First look inside Connections Café as new Starbucks opens at EPCOT

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Inside Connections Cafe Starbucks

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Posted: Thursday April 21, 2022 12:26pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Connections Café, the new Starbucks at EPCOT, is now open to guests.

Inside Connections Cafe Starbucks

Watch the video below for a quick tour inside Connections Cafe.

The new Starbucks is currently in soft opening ahead of its official debut on Sunday.

Inside Connections Cafe Starbucks

Following on from the Creations Shop design style, there are floor to ceiling glass windows, offering great daylight throughout the space.

Inside Connections Cafe Starbucks

There are a number of EPCOT details, including a logo glass table, wall art and a giant mural created for the space.

Inside Connections Cafe Starbucks

Seating is found throughout the space, and features a slightly raised two-tier layout in a variety of configurations.

Inside Connections Cafe Starbucks

The background audio includes new arrangements of classic EPCOT theme music, including Tapestry of Nations and Celebrate the Future.

Inside Connections Cafe Starbucks

A central flooring feature shown below draws on early plans for the Florida project.

Inside Connections Cafe Starbucks

The mural below is a hand-painted 160ft long piece of art and stretches along the back wall of the Connections Eatery.

Inside Connections Cafe Starbucks

A large display of coffee making tools from around the world adds some interest to the space.

Inside Connections Cafe Starbucks

The Connections Eatery which is on the other side of the building facing Guardians of the Galaxy is not yet open, but is expected very soon.

Walls down at Connections Cafe and Eatery

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Hakunamatata8 days ago

One thing about connections I love is the openness of the kitchen area. Kids love watching what is going on behind the glass. May have to stop by after Hooligans play to try the new offering.

Cmdr_Crimson8 days ago

Anything lately from Connections Cafe.. This is why I miss Electric Umbrella..Simple and not complicated...

Disone8 days ago

It was pretty good. I am guessing it was just temporary during the flower and garden festival.

SplashJacket8 days ago

Looks similar to the chicken sandwich at Country Bear in Disneyland (which is delicious).

tparris8 days ago

A new menu item has been added at Connections Eatery - Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich.

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!