Credit: rickpilot_2000, FlickrDuring a multi-month refurbishment, Walt Disney World Resort overhauled an aging section of the France World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT. Here’s what Central Florida Disney Park guests need to know.
Replacement in the France World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT
This month, the Palais du Cinema reopened in the France World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT. The theater, which is home to the Impressions de France and the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along films, closed for a scheduled refurbishment in February.
Impressions de France had been entertaining Central Florida Disney Park guests since EPCOT opened on October 1, 1982. In 2020, Walt Disney World Resort added the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along to the Palais du Cinema. The original 18-minute film is available in the early mornings and late evenings, while the 15-minute Beauty and the Beast (1991) experience performs from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Both films temporarily disappeared in February when Walt Disney World Resort announced a refurbishment of the Palais du Cinema. At the time, Disney did not share its plans for the theater, but promised it would reopen in the spring.
Finally, See What’s Changed
A few days ago, WDWNT shared a look at what’s changed (and what hasn’t) in the France World Showcase Pavilion theater. The lobby where guests wait for the next film showing is unchanged, with the same theatrical costumes and props on display. The exterior of the Palais du Cinema is also the same. Guests found the real changes inside the theater.
Walt Disney World Resort installed brand-new seating throughout the Palais du Cinema in the same fold-down style as before. The new chairs have red velveteen padded backs, faux leather brown seats, red plastic arms, and built-in lighting to make it easier for Disney Park guests navigating the theater in low lighting. Take a look:
Impressions de France and the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along have returned to their normal performance schedule at EPCOT. To check showtimes during your visit, use the My Disney Experience app, visit the Walt Disney World Resort website, or pick up a printed entertainment schedule at park entry.
What do you think of the new seats in the Palais du Cinema in the France World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT? Share your opinion with Inside the Magic in the comments!
