Epcot closure: what does it mean for me?

Here’s how the Epcot Construction Closure will affect the average guest. And you.

WORLD SHOWCASE LAGOON, FL — As we reported, Epcot will be closed for the next two years, at least most of it. And it will affect your vacation. [Ed.: We’re assuming here that your vacation will be at Walt Disney World. If you’re vacationing in, say, the Black Hills of South Dakota, the Epcot closure is much less likely to affect your plans.]
What we’ve done here at Uncle Walt’s Insider is provide you with a comprehensive list of ways this closure will, or will not, affect you.

Monorail

The Epcot line at the Transportation and Ticket Center will remain open! However, it won’t actually go anywhere. A Monorail train will be stopped at the TTC with doors open on both sides. Guests will board the train, and then immediately exit. Guests in wheelchairs and ECVs will continue to enjoy private car service with a ramped entry.

Tours

If you have booked a tour at EPCOT Center during the closure, a Guest Services rep will be in touch with you with some options. You will have three choices: (1) cancel your reservation and receive a refund someday, maybe; (2) switch your tour to some less expensive experience (such as an all-exclusive dinner at the McDonald’s on the Osceola Parkway); or (3) keep your tour reservation, and just stand outside the closed Epcot gates hoping some construction worker lets you in. UPDATE: The popular Magic of Construction Walls tour, formerly at Hollywood Studios, is coming to E.P.C.O.T. during the closure!

Churros

All churro carts and churro-selling locations will be open and fully staffed. Sadly, they will just be available to Epcot Centre construction workers and Cast Members, not guests. It’s a union thing.

Disney Cruise Line

All Disney Cruise Line stops scheduled at Epcot will occur, including shore excursions. Note that almost all Epcot attractions will be closed, but guests can partake in the new “Epcot Forever – A Constructive Experience” shore excursion. Yes, guests can grab a hammer, drill, or arc welder, and help build Epcot 2.0!

Frozen Ever After

Unfortunately, still open. Sorry.

Is it just us, or is the closure even more tragic knowing there are churros inside the gates? Comment below!

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Cover photo: Marty is really enjoying getting to reuse this graphic a lot, without having to work to create a new one. Slacker. Photo by Sam Howzit [CC BY 2.0] via Flickr.