Impressions de France at Epcot (A Resorts Gal Guide to this Charming French Film)

Impressions de France, an original Epcot attraction, is genuinely one of a kind. This 18-minute film is a must-see for anyone who loves travel, especially traveling to France. Below, we’ll discuss the specifics for seeing Impressions de France at Epcot. First, however, you’ll want to note that the film is only shown during limited morning and evening hours.

At the time of this update, Impressions de France is shown daily for early theme park entry between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and then during regular park hours between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. After that, you can see it on the half-hour in the evening, beginning at 7:00 p.m. through 8:45 p.m.

Fun Fact: Impressions de France holds a record for the longest-running daily film in a theater. It used to run all day, every day, on a half-hour schedule.

Impressions de France shares the theater with The Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along. Unfortunately, the modern-day cartoon leaves a lot to be desired and is nothing compared to the quaint yet inspiring film that is Impressions. So going out of your way to see the French film is worth it. The sing-along? Not so much.

Below are a few quick references for Impressions de France.

Impressions de France	Epcot Attractions
Location:	France Pavilion
Height Requirement:	None
Early Theme Park Entry:	Yes
Extended Evening Hours:	No
Ride Type:	Film
Our Traffic Signal:	Green Light
Seats Per Vehicle:	Theater with seats
Duration:	18 minutes
Good For:	Everyone
Scare Factor:	None
Must-Do List:	Medium Priority
Perfect For:	Nostalgia, Travelers
Special Mention:	Don’t forget the film is only shown during limited hours.

Additional Info: Guests may remain in wheelchairs or ECVS while experiencing this attraction. Assistive listening, audio description, and handheld captioning are available. Details for those with mobility issues (e.g., wheelchair, ECVs) are available on Disney.com.

See our Disney World Lightning Lane Guide if you’re planning to use Disney’s skip-the-line system.

Impressions de France Review

Impressions de France plays inside the Palais du Cinema in Epcot’s France Pavilion. A sign above the entrance indicates which film is available. Each performance is usually held on the half-hour.

While waiting for the next performance, you might want to browse the exhibit inside the theater’s lobby. It’s called “Tale as Old as Time: French Storytelling On Stage and Screen.” The exhibit is comprised of six galleries containing various pieces and costumes showcasing French literature and its inspiration for cinema, theater, and opera.

Below is a display featuring pieces from the Walt Disney Archives. These were all part of the live-action Beauty and the Beast.

The costumes below are from the live-action Cinderella and The Three Musketeers.

Here are some items from The Phantom of the Opera.

A few pieces from Maleficent represent Sleeping Beauty.

When it’s time for the next performance, a cast member will invite you into the theater and ask that you find a seat. Here is how Disney describes Impressions de France on their website:

“Be transported to another time and place, a land of princesses and enchanted castles, as the Loire Valley and its magnificent chateaux appear in a stunning 200-degree widescreen view. 

On your virtual journey, ride along with horsemen and hunting dogs in the Cheverny Forest, reflect on the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, visit a bustling marketplace in Normandy, and see vintners and cognac makers at work. 

Watch Bugattis racing in Cannes, hot-air balloons floating along the Loire, and celebrate Bastille Day in grand Gallic fashion as you listen to an emotional soundtrack by French composers like Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, and Paul Dukas. Their joie de vivre leaves an indelible impression!”

Once you enter the theater, you’ll find a seat. Soon after, a cast member welcomes the audience and gives a few directions in case anyone needs to exit the theater during the show.

Since the film is 18 minutes long, you’ll see a variety of scenes. For example, below, we see the cliffs of Normandy in Étretat.

Here are the horsemen and hunting dogs in the Cheverny Forest.

We see the charm of an outdoor marketplace.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a French film without a glimpse of a pastry case.

Here is the Palace of Versailles.

Then, we take a quick look inside the palace at the Hall of Mirrors.

Hot air balloons are preparing for flight.

We visit the French Alps for downhill skiing.

Perhaps the most romantic scene is the young couple getting married, followed by a wedding reception. What would a trip to France be without a bit of romance?

Here are a few sunbathers in front of the Carlton Hotel in Cannes.

Lastly, the film ends with a nod to Bastille Day, the independence holiday of France.

Resorts Gal Spin on Impressions de France

Overall, Impressions de France is an inspirational film that remains as endearing today as it was when it first debuted—possibly even better. Don’t be surprised if the audience claps before and after the film. You’ll soon realize that this small film has left quite an impression on many guests. Maybe it will do the same for you.

For other attractions, you might enjoy the following:

• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Ride Guide
• Creating Traditions Exhibit
• Gods of the Vikings Exhibit
• Race Against the Sun Exhibit

You might also enjoy these World Showcase Pavilion Reviews:

• Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion
• Epcot’s Norway Pavilion
• United Kingdom Pavilion at Epcot
• Canada Pavilion at Epcot

In the Comments

Have you ever seen Impressions de France? What are your thoughts on the film? Leave us a comment below and share your thoughts.