Part of France Expansion Opens in EPCOT: Does This Mean Soft Openings for Ratatouille?

Alicia Stella

A section of the new France Pavilion expansion has opened in Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to see the ride soft open.

Before the pandemic threw a wrench in everyone’s plans, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure was originally set to open in 2020. In recent months it was officially confirmed by Disney that the attraction would instead open in 2021.

Alicia Stella

Last week, the work walls came down in front of access to the expansion area, which was built directly behind the existing France Pavilion. In their place were some plants in wheeled containers, (aka Disney cloaking devices). This led many to speculate that the area, as well as the ride, could possibly open within the coming days.

Instead, it looks as though only a small section of the new area has opened to guests. At the end of the street, which is accessible to guests as of this morning, you will find some brand new bathrooms.

These new bathrooms appear to have opened today because the bathrooms in the Morocco Pavilion have closed for refurbishment. This way World Showcase is not losing capacity during the renovation.

Work walls are now up separating the guest accessible new bathrooms from the rest of the expansion area. That means that both Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and the new dining location, Le Creperie de Paris, are both not open yet.

While it is possible that they could open the crepe restaurant sooner, it is rumored that the ride itself is still not prepared to welcome guests. Training for Cast Members has reportedly not yet begun, and from what we are hearing, there is still some minor work to be done before the attraction can be handed off to the opening team.

This means, at least according to rumors, that we should not expect any soft openings, (where guests are allowed to ride before an official grand opening) for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure any time soon. Or, at least not in the next few weeks.

Disney has not yet announced an official grand opening date for the ride, but a banner has been hung under the arch leading into the area that simply reads: “Opening 2021.”