EPCOT’s France Pavilion closed its iconic Disney attraction, Impressions de France, on February 22, 2026, for refurbishment, with no reopening date announced. This beloved 18-minute film, showcasing the beauty and culture of France since 1982, now sits behind closed doors, marked by an A-frame sign indicating the closure. Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, which shared the same theater and also closed, suggesting the entire space will remain dark during the refurbishment.For longtime EPCOT guests, Impressions de France has been a vital part of the park’s identity and one of its few original attractions still operating. Its classical score and stunning visuals have made it a favorite among those who appreciate EPCOT’s mission of cultural storytelling. Any extended closure feels significant, although it may enhance the experience upon reopening.The Timing and UncertaintyDisney has not set a reopening date for EPCOT’s classic attraction, which creates uncertainty for guests planning spring visits. The attraction is currently listed as closed until April 3, 2026, but this date may only reflect the planning system, not an actual reopening date. The refurbishment may finish earlier or take longer, leading to weeks or months of unavailability.Credit: Erica Lauren, Inside the MagicThis closure is especially important because of recent weather-related problems at EPCOT. The park recently faced issues with broken pipes and operations due to a historic freeze in Central Florida. This shows how even well-maintained systems can struggle with extreme weather. It is unclear if the Impressions de France refurbishment is just routine maintenance or if it relates to problems found in the theater’s infrastructure, as Disney has not provided official confirmation.What’s Actually Closed at DisneyImpressions de France is an 18-minute film showcasing the grandeur, charm, and romance of France through sweeping cinematography shot entirely on location. The film takes viewers from the streets of Paris to the châteaux of the Loire Valley, from the beaches of Normandy to the vineyards of Bordeaux, using aerial photography, careful composition, and a classical music soundtrack to create an immersive portrait of French culture and geography.Credit: Erica Lauren, Inside the MagicBeauty and the Beast Sing-Along is a 15-minute film featuring songs from the animated classic Beauty and the Beast. The fact that both presentations are unavailable after February 22 confirms the entire Palais du Cinéma theater is closed rather than just one show, which makes sense from a logistics perspective since theater work typically requires access to projection systems, seating areas, sound equipment, and other infrastructure serving both presentations. Keeping one show running while attempting major work on shared systems would be challenging and potentially unsafe.The Limited Operating ScheduleImpressions de France has not operated on a full-day schedule for some time, showing only from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. This limited availability was due to sharing the theater with Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along. As a result, many EPCOT guests missed Impressions de France during their visits, especially families arriving mid-morning and leaving before evening. The early slot appealed only to dedicated park openers, while the evening window conflicted with dinner plans and nighttime events, making the attraction less visible to casual visitors despite its significance and quality.What the Disney Refurbishment Might InvolveDisney has not provided details about the refurbishment of Impressions de France during its closure, sparking speculation about the scope of the work. Possible updates include technical upgrades for projection and sound systems since the theater has been operating since 1982. Seating repairs or replacements may also be part of the work, as chairs endure constant use and could be addressed efficiently during the closure. Additionally, projection system updates could enhance the visual experience with improved brightness and color accuracy. Structural and cosmetic work might be necessary as well, especially after recent weather-related issues, but there’s no confirmation of this need.Additional France Pavilion WorkBeyond the theater closure, there appears to be some refurbishment happening on facade elements near Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. A white sheet has been hung in one window of a fake patisserie facade, blocking a macaron display from view, suggesting cosmetic or maintenance work on that section of the pavilion. Whether this work connects to the theater refurbishment or represents separate ongoing maintenance remains unclear, but it indicates Disney is addressing multiple France Pavilion elements simultaneously.Credit: Sarah Larson, Inside the MagicHistorical SignificanceImpressions de France is an important attraction at EPCOT, as it was one of the original features when the park opened on October 1, 1982. This film showcases French culture and plays classical music by well-known composers like Camille Saint-Saëns, Jacques Offenbach, and Claude Debussy.Unlike many other EPCOT attractions that have been changed or updated over the years, Impressions de France has remained largely unchanged. Although the film was digitally updated for better quality and reliability, the content remains faithful to the original. This makes it unique, as most EPCOT experiences have changed significantly since the park first opened, shifting from an educational focus to a stronger emphasis on popular entertainment.Planning Around the Disney ClosureGuests with EPCOT visits planned between late February and early April should assume Impressions de France will not be available. While the refurbishment could potentially finish before April 3, planning as if it won’t ensures no disappointment. For those specifically interested in experiencing Impressions de France, the film is already unavailable as of February 22, and no guaranteed return date exists.Credit: Disney TipsThe closure of Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along during the same period eliminates another France Pavilion entertainment option. Guests who enjoy either or both shows should factor this into their planning, particularly if the France Pavilion is a priority destination during their visit. The pavilion still offers Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, the Plume et Palette shop, and dining at Monsieur Paul, Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, and other locations, but the theater entertainment component is completely unavailable.Looking Ahead at DisneyImpressions de France currently has no official reopening date, leaving its return in doubt. Theater renovations can vary in duration, and Disney’s lack of a specific timeline suggests they are either unsure about the work needed or prefer flexibility to address issues as they arise. This refurbishment could enhance the show while preserving its charm, possibly upgrading projection, sound, and seating without altering the beloved film. Fans hope the changes will improve rather than replace the cherished experience. However, the ongoing closure raises concerns about the preservation of EPCOT’s original attractions, while also offering hope that Disney is committed to maintaining this essential experience.The post Disney Theme Park Eliminates Cultural Offerings From One Country Indefinitely appeared first on Inside the Magic.