As most of you may already, Disney is planning for a big multi-year transformation of Epcot.
Disney Parks Blog announced today that the ongoing evolution of Epcot includes plans for a play pavilion that’ll be unlike anything you’ve ever seen at the park. This new space will be devoted to playful fun and feature an innovative city that’ll come to life under the dome of the un-named pavilion previously known as Wonders of Life. The pavilion’s city will be bursting with interactive experiences, your favorite Disney characters, hands-on activities and engaging entertainment when it opens just in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort!
“This innovative, new pavilion is beyond anything we’ve ever created and is completely unique to Epcot,” said Zach Riddley, portfolio executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. “Built on the power of play, it introduces an immersive and interactive ‘city’ where you can explore, create, and interact with some of your favorite Disney characters. This is an experience worthy of our bold vision for Epcot – and another signature element of our transformation.”
There will also be exciting changes to the way you come and go at Epcot! As you can see above, changes are coming to the Epcot main entrance, where the plaza will welcome guests with new pathways, sweeping green spaces and a newly reimagined fountain. This new design will pay homage to the original park entrance with fresh takes on classic elements.
As part of the new entry experience, Leave A Legacy photos will be moving into a beautiful setting just outside the park’s gateway. Additional significant redevelopment will begin between Spaceship Earth attraction and the World Showcase Promenade. More details about the transformation of this area will be announced at a later date.
Also, you’ll soon be able to look into the future at a new Experience Center coming to Epcot later this year. The Experience Center will be located in the Odyssey Events Pavilion and feature interactive exhibits to help visualize park projects throughout this unprecedented period of transformation.
Here are some of the other exciting Epcot experiences coming:
- Guardians of the Galaxy-themed roller coaster in Future World
- Epcot Forever, a 2019 limited-time nighttime experience over World Showcase Lagoon set to classic Epcot tunes, followed by an all-new nighttime spectacular debuting in 2020
- Space-themed table-service restaurant adjacent to Mission: SPACE
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction in the France pavilion, patterned after the number-one family attraction at Disneyland Paris
- Circle-Vision 360 film for the China pavilion and updated O Canada! 360-degree show
- Signature Dining experience inspired by the natural beauty of Japan
- Beauty and the Beast” sing-along in the France pavilion, showing in addition to the pavilion’s current film, Impressions de France
Epcot has always been my favorite park, so it's exciting to see the new experiences planned for the future. Glad to see the new entrance design will pay homage to the original park entrance. What's old eventually becomes new again in some form. It looks gorgeous!
WDW Sept 1995 Contemporary - WDW July 1997 Polynesian - WDW July 1998 Polynesian - WDW July 2000 Grand Floridian - WDW July 2003 Grand Floridian
Can’t wait to see this happen! As I have said here before, EPCOT is caught in a time warp. It should always be updating and refining its self to reach into the future and help come up with practical solutions to world issues.....
"Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved." — Pooh, Winnie the Pooh
Can’t wait to see this happen! As I have said here before, EPCOT is caught in a time warp. It should always be updating and refining its self to reach into the future and help come up with practical solutions to world issues.....
I'm with you Missybee, I believe the issue was the original WDW ideas became too old with nothing new being added.
As an example, Living with the Land, they need to show how they have increased food production with the different ideas and move forward with new farming ideas, not stay with the original boat ride story. It was good in it's day, but that day has been over for a long time now. I still enjoy it on each trip, but would love something different.
I read last month that "Project Gamma" at Epcot is moving forward.
The article was found on WDW News Today and the following is from that article...
Project Gamma is about to get underway at Epcot, a project that will include the reimagining of the center of Future World, the park’s entrance, and a rumored multi-year refurbishment of Spaceship Earth. The first permits for the project have been filed, likely coinciding with the imminent closure of Innoventions West and the overhaul of the park’s entry plaza. The permits refer to a “Project G”, which is short for Project Gamma. The permits also cite Innoventions East in name, but that is likely based on the close proximity of all of these structures and such.
Regardless of what the permit may pertain to specifically, all of the Innoventions West building will be demolished in the not-too-distant future. Epcot Character Spot, the FountainView Starbucks, and Club Cool will all close before this happens sometime in the next year. Most of the Character Spot meet and greets are rumored to relocate to ImageWorks, where they will join Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope.
Meanwhile, Starbucks is rumored to take up the food service side of the upcoming Epcot Experience Center (temporarily), otherwise known as the Odyssey between Future World and World Showcase.
The newly reopened, reimagined Odyssey building features a very permanent-looking food service counter. Most of Innoventions East is now expected to stay through the completion of Project Gamma, leaving the MouseGear and Electric Umbrella buildings in operation. MouseGear is slated for a major overhaul before Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021. It is unclear how much will change at Electric Umbrella during the course of the project.
