Guests strolling the rose walk between the Imagination! pavilion and World Showcase at EPCOT will find the playground temporarily off-limits. Potted trees now block both entrances to the play and picnic area, a familiar sign that festival crews are getting ready to transform the space for the upcoming EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.
The playground, which opened in 2025, gets a fresh look for each festival season. Last year it became Harvest Hollow, a nature-inspired themed area. Whether that concept returns or something brand-new takes its place hasn't been announced — and no construction work was visible yet at the time of the closure.
The WALL-E playground on the opposite side of the park may also receive a festival makeover. The 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs August 27 through November 21 and will include Global Marketplaces, Emile's Fromage Montage, Remy's Hide & Squeak, Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit, and a new interactive cheese exhibit.
Planning Your Trip
Undercover Tourist is an authorized seller of Walt Disney World tickets, often at a discount off gate price.
If you're planning a trip to catch the festival, Walt Disney World tickets are worth booking ahead of the busy fall season. WDW News Today was first to report the playground closure.
