Marquee sign installed at EPCOT's Connections Café and Eatery

Mar 09, 2022 in "Connections Café and Eatery"

Posted: Wednesday March 9, 2022 8:43am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The first of five marquee signs is now installed at the upcoming Connections Café and Eatery at EPCOT.

Opening this spring, Connections Café and Eatery replaces the former Electric Umbrella as the main quick service restaurant in EPCOT's World Celebration.

Alongside the photo of the new marquee, Imagineer Zach Riddley added, "Opening to guests this spring, this new fast-casual restaurant and adjoining café was inspired by the core EPCOT idea of connecting– by the common bond we share over food and the gathering of people across cultures. EPCOT is a park about people, and this new location within World Celebration will commemorate that with the talent and skill found within the kitchen, and those who gather together to enjoy each other’s company over a meal.

I’ve had a chance to walk these spaces with our Imagineers bringing the design to life and it’s truly a beautiful addition. Connections Café and Eatery continues to take shape, and we’ll have much more to share as progress unfolds. There are unique design features that echo EPCOT of the past that are just stunning."

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Epcot82GuyJul 06, 2023

I think it's a cool idea and very in line with Epcot. I'm only confused by the large focus on just this. If this was part of a series of 4 or 5 bakery items kinda like this (with cross-border appeal and history), it would be a huge identify and selling point for Connections. And maybe this is a test run for that. In short, good idea - hope it goes bigger.

BocabearJul 05, 2023

I did not know that...I am glad to see them doing something unique. Yay on that.

dreday3Jul 05, 2023

I agree. It's one of the only places in the country where you can get this and watch it being made! It's pretty cool.

Haymarket2008Jul 05, 2023

So confused by the reaction too. I think they’re doing a great job with Connections.

Sir_CliffJul 05, 2023

I think it's supposed to be a unique offering, isn't it? The sign says it's one of the few baumkuchen rotisserie ovens in the United States and the idea behind the Connections motif is how food connects people, so a German cake that has been adapted in Japan seems like a nice example to highlight and offer for purchase. Kind of puzzled at the reaction. Isn't this the sort of thing we wanted at Epcot?

tcool123Jul 05, 2023

I assume prep for a Food and Wine offering 🤷‍♂️

solidyneJul 05, 2023

Also, the three panels would have made more sense in reverse order. Or maybe creation-sensation-innovation. Actually what is Epcot's "innovation" here, if the snack already has been created and sensationalized elsewhere?

BocabearJul 05, 2023

but.....why is that the main subject of the bakery area at connections? Are they now selling these exclusively?

Sir_CliffJul 05, 2023

I do remember these from living in Germany! This is the kind of thing I hope is not too unfamiliar for WDW guests to survive as it at least adds some variety and keeps things interesting. The new signage and presentation of the bakery also looks good!

Andrew CJul 03, 2023

Yep. That’s a thing. From Germany but very popular in Japan apparently

BocabearJul 03, 2023

so....a tree cake? huh?

DCBakerJul 03, 2023

Some new graphics have been added to the enclosed bakery.

lazyboy97oJul 01, 2023

Now I am obligated to rant about a place named Via Napoli serving Sicilian style slices. I guess they wanted people coming inside for the Neapolitan style pizza but it seems like it hamstrung the window by forcing it to offer a slice that requires more work to make. Many slice pizzerias in the US do offer Sicilian style slices, but Neapolitan style slices are the real volume product that people can grab and go.

Andrew25Jul 01, 2023

Bothers me that Via Napoli Pizza Window is closed most days. Haven't seen it open since April this year, unless they decide to close once they realize I'm in the vicinity. We need Via Napoli franchises at each park.