A popular character can no longer be found at Disney World’s EPCOT.
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Disney has a lot on its plate in 2025, with several major blockbusters already released. Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have enjoyed three new films this year: Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Things continue to be interesting with Disney’s animation department, too, though it may be hard to match Inside Out 2 (2024).
Inside Out 2 served as the direct sequel to the original 2015 film, allowing audiences to watch Riley, the franchise’s main character, grow up and deal with her emotions. In this sequel, Riley becomes a teenager and gets new, more intense emotions.
The film’s release brought much fanfare, including special experiences at Disney’s theme parks. For a while, guests could meet Joy in person at EPCOT in Walt Disney World. This experience has since ended, however.
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Last summer, the Joy meet-and-greet in the Imagination! Pavilion permanently closed. Joy had been meeting guests inside the Pavilion for years, which also houses other attractions like Journey Into Imagination with Figment.
Guests could meet Joy in front of a backdrop as she posed for photos, signed autographs, and interacted with fans of Disney’s Inside Out franchise.
Those looking to meet Joy shouldn’t worry, as she now greets guests in Pixar Plaza at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
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There’s a lot currently taking place at Walt Disney World, with the most exciting project just beginning. This summer, Disney permanently closed Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom to make way for a new expansion called Piston Peak.
Piston Peak is inspired by Pixar’s Cars franchise and will allow guests to get lost in their own wild adventures. Piston Peak will feature one major ride, an off-roading outdoor racing attraction, and several other experiences to enjoy.
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