Credit: DisneyEPCOT, a theme park well known in Walt Disney World, is getting a complete overhaul, including work being done on the popular shopping location — MouseGear.
The Walt Disney Imagineers have done it again and outdone themselves with projects such as the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy-inspired attraction roller coaster, a space-themed restaurant just next to Mission: SPACE called Space 220, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction in France Pavilion, which is opening on October 1st, 2021.
Additionally, MouseGear — a popular store in EPCOT — is currently undergoing refurbishment. But when will Guests once again be able to step foot inside the shop? Here’s what we think!
MouseGear and Its Temporary Location
MouseGear, located in EPCOT, is known as one of the biggest stores in Walt Disney World but is currently closed for refurbishment. In the meantime, a temporary location, which was introduced on January 6, is open for Guests to shop all their favorite Disney merchandise.
This temporary location is behind Electric Umbrella across from Mission Space and contains all your Disney needs including, Disney apparel, coffee mugs, Minnie Ears, pins, and more. However, it’s safe to say that this new temporary location does not hold nearly as much merchandise as MouseGear did, which leaves many missing the EPCOT shop.
MouseGear Construction
Drew, better known as @DrewDisneyDude on Twitter shared a brief video on what the new building of MouseGear in EPCOT is looking like, stating:
Tons of new scaffolding up at the new Mouse Gear store and restaurant in EPCOT.
The new MouseGear store should be the next thing to open for the EPCOT transformation
Tons of new scaffolding up at the new Mouse Gear store and restaurant in EPCOT.
The new MouseGear store should be the next thing to open for the EPCOT transformation. pic.twitter.com/gts5MU2sjZ
— Drew (@DrewDisneyDude) March 26, 2021
He also posted some thoughts on when he suspects MouseGear to reopen:
With the Food & Wine Festival beginning July 15 at EPCOT and Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary starting October 1… one of these dates should be close to when the new Mouse Gear store opens at EPCOT.
A very late June/early July opening or September opening would make sense.
With the Food & Wine Festival beginning July 15 at EPCOT and Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary starting October 1… one of these dates should be close to when the new Mouse Gear store opens at EPCOT.
A very late June/early July opening or September opening would make sense. pic.twitter.com/Jw4FOE3FJf
— Drew (@DrewDisneyDude) April 1, 2021
New Merch Coming For Walt Disney’s 50th Celebration
With this being said, it got us thinking — Could MouseGear actually open in time for the 50th anniversary at Disney World (which begins on October 1, 2021)?
Well, first let’s take a look back — In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, Disney’s Magic Kingdom celebrated with the Remember The Magic parade. They also released tons of merch including apparel, Mickey ears, and more, with images of Cinderella Castle revamped into a pink birthday cake.
With the anticipation of the 50th Walt Disney World anniversary that will be celebrated in Disney’s Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we can anticipate all the goodies and new merch that will be in stores, hopefully including the new and improved MouseGear!
When Could MouseGear Open?
With construction walls all over EPCOT as the overhaul continues, and buildings progressing well on their way to becoming fully completed, we can only wait in anticipation and hope that MouseGear will be ready for all our 50th anniversary merch needs before October 1st.
We already know that the France pavilion expansion is almost complete with the new Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction debuting for the 50th so hopefully, MouseGear will also be ready by then!
Please keep in mind Disney has not announced an opening date for MouseGear. Inside the Magic will keep you updated as we get information.
Do you think MouseGear will reopen just in time for the 50th Anniversary? Let us know in the comments below!