Disney Parks Blog announced yesterday some possible upcoming changes to Epcot that will be revealed in this years D23 Expo.
We’re just under three months away from the D23 Expo 2019 in Anaheim, where we will be unveiling more of our transformative plans for Epcot. To whet your appetite, here are three things to look forward to.
- The park’s core reimagined: You’ve already heard about the transformation taking place just inside the park’s entrance, where we will be enhancing the area with lush green spaces and classic touches. At the Expo, we’ll share more about what’s coming to the core of the park on the opposite side of Spaceship Earth. New areas will be flanking the iconic attraction, and we can’t wait to share the details with you. - A new – but classic – look to match our offerings: Longtime fans of Epcot are familiar with the pavilion icons, like the ones you see here for Imagination!, The Land and The Seas with Nemo & Friends. With new experiences like the previously announced play-themed pavilion joining these Epcot staples, don’t you think we need some new icons to match? More will be revealed at the Expo!
- More about what makes Epcot, Epcot: Epcot is special for a lot of reasons – as one of Walt’s final projects, as an exclusive part of the Walt Disney World Resort, and as home to millions of memories from generations of guests. As we charge ahead with the park’s evolution, the architects of Epcot’s future are working to preserve all the elements that make this park so special while also evolving it to be more Disney, more family, more relevant and more timeless. At the Expo, you’ll hear more about experiences that are uniquely Epcot – for example, the updated films coming to Future World and World Showcase, as well as new dining experiences being added to the menu of ‘the foodie park.’
Disney announced at this year's D23 Expo that Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” at Epcot will be the first experience inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film. This lush exploration trail will invite guests to meet and play with magical, living water. Journey of Water will lead down towards The Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilion. This trail will reportedly consist of a number of water features and will also be a child-friendly experience.
The attraction’s poster features the goddess Te Fiti and a family walking through, interacting with the various water elements.
Also, if you look closely at the bottom of the poster, you will see the new logo script for Epcot.
Later this year, a new experience center will open in the former Odyssey Events Pavilion—and you’ve never before seen anything like this in a Disney park. Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience will bring guests up-close and personal with engaging and interactive exhibits where they can step inside the relentless innovation, energy, and excitement—and where they’ll also be privy to never-before revealed details—driving the future of Epcot throughout this amazing transformation.
Here is photo of the updated concept art from Disney about the "New" Future World.
In the photo, you are able to pick out some of the changes. The old bus drop-off area has been redone to include more trees and appears to be more for guest drop-off instead of for the buses. The tran drop-off has been redesigned as well and there appears to be another building to the left of the monorail station (possible new security checkpoint). Moving through the entrance of Epcot, you noticed that the Leave a Legacy monoliths are gone, the walkways are designed, and there are more greenery present. As you continue back towards World Showcase, you noticed that Innoventions West is replaced with the new Moana-themed Journey of Water, the fountain between Innoventions is gone, and there is a new structure building new the bridge that crosses into World Showcase that is elevated up to or above the monorail track.
Also during D23 Expo 2019, Disney revealed new concept of the Play Pavilion opening in future world.
Set to open in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, guests will be able to immerse themselves in an interactive metropolis bursting with new experiences, games, activities and interact with some of their favorite characters in ways like never before!
Here, guests will have the chance to help legendary fashion icon, Edna Mode, on her quest to rid the world of uninspired style, or make a splash competing in an epic water-balloon fight hosted by Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby.
Last Edit: Sept 11, 2019 14:44:12 GMT by drwadadli
Prior: Offsite most every other years from 1972 - 2000
Most recent: Offsite 2001 & 2003 / ASM 2006 / Offsite 2009 / Poly 2011 / POR 2013 / CR 2014 / GF 2015 / DS Hotel 2017 / BC 2017 / POR 2018
I reported back in April 2019 that the Epcot Character Spot would be closing as Disney makes way to redesign Future World. Well, last week the new Epcot Character Spot opened.
It is located a section of Innoventions West that isn’t scheduled to be demolished just yet, but will be in the future to make room for the new Moana-inspired attraction called the Journey of Water.
The new Character Spot location still features Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy for now. Eventually, Mickey Mouse is planned to take over a space in the Imagination Pavilion, Minnie Mouse is planned to move out to the World Showcase gazebo, and Goofy is planned to “venture out into the park”, according to Disney.
Prior: Offsite most every other years from 1972 - 2000
Most recent: Offsite 2001 & 2003 / ASM 2006 / Offsite 2009 / Poly 2011 / POR 2013 / CR 2014 / GF 2015 / DS Hotel 2017 / BC 2017 / POR 2018
For the neighborhood of World Celebration, construction walls have gone up around the Fountain of Nations, Club Cool, Fountain View, Mickey & Friends Character Spot, and the old Innoventions West hallway.
