Why Doesn't Disney Use These Abandoned Parts of EPCOT as Restaurants?

EPCOT has seen some pretty significant changes over the years!

EPCOT

The park that opened in 1982 is not the same as the one we have today, with a variety of attraction changes, new restaurants, and updates to World Showcase pavilions. But in that time, some places have been “abandoned” or left unused around the park. And we think Disney could turn those spots into some incredible dining locations!

Wonders of Life/PLAY! Pavilion

First of all, we’re heading to World Discovery to discuss the abandoned Wonders of Life Pavilion. This spot was supposed to become the PLAY! Pavilion with the EPCOT transformation, but it seems that the plans were halted after the pandemic.

PLAY! Pavilion

The gold-domed building lives between Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Mission: SPACE, and currently it’s not in use. We’d love to see the PLAY! Pavilion in here eventually, but if they do add that offering, they should also include a fun dining location! Think of all the cool snacks they could have.

Odyssey Pavilion

Another spot that would be a great location for a restaurant would be the Odyssey Pavilion! In the past few years, this space has been used for a variety of purposes, from the EPCOT transformation preview center to a temporary food booth during festivals.

Inside the Odyssey Pavilion during a festival

Complete with a kitchen, restrooms, and plenty of open space, this would be a great location for a restaurant or snack stand. Plus, any tables situated along the windows would have excellent views of World Showcase or World Celebration!

The Abandoned Attraction in Germany

Have you ever heard about Germany’s abandoned attraction? The Germany Pavilion was originally supposed to be home to a boat ride, located next door to Biergarten. Sadly, it got cut during EPCOT construction and Disney just covered the ride space with a wall and a mural.

Germany Pavilion

The space for the attraction is still back there (if you knock on the mural, you’ll find that it’s hollow!), so why not do something with it? Sommerfest could be expanded into a bigger quick service restaurant, or they could add a second table service spot alongside Biergarten. We’re always down for more food!

Restaurant Marrakesh

Do you know which spot DESPERATELY needs to be turned into a restaurant? Restaurant Marrakesh in Morocco! This dining location never reopened after the pandemic when the Morocco Pavilion started getting some changes. Since then, the space has been mostly used as a lounge for various purposes.

Restaurant Marrakesh

Back when it was a functioning table service restaurant, it served Moroccan fare and even offered entertainment in the form of a live bellydancer. We’d love to see this spot returned to its former glory — it used to be a gem!

World Showplace

And finally, we’ve got to talk about World Showplace. This giant building is located between Canada and the UK Pavilion, and it’s mostly used as an event space from time to time. For a little while after the parks reopened, EPCOT used it for festivals.

World Showplace

The building itself is HUGE and has some of the best bathrooms in the park. Disney could do something incredibly cool with the space! What if they made it like a food market/permanent festival with a bunch of little snack stalls and plenty of seating? We’d be down for that!

Alas, we’ll have to wait and see if any of these ideas pan out. Until then, we’ll just be anticipating the new Spaceship Earth Lounge in EPCOT! Stay tuned to DFB for more food news and theme park updates.

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Which of these spots would you want to see turned into a restaurant? Tell us in the comments!