Rundown of the Changes Coming to Epcot
Epcot has had so many announcements of the park’s major overhaul that’s currently starting to happen. Construction walls are going up all over the place, closures are happening, refurbishments, new attractions… it’s all pretty exciting. Here is a quick rundown on what’s to come.
Epcot is launching a new fireworks display called Epcot Forever. Witness the wonder as the story of Epcot and its next incredible chapter come to life in this new nighttime spectacular. Behold the single “spark of imagination” that started it all. Watch it grow, evolve and transform into an epic nighttime extravaganza that stirs the senses and captures all you love about Epcot—and all that’s to come—with dazzling fireworks, stunning laser effects and choreographed kites set to tunes that have become theme park favorites.
Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience. This brand new exhibition- OPEN TODAY-in the Odyssey Events Pavilion provides the first in-depth look at the historic transformation that will be underway at Epcot over the next few years! The Epcot Experience blends cutting-edge technology and fun interactive moments to create an environment that showcases all the things you love about the park! Highlights include a 360-degree, floor to ceiling screen showing a 12-minute film focusing on the new experiences coming to the park. In addition, there is a three-dimension model in the center of the room using projection-mapping to highlight the changes coming to different areas of the park.
The designation of Future World is disappearing and in its place three “neighborhoods” are appearing. World Showcase is remaining and will be the fourth Epcot neighborhood. The names of these four Epcot Neighborhoods will be World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery. Construction walls are already up that fence off the closed old Starbucks location, Club Cool and the Fountain of Nations area.
“Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind“ is the up and coming attraction that took the place of Ellen’s Energy Adventure. Disney had previously told us that this will be one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world. Now we know that it will also be the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster! Guests will ride on this daring family-friendly adventure that will feature a never-before-seen storytelling coaster that rotates to focus on the action, wherever it may be. It will be the first “other-world” showcase pavilion at Epcot. The adventure starts in the “Galaxarium,” a planetarium-like exhibition that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar. Guests are invited to learn more about the treasures Xandar has to share. That is, until the moment when the Guardians of the Galaxy arrive, and adventures across the cosmos ensue
While not many details have been provided at this time, Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” will be coming to Epcot. This new attraction will allow Guests to interact with magical, living water in a beautiful and inspiring setting. With this description, it sounds like this will be more of a walk-through attraction over a ride. It possibly will even be a type of maze for families to work their way through.
Let’s hop over to the Mission: SPACE pavilion for what will be the all-new space-themed restaurant, Space 220. This new restaurant will be opening “this winter!”
Once open, Space 220 will offer a culinary experience featuring the celestial panorama of a space station, including daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles up. Guest will board a special elevator for a journey to a space station that is home to a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Viewports on the elevator will give all Guests a real-time perspective as you travel high above the planet.
We finally have an idea when the much-anticipated Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ride will open at the France Pavillion in the World Showcase inside of Epcot! It was just announced at this year’s D23 Expo that it will open as early as Summer 2020!
Once open, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will invite Guests to shrink to the size of Chef Remy and race through Gusteau’s restaurant on a wild adventure that won’t soon be forgotten.
Joining Remey’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavillion at Epcot will be two new attractions! The first will be a new restaurant, La Crêperie de Paris. La Crêperie de Paris will offer both able- and quick-service options featuring a menu from celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse of Chefs de France fame.
The France Pavillion at Epcot will also be home to the all-new “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along.” The sing-a-long will join the classic Impressions de France film.
For some time now, rumors have been circulating that a “Mary Poppins” attraction would be coming to the United Kingdom Pavilion at the World Showcase in Epcot. At today’s D23 Expo it was confirmed that this, in fact, the case!
Not many details were given at this time on the “Mary Poppins” attraction other than that Guests will step in time down Cherry Tree Lane past Admiral Boom’s house, then enter Number 17, home of the Banks family, where your adventure will begin.
The iconic Spaceship Earth is due to close from early 2020 until the park’s 40th anniversary in the second half of 2022more timeless, more relevant. That’s more than 2 years without Spaceship Earth. Spaceship Earth is aging and it is about time for the entire ride track to be overhauled. As well, Disney will use this opportunity to extend the length of the attraction with new load and unload areas that may not be in the same places that they are now. It also sounds like the current post-show building that houses Project Tomorrow will be removed and an entirely new structure built. That’s pretty extensive!
There has been so much announced, I hope I got to them all. Which new experience are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments below.
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