The Epcot Tune-Up: What’s New for Remy, Soarin’, and Frozen

Greetings fellow Rope Droppers,  

It’s the final weekend of October, which means Halloween will wind down before we know it, it’s already time for the first runDisney race of the year, and we’ll be in Mickey’s Christmas Party season before we know it. 

We started with 498 stories and bring you this 3:30-minute read. We’re talking Epcot upgrades, confirmed 2026 festival dates, and when you can catch Jingle Cruise this season.

Gabe

Epcot is in the middle of a quiet but meaningful upgrade cycle. After Test Track’s July reopening, Disney confirmed new, more lifelike figures for Frozen Ever After. 

Now two more favorites are next: Remy’s is dropping the 3D glasses in mid-November, and Soarin’ will debut a new ‘Across America’ film in Summer 2026.

First up, Remy, and this one is happening fast. Soon, you’ll no longer need 3D glasses. That’s because the projections are being swapped out to 2D, along with “enhanced visuals and clearer imagery. Here’s what you should know:

This one is interesting because the ride’s sister attraction at Disneyland Paris closed this month too, but for a months-long overhaul. In that case when the news dropped in August, Disney said the 2D switcheroo followed “several months of testing and guest surveys.” Paris is also in store for prop and set pieces, as well as “an enhanced queue with a new scene.” Wonder if we’ll get that, too.

All in all, this means big updates for all of Epcot’s Tier 1 Lightning Lane experiences, but that’s not all: a new version of Soarin’ will take off next summer too, Soarin’ Across America. The reveal was part of a broader effort to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Filming is already underway at more than a dozen locations. Here’s hoping for more ‘purple mountain majesties’ and fewer CGI animals. Call me old fashioned but I appreciated the original version’s authentic film quality.

Speaking of Epcot rides: Spaceship Earth also soft-opened this week, following a regular set of maintenance. It reopens officially on Saturday. No major changes are expected.

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The Disney Destiny has officially departed Europe, and is making her way towards Florida. She’ll make a stop in Portugal before crossing the Atlantic.

Something cool to keep watch on this time, Walt Disney Imagineering’s Instagram account has been posting “Crossing Diaries” from the ship. The crossing is often kept under wraps, so it’s neat to see a few more details come to light before the ship does media, cast and industry sailings next month. That all happens ahead of her public maiden voyage on November 20 from Fort Lauderdale.

The 2025-2026 runDisney season kicks off this weekend around the resort, with Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. The weekend features a 5K, 10K and a Half Marathon, as well as a specially-ticketed post-race party at Epcot on Sunday evening. 

If you’re running, good luck! And I hope to see you on the road, I’ll be running the 10K myself.

If you’re not participating, but are bopping around the resort this weekend, be aware of some morning road closures on Saturday and Sunday. Plan a little extra time if you have a schedule to keep to.

And to leave you with a laugh, we finish this week with a fan parody the forthcoming Soarin’ Over America. Gosh, we love how fast some folks pump out memes and comedy these days…

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