The new (temporary) Character Spot has already opened (see the previous post) and the Fountain of Nations will be replaces with a small fountain.
Last Edit: Sept 19, 2019 14:48:36 GMT by drwadadli
Prior: Offsite most every other years from 1972 - 2000
Most recent: Offsite 2001 & 2003 / ASM 2006 / Offsite 2009 / Poly 2011 / POR 2013 / CR 2014 / GF 2015 / DS Hotel 2017 / BC 2017 / POR 2018
With everything going on at Epcot with its overhaul project, the Epcot monorail also got updates in terms of their spiel.
Here's the new spiel as you leave the TTC and travelling to Epcot:
"We are traveling to Epcot - a place that celebrated the world and the magic of possibility. Opened in 1982, Epcot is no undergoing the largest transformation in the history of the park and bringing more ways to dream and be inspired than ever before. On our way, we'll get a grand circle tour of the park! And at the front of the park, is a world immersed in science, technology, imagination and nature. It's a place built to explore, discover, and be inspired. At Wold Showcase, experience rich diversity from different countries through authentic cuisine, music, film, and cultural experiences. Let's go explore the world of Epcot!"
Here's the new spiel as you start nearing Epcot and then circling through Epcot:
"We are now approaching Spaceship Earth, the grand icon of Epcot. This 18-story geosphere takes you back in time to experience the journey of human progress. Exciting things are on the horizon here in Future World. Whether it's rocketing back to the Big Bang with the Guardians of the Galaxy or exploring a fun new city built on the power of Play, these worlds are sure to inspire. If you're looking for an exhilarating sensory thrill ride, step into Mission: SPACE where you and your flight crew can sign up for one of two out of this world missions. And just next door is the new Space 220 restaurant where you can liftoff and enjoy stellar dining in space. At Test Track, you can experience the exhilaration of test driving a vehicle on the longest and fastest ride ever created from Walt Disney World.
Across the lagoon is World Showcase where you will find representatives from the hose countries, making this a truly international exchange. Some exciting new adventures from around the world are coming to France, Canada, and China - there's even more for you to explore as you come around to the world of imagination and nature.
Inside those glass pyramids, unleash your spark at Journey into Imagination with Figment and experience your favorite short films like never before at the Disney Pixar Short Film Festival.
Next is The Land, where you can celebrate Earth's rich diversity. The Land is also home to Soarin' - a free-flying adventure across the wonders around the world. Here at The Seas, you will be able to meet some of your favorite under sea pals from Disney Pixar's Finding Nemo."
This past Tuesday was the 37th Anniversary of the grand opening of Epcot.
Disney Parks Blog announced that the park unveils two new experiences that celebrate its past, present and bright future.
Epcot Experience Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience opens in the Odyssey Events Pavilion (located between Test Track and the Mexico pavilion). This engaging and immersive new space is the first in-depth look at the historic transformation underway across the park. The Epcot Experience blends cutting-edge technology and fun, personal moments to create an environment that honors everything you love about the park.
Inside, you’re surrounded by a seamless, 360-degree, floor-to-ceiling screen showing a continuous 12-minute film with vignettes about new experiences coming to the park. All the while, a three-dimensional artfully designed model in the center of the room appears to change in time with the film, as projection-mapping technology highlights different areas of the park in special ways.
In the foreground, is Cherry Tree Lane representing the addition of Mary Poppins coming to the United Kingdom Pavilion
In this picture you can see Guardian of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (bottom right), France Pavilion representing the new Remy's Ratatouille Adventure (left), Mission: SPACE with Space 220 restaurant (center), and Imagination Pavilion (right).
In this picture, you can see the new Play! Pavilion (left), the new nature area of the Moana attraction (center) and Mexico Pavilion (right) with the guitar and maracas representing Coco is coming to Mexico.
The Epcot Experience also features new dimensional photo locations – including a scene where it looks like you’re standing atop the Spaceship Earth geosphere – historical artifacts on display, and attraction posters from throughout the park’s history. This place is a must-see!
Epcot Forever
The night of October 1st marks the debut of “Epcot Forever,” the new nighttime spectacular that will brighten the skies above World Showcase Lagoon. This new show is a scintillating collection of soaring fireworks, lasers, and colorful glowing kites that dance through the sky above the water.
The Epcot story plays out to a grand orchestral soundtrack, with noted conductor and composer Don Harper producing new arrangements of classic Epcot tunes threaded throughout the show. It features stirring renditions of music from the park’s history that are sure to stoke some fond memories, such as “One Little Spark” and the theme from the “Tapestry of Nations” parade.
