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Epcot updates: what’s still coming (and what isn’t)

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Epcot updates: what’s still coming (and what isn’t)

In 2019, at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, Disney released info on a bunch of new projects they had planned for Epcot.

And these weren’t just little projects, either.

Nope. Many of them were large-scale projects that, if completed, would dramatically transform entire sections of the park.

But then 2020 came along, and unsurprisingly, some of the projects that had been announced have suddenly been scaled back or even quietly eliminated altogether.

That doesn’t mean that we still won’t see a lot of changes coming to Epcot. We will. But we aren’t going to see everything.

Here’s what we know as of right now:

Epcot – New Neighborhoods

One of the surprise announcements coming out of the D23 Expo in 2019 was the big reveal that Epcot would be re-imagined into 4 distinct neighborhoods (instead of the current 2):

  • World Showcase
  • World Discovery (formerly part of Future World)
  • World Celebration (formerly part of Future World)
  • World Nature (formerly part of Future World)

Despite everything that has happened, the good news is that these new neighborhood names have finally debuted as of October 2021.

The bad news is that the changes we will see in the Epcot neighborhoods will not be as extensive as originally presented.

Epcot Artist Rendering

Each neighborhood will still see varying levels of enhancements.

However, as we alluded to above, some projects (even some highly anticipated projects) that were originally released that no longer appear to be happening.

In most cases, Disney hasn’t come out and said, “we cut this project.” So, in order to figure out what is still happening, we are left to weed through clues Disney has left for us.

More on that below.

Epcot – World Showcase

According to Disney, the World Showcase will continue to be “a celebration of culture, cuisine, architecture, and traditions – infused with new magic.”

And while most of the planned projects will continue, there is one that Disney has quietly shelved and another one that is sort of up in the air after some recent news.

First, let’s take a look at what we still expect to see.

Harmonious
(Opened October 1, 2021)

Final showing of Illuminations: September 30, 2019
Location:
World Showcase Lagoon
Opening date:
October 1, 2021

Harmonious was well into development when the parks closed, and after an extended wait, we’re excited to see this new nighttime show at EPCOT finally open.

Celebrating how Disney music inspires people worldwide, Harmonious takes place on the water of World Showcase Lagoon and includes large-scale floats, LED panels, fountains, lights, fireworks and lasers.

Harmonious

The fountains seen above will also be a permanent fixture and visible for guests to enjoy during the day.

Harmonious

La Crêperie de Paris
(Opened October 1, 2021)

New restaurant
Location: France pavilion in the World Showcase
Opening date: October 1, 2021

Another project that has opened is the new restaurant La Crêperie de Paris.

Opening on October 1, 2021 near the highly anticipated  “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure” attraction, this authentic crêperie is home to more amazing French cuisine from chef Jérôme Bocuse – who is already behind Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul in the Epcot France pavilion.

The new restaurant features savory and sweet crêpes and have both a quick-service and table service dining option available.

Epcot Creperie

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
(Opened October 1, 2021)

Attraction type: 4-D ride similar to the Ratatouille: The Adventure ride at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris
Location: France pavilion in the World Showcase
Opening date: October 1, 2021

When the parks closed back in March 2020, we were likely just mere weeks away from learning of an opening date for this new highly anticipated attraction.

But the wait is now over with the opening of Remy’s as part of the big 50th anniversary celebration.

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure

If you don’t mind spoilers, check out the video to see what that looks like.

World Showcase Projects that may not happen

Wondrous China

Attraction type: show
Location: China pavilion
Estimated completion date: TBD

Wondrous China

Announced at Destination D in November 2018, China (along with Canada) was slated for an updated 360-degree film. Canada’s new film has premiered, but China’s has not.

Disney has been quiet on when we might expect to (finally) see Wondrous China, but we are hopeful that it will still happen.

Read more about the original announcement in the Disney Parks Blog.

DuckTales World Showcase Adventure 

New interactive experience
Location: World Showcase

Originally, Disney announced that the current Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure would be replaced by a new DuckTales-themed scavenger hunt.

Ducktales World Showcase Adventure

Disney’s original statements about its concept sounded extremely cool. And as much as we enjoyed the Agent P themed adventure, the DuckTales re-theming sounded fun, too – especially with the reboot of the DuckTales cartoon.

But, now that DuckTales has been canceled, the future of the DuckTales World Showcase Adventure appears to be in limbo, too.

