Unexpected Character Changes at EPCOT

If you are hoping to meet your favorite Disney pals at EPCOT, you will want to know about the recent change due to technical issues. Find out the new location and what this may mean for your next visit.

Technical Difficulties

Walt Disney World has had a rough couple of weeks. Last week alone, the Magic Kingdom had almost 20 attractions close simultaneously. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, two of the biggest attractions fail to open until late in the day.

This is frustrating for guests and Cast Members alike. Guests work hard planning a magical itinerary, and these closures can affect their best-laid plans. Cast Members work hard to keep morale high even when attractions are closed.

Sometimes, closures are due to weather, technical difficulties, or a refurbishment. When possible, Disney tries to make accommodations and to have attractions open to guests when it is safe to do so.

Character Change at EPCOT

Communicore Hall at EPCOT opened in June 2024. When it first opened, guests were a bit disappointed by the lack of theming. During the International Festival of the Holidays and International Festival of the Arts, Disney has transformed this space.

Here, you can also meet Mickey & Friends, a new character greeting location that features a beautiful mural of EPCOT’s past and present. That is until today, when Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy are no longer greeting guests at CommuniCore Hall.

Cast Members share that this location is closed due to a technical difficulty. The My Disney Experience app still shows all three characters meeting at this location.

New Location for Mickey and Minnie

Thankfully, Disney has a backup plan so guests can meet both Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. They have returned to their former meeting location in the lobby of the Pixar Short Film Festival space. This is located near the Journey into Imagination attraction.

Mickey and Minnie return to the Pixar Short Film lobby.

Cast Members at CommuniCore Hall are directing guests to the new, unexpected location. It is unclear how long Mickey and Minnie may meet at this new location. Thankfully, the Broadway exhibit is still open to guests at CommuniCore Hall today.

What do you think of this change? Do you think Disney should do more to prevent multiple technical issues? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.