Is An Update on the PLAY! Pavilion Incoming?
While everybody is fawning over the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, Disney may have subtly slipped some news about the announced, but apparently delayed, PLAY! pavilion.
On the new EPCOT map, the tag that read “Future Home of PLAY!” has been removed. That’s right, on the most recent map, the golden dome of the former Wonders of Life pavilion sits uncommented on.
![Play! pavilion removed from map](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plain-Wonders-of-Life-pavilion-scaled-e1673898868453-1024x738.jpg)
![Play! pavilion removed from map](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Plain-Wonders-of-Life-pavilion-scaled-e1673898868453-1024x738.jpg)
The Play! pavilion announcement has been removed from EPCOT’s maps
Here is a side by side look at the current and previous EPCOT maps.
![Play pavilion side by side](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Untitled-collage6-1-1024x426.jpg)
![Play pavilion side by side](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Untitled-collage6-1-1024x426.jpg)
The Play! pavilion side by side also
What is the PLAY! Pavilion
For those of you who don’t know, the PLAY! pavilion was originally announced in 2019 as part of Disney’s overhaul of EPCOT.
Located in the former Wonders of Life pavilion, PLAY! was touted as an “immersive and interactive ‘city’ where guests could explore, create and interact with their favorite Disney characters.
![Play! Pavilion](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/PLAY-pavilion-2.jpg)
![Play! Pavilion](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/PLAY-pavilion-2.jpg)
Image Credit: Also Disney
As a part of the new World Discovery area, the planned pavilion was held up as a “signature element” of the park’s transformation.
Among the interactive attractions in the PLAY! pavilion, Disney planned on including an Incredibles attraction hosted by Edna Moda, as well water balloon fight exhibit featuring Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby.
![Play pavilion concept art water balloon](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Play-pavilion-concept-art-3.png)
![Play pavilion concept art water balloon](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Play-pavilion-concept-art-3.png)
Concept art for the Play! pavilion’s water balloon exhibit.
A Long Delay
When the PLAY! pavilion was originally announced, Disney stated that the new area would be open in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021.
![Play pavilion concept art](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Play-pavilion-concept-art.jpg)
![Play pavilion concept art](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Play-pavilion-concept-art.jpg)
Finally, more concept art for the Play! pavilion
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic however, the PLAY! pavilion may have been put on the back burner.
In fact, Disney has not commented on the PLAY! pavilion since the COVID-19 pandemic began, leading many to wonder if plans for the pavilion have been cancelled. We have also not heard updates on other planned additions to EPCOT including Wondrous China and the Mary Poppins attraction.
![Play pavilion concept art Wreck it Ralph](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Play-pavilion-concept-art-2-1024x578.png)
![Play pavilion concept art Wreck it Ralph](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Play-pavilion-concept-art-2-1024x578.png)
Photo: Also Disney
News On the Horizon
While the removal of the PLAY! pavilion tag from EPCOT’s map certainly doesn’t seem promising, something else might be going on.
According to reporter Scott Gustin, Walt Disney World is re-evaluating its planned for the PLAY! pavilion. Here is what he had to say.
Walt Disney World is re-evaluating the original concept that was planned and announced for the PLAY! Pavilion at EPCOT. I would expect more to be shared at a later date. pic.twitter.com/KyfudRNvsq
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) January 13, 2023
While we don’t exactly know what Disney has planned, it’s exciting to hear that there may finally be news on the PLAY! pavilion front!
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