Disney hasn’t said anything yet, but we wouldn’t be surprised that this project never materializes.

Mary Poppins area

Attraction type: interactive experience
Location: United Kingdom pavilion

Mary Poppins area

Not gonna lie: the quiet removal of any mention of this new area stings a little.

At the D23 Expo in August 2019, Disney got all of our hopes up with the announcement that Cherry Tree Lane would be joining the United Kingdom pavilion.

And while the details were few and far between, Disney did say that guests would be able to “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.”

Mary Poppins attraction at Epcot

The attraction even made it into the Epcot Experience pavilion, where guests were dazzled with visions of Cherry blossoms flying across the large screens and fantastical imagery of the much-beloved Mary Poppins.

Mary Poppins

But now, those segments of the show have been removed, and it has appeared that this project is one that has been silently shelved.

World Celebration

This new neighborhood will offer “experiences that connect us to one another in the world.”

But hang on to your hats because while some of the projects will still happen, there are a few prominent ones that likely will not.

New park entrance

Epcot new entrance

Most people who visit Epcot may not know that the space between the entrance and Spaceship Earth looked a lot different from it does now. Originally that space was a lot less “concrete” and a lot more “green.”

Epcot entrance spaceship earth

That’s why the announcement that the main entrance into Epcot would be getting a makeover reminiscent of the original design was so very exciting to hear.

New Epcot entrance

As you can see in the concept art above, when complete the new entrance will have a lot more green spaces, winding pathways, and even a re-imagined fountain. And, while not identical to the original entrance, it definitely has the same feeling.

Epcot fountain

Read more on the Disney Parks Blog.

Dreamers Point

As shared at D23 Expo in 2019 and confirmed at the Destination D event in November 2021, it looks like Dreamers Point is still set to come as part of the World Celebration neighborhood.

Walt Statue at new area in Epcot called Dreamers Point

There will also be a statue of Walt Disney celebrating the legacy of the “original dreamer.”

At the time of the announcement, Disney also revealed the addition of a wishing tree in an enchanted forest and a story fountain celebrating the power and music of iconic Disney storytelling.

Read more on the Disney Parks Blog.

Connections Café & Eatery

We don’t have many details yet, but Disney announced that a new Epcot quick service location will open next to the Creations Shop in World Celebration. It will be called Connections Café and Eatery and replaces the now closed Electric Umbrella.

Connections Cafe Epcot quick service

Park entrance closures, refurbishments, and new locations

As you can imagine, a construction project this large in scale will include a lot of closures and refurbishments. Here’s what we know so far:

  • Leave a Legacy – the photos have been removed from their current location and have been relocated to an area just outside the park’s gateway. As you can see by the photo below, they were also updated with the new color palette.
Leave a Legacy epcot
  • Fountain of Nations – closed on September 8, 2019
Fountain of Nations
  • Electric Umbrella – closed on February 16, 2020 and being replaced by a new restaurant called Connections Cafe and Eatery (opening date TBD)
  • Camera Center – closed in Fall 2019, and this storefront has become the new spot for Pin Central and the Camera Center now that it has re-opened
  • Innoventions East (including Colortopia & Nanooze Break) – closed September 8, 2019
  • Character Spot – Closed on September 8, 2019
  • Pin Central – Moved from the previous location to the former Camera Center location and is now open
Pin Central
  • Fountain View Starbucks – closed on September 8, 2019. A temporary location called Traveler’s Café is open near the Refreshment Port in World Showcase.
Traveler's Cafe Epcot Starbucks
  • Club Cool – has reopened in the old Mouse Gear location.
new club cool at epcot
  • Mouse Gear (now called Creations Shop) – is now back open.
Creations Shop Sign
  • Art of Disney – moved from Future World to the Heritage Manor location in The American Adventure

World Celebration pavilion area

New designated area for a festival home-base
Location: World Celebration (formerly part of Future World)
Estimated completion date: TBD

This is one of the major projects that appears to be seeing a major scaling back.

Originally, Disney announced that a new pavilion would be coming to the World Celebration area of Epcot by way of a fun new fantastical spaceship-shaped multi-tiered structure that would serve as a home-base for the park’s festivals.

According to Disney, the three-story structure would also provide “a stunning view of World Showcase and an ideal spot to witness the park’s nighttime spectacular.”

World Celebration Pavilion of Epcot

But, Disney has moved away from calling this a pavilion and switched to more general terms, like “area.”

