Today Disney Imagineer Joe Vitale gave us some more details about the new expansion at the France Pavilion at Epcot. The expansion to the France pavilion & Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is both set to open on October 1, 2021, for the World’s Most Magical Celebration. Joe also said that as part of the historic transformation of Epcot, this expansion nearly doubles the size of the existing France pavilion. There are so many wonderful authentically French and “Ratatouille”-inspired details that our designers incorporated throughout.
Walking from the existing France pavilion into our new mini-land, you’ll find a beautiful allée along the water, designed to evoke the feeling of a Parisian park beside the river Seine. As you take a stroll along this path, made to look like the decomposed granite often found in parks and gardens throughout Paris, be on the lookout for rat motifs in the railing and cast-iron benches that begin to hint at the world of Chef Remy awaiting you around the corner.
Continuing down this path and turning onto the new Allée des Marchands (Alley of the Merchants), you’ll soon find La Crêperie de Paris, serving sweet crepes and savory buckwheat galettes. The restaurant features a traditional blue façade found throughout the Brittany region of France, which is both well known for its crêpes and the inspiration for our own eatery within EPCOT.
Beyond the crêperie, you’ll soon pass beneath an ornate, cast-iron arcade that creates a natural transition from our real-world celebration of France to Remy’s fantastic Paris, as depicted in Disney and Pixar’s award-winning film “Ratatouille.” Facades in this area feature a bolder color palette and exaggerated architectural details, evoking the whimsical world of Paris seen in the film.
Guests of all ages will enjoy exploring this corner of Paris and discovering details throughout. Like Chef Remy in his toque atop the fountain, or the illuminated Gusteau’s sign in the distance, hinting at the adventure that awaits within the attraction. Take notice of the manhole cover near the fountain, as you may discover an homage to the scene in the film where Remy is first brought to Paris through the sewers.
There are many fun nods to other characters from the film as well, such as these wine bottles in the neighboring storefront featuring the food critic Anton Ego. Eagle-eyed fans might recognize the significance of the vintages found on each bottle, as they relate to milestone years for the “Ratatouille” story. Nearby you’ll discover Chef Skinner’s scooter and Chef Colette’s motorbike, which make for a fun photo opportunity for fans of the film.
These intentional design details, large and small, help immerse guests in the story and set the stage for the experience within the attraction. You can discover these details and more when the expansion opens on October 1, 2021.