Credit: DisneyIt doesn’t happen often, but sometimes a brand-new addition at Walt Disney World runs into trouble almost immediately. That’s exactly what’s unfolding at EPCOT, where one of the park’s newest features is already experiencing problems less than a week after welcoming its first guests.
The issue isn’t forcing the location to close; it’s just hard to miss once you know where to look. Considering how much attention Disney gave this latest addition before opening day, many fans have already started wondering what happened. New additions are typically expected to operate smoothly after months of planning and testing, making this early hiccup especially noticeable to guests eager to check it out during its opening week.
Here’s what we know so far.
EPCOT’s Newest World Showcase Addition Had a Strong Debut
EPCOT’s World Showcase remains one of the park’s biggest draws, offering guests the chance to experience food, architecture, entertainment, and culture inspired by countries around the globe. Whether visitors come to snack around the lagoon or simply enjoy the atmosphere, the area remains a major part of what makes EPCOT different from every other Disney park.
On July 1, World Showcase welcomed one of its newest dining locations when La Poutinerie officially opened near the Canada pavilion.
The quick-service location replaced Refreshment Port and now serves as a dedicated Canadian-inspired eatery. Sponsored by Air Canada, the restaurant features several aviation-themed details that reinforce the partnership throughout the space.
One of the most eye-catching additions sits above the pickup window. Disney installed a retro split-flap airport-style display board, similar to the classic arrival and departure boards once common in airports. The area also includes several airplane-inspired design touches that help distinguish La Poutinerie from the location it replaced.
The Airport-Style Display Is Already Having Problems
When La Poutinerie first opened on July 1, the split-flap display wasn’t just decorative.
The board rotated through Canada-themed trivia questions, giving guests something fun to read while they waited for their food. Shortly after opening, Disney also added a “Now Arriving” decal nearby that fit perfectly with the airport-inspired theme.
Unfortunately, the effect didn’t last long.
By July 7, the split-flap display had stopped operating. As of July 8, the sign remained inactive.
That means one of La Poutinerie’s signature themed elements has already gone offline only days after the spot officially debuted.
Thankfully, the issue appears to be limited to the display itself. The restaurant continues serving guests, and there has been no indication that the problem has affected food service or operations.
Still, it’s surprising to see a brand-new themed feature stop functioning so quickly after opening, especially one designed to be such a visible part of the guest experience.
What Else is Happening at EPCOT?
Even with La Poutinerie’s display temporarily out of service, EPCOT is in the middle of one of its busiest seasons for updates.
One of the biggest recent changes came to Soarin’, where Soarin’ Around the World has temporarily given way to Soarin’ Across America as part of the celebration leading up to the United States’ 250th anniversary. That limited-time change gives guests another reason to revisit one of EPCOT’s most popular attractions.
The park is also preparing for one of its biggest annual events.
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival returns from August 27 through November 21, 2026. Included with regular EPCOT admission, the festival brings dozens of global food marketplaces, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, limited-time menu offerings, and activities designed for families throughout the park.
Although EPCOT is firmly in summer mode right now, Food & Wine will arrive before long. As one of World Showcase’s newest permanent dining locations, La Poutinerie is expected to become an important stop for many guests exploring the festival, even though it operates independently of the festival marketplaces.
With thousands of visitors expected to pass by each day once the event begins, Disney will likely want every themed element working as intended.
Hopefully, It’s a Quick Fix
Small technical problems happen across Walt Disney World every day, and most are resolved before many guests even notice.
That’s why there’s little reason to believe the split-flap display will remain out of service for long.
Still, it’s an unfortunate start for one of EPCOT’s newest additions. The airport-style board adds personality to La Poutinerie and creatively reinforces the Air Canada sponsorship. Without the moving display and rotating trivia, part of that themed experience is temporarily missing. It’s a small detail in the grand scheme of the park, but themed touches like this are exactly what help make World Showcase feel immersive and memorable for guests exploring each pavilion.
As EPCOT continues preparing for another busy festival season, guests will be hoping this brand-new feature is flipping through Canada trivia once again before the crowds arrive. With the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival just weeks away, La Poutinerie is expected to welcome plenty of visitors, making now the perfect time for Disney to have every aspect of the location operating as intended.