That new terminology and the fact that construction of such a major project has yet to be started points in the direction that while we may still see a new designated spot to serve as a home base for festivals, it will likely look nothing like the original proposals. 

Read more about the original announcement for the pavilion on the Disney Parks Blog.

World Celebration Projects that may not happen

Spaceship Earth refurbishment

Refurbishment/enhancement
Location: World Celebration (formerly part of Future World)

All the Phoenician fans can breathe a bit easier – at least for the time being.

Because, although Disney announced a fairly extensive renovation of Spaceship Earth (complete with a closure date!), that project has been put on hold.

Much like the Celebration Pavilion, the fact that no actual construction had started made this project an easy target for cost-saving measures.

But, while the refurbishment may not be happening right now, we believe it is realistic to think that Epcot’s icon will be getting some enhancements and upgrades someday. It just may not be for several years.

Egypt Spaceship Earth

You can read about the original announcement of the refurbishment of Spaceship Earth on the Disney Parks Blog.

World Nature

Disney describes this new neighborhood as “dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty, awe, and balance of the natural world.”

This section includes The Land pavilion (which houses Living with the Land, Soarin’, and the new Awesome Planet movie) and The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion. For the most part, the new enhancements here appear to remain on track.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

Attraction type: interactive experience
Location: World Nature (formerly part of Future World)
Estimated completion date: TBD

Journey of Water

According to Disney, this “first-ever experience based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios hit film, ‘Moana,’ will let guests interact with magical, living water in a beautiful and inspiring setting.

This is one of the attractions that is still appearing in Disney press releases, so we are confident it will be completed. 

You can get a feel for what to expect with this project at The Epcot Experience. More about what that is down below.

Moana from The Epcot Experience

World Discovery

Disney says this neighborhood is where “stories about science, technology, and intergalactic adventure come to life.” 

This section of the park is where the current Test Track and Mission: SPACE attractions are located.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Attraction type: indoor roller coaster
Location: World Discovery (formerly part of Future World)
Estimated completion date: Summer 2022

Guardians of the Galaxy exterior Epcot

Way back in July of 2017, Disney made the announcement at the D23 Expo that Epcot would be receiving a new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.

Rumors had long been swirling that Hollywood Studios would be the home of the new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction with Tower of Terror getting a makeover much like the one at Disney’s California Adventure. 

Guardians of the Galaxy Coaster Ride Vehicle

So, as you can imagine, there was quite a bit of surprise when Epcot was announced as the location instead.

Epcot’s new Guardian of the Galaxy themed attraction will be located at the old Ellen’s Energy Adventure location – and thankfully, the construction, while understandably slowed down, is back underway.

Guardians of the Galaxy

At the D23 Expo in August of 2019, Disney revealed that the name of the new coaster would be Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and that it would feature a first-ever reverse launch.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind track

How cool does that sound?

Ok, it also sounds a little nauseating, but it definitely also sounds very cool. 

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind vehicles

Space 220
(Opened mid-September 2021)

New restaurant
Location: World Discovery (formerly part of Future World)
Opening date: September 20, 2021

It feels like we’ve been waiting for an opening date for this new restaurant longer than just about any other of the new things that are coming to Epcot.

We really thought it would happen last year before the shutdown; however, delays kept that from happening. 

But after a long wait, the hottest new place to dine is now officially open.

According to Disney, Space 220 is “an out-of-this-world culinary experience with the celestial panorama of a space station, including daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles up”.

space 220 lounge area and dining room

This restaurant is located next to Mission: SPACE and is heavily themed to appear as if guests are dining among the stars.

If you are familiar with Epcot’s layout, a new restaurant on that side of Future World is a welcome addition indeed!

space 220 lobby area epcot

This new Table Service option will be run by the Patina Restaurant Group. It will have a menu that features “internationally-inspired cuisine, more than 1,000 bottles of the world’s finest wines, and a wide selection of craft beer.” The menu will feature a 2-course prix fixe at lunch and a 3-course prix fixe for dinner.

space 220 atmospritz cotton candy cocktail

Check out our review of Space 220 for more info!

PLAY! Pavilion

Attraction type: interactive experience
Location: World Discovery (formerly part of Future World)
Estimated completion date: 2021 

The PLAY! pavilion was another one of those big enhancements that we were worried might not make the cut.

