
That makes this situation feel more like an early setback than a long-term concern.
Even so, it’s disappointing to see one of La Poutinerie’s defining design elements stop working during the restaurant’s first week. The moving split-flap board helps sell the airport theme and gives the location extra personality beyond its menu. Without it, part of the storytelling is temporarily missing.
With the Food & Wine Festival season drawing closer and more guests expected to visit World Showcase, Disney will likely want every detail of La Poutinerie’s operation to be as intended. Hopefully, it won’t be long before the split-flap board is once again welcoming guests with Canada trivia instead of sitting still.