In fact, Disney was fairly silent about it for a long time before it started popping back up again.

And, while we haven’t seen much about it in new press releases, it is still noted on Epcot maps:

Play

Before the initial announcement, rumors of something coming to the former Wonders of Life pavilion had been swirling for several months.

Play pavilion at Epcot

Billed as “unlike anything you’ve ever seen” at Epcot, the former Wonders of Life pavilion will be transformed into what Disney is calling a “play pavilion” that will be devoted to immersive fun.

Featuring an “innovative city,” this pavilion will host “interactive experiences, Disney characters, hands-on-activities, and engaging entertainment.”

Play pavilion at Epcot

Included here will be the chance to help out the legendary fashion icon Edna Mode as well as the chance to make a splash by competing in a water balloon fight with Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby.

Play pavilion at Epcot

With no new news released, we can only speculate that Disney is moving forward with the original plans. 

Read more about the original announcement on the Disney Parks Blog.

Completed projects

Harmonious (Opened October 1, 2021)

Final showing of Illuminations: September 30, 2019
Location:
World Showcase Lagoon

Harmonious was well into development when the parks closed, and after an extended wait, this new nighttime show at EPCOT has debuted.

Celebrating how Disney music inspires people worldwide, Harmonious takes place on the water of World Showcase Lagoon and includes large-scale floats, LED panels, fountains, lights, fireworks and lasers.

Harmonious

The fountains seen above are also a permanent fixture and visible for guests to enjoy during the day.

La Crêperie de Paris (Opened October 1, 2021)

New restaurant
Location: France pavilion in the World Showcase

Another project that opened as part of the 50th anniversary celebration is the new restaurant La Crêperie de Paris.

The new restaurant opened on October 1, 2021 near the highly anticipated  “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure” attraction. This authentic crêperie is the home to more amazing French cuisine from chef Jérôme Bocuse – who is already behind Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul in the Epcot France pavilion.

The new restaurant features savory and sweet crepes and has both a quick-service and table service dining option available.

Epcot Creperie

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (Opened October 1, 2021)

Attraction type: 4-D ride similar to the Ratatouille: The Adventure ride at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris
Location: France pavilion in the World Showcase

When the parks closed back in March 2020, we were likely just mere weeks away from learning of an opening date for this new highly anticipated attraction.

We were very excited to see this new attraction debut with the kickoff to the 50th anniversary celebration.

ratatouille exterior

Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (Opened February 19, 2020)

New restaurant
Location: American Adventure pavilion (World Showcase)

A new quick-service restaurant has taken the place of Liberty Inn, which closed on July 8th, 2019.

Serving up American Barbecue, this new Quick Service location offers up fantastic meats, sauces, brews, and even a solid plant-based BBQ Jackfruit Burger option.

Check out the menu.

Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along (Opened January 17, 2020)

Attraction type: show
Location: France pavilion (World Showcase)

Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along

Building on the popularity of the Frozen Sing-Along in Hollywood Studios, Epcot now has its own Beauty and the Beast version.

Housed in the same theater as Impressions de France, the new show is an ok distraction. Without live actors, it can’t compete with the Frozen version over in Hollywood Studios, but if you have a Beauty and the Beast hardcore fan, it may be worth a stop – even if just to sit in the AC for a bit.

Since both Impressions de France and the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along take place in the same theater, make sure you check the My Disney Experience App for the current schedule.

Read more on the Disney Parks Blog.

Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 (Opened January 17, 2020)

Attraction type: show
Location: Canada pavilion (World Showcase)

Canada Far and Wide

Announced at Destination D in November 2018, Canada has now received an updated 360-degree film. The new film, called Canada Far and Wide, premiered in January 2020 and is narrated by Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara. 

Awesome Planet film (Opened January 17, 2020)

Attraction type: New show
Location: World Nature (formerly part of Future World)

Billed by Disney as an “on-screen exploration of the realm we call home,” a new film focusing on the world around us has opened up in the former Circle of Life theater inside of the Land Pavilion.

This new 10-minute film uses a few in-theater effects paired with a lovely score by Academy Award-winning composer Steven Price to showcase the amazing power of our awesome planet.

Awesome Planet Land Pavilion of Epcot

Takumi-Tei (Opened July 5, 2019)

New Restaurant
Location: Japan pavilion (World Showcase)

Japan pavilion

Good news for all Epcot fans! A new Signature Restaurant is now open.

Disney is calling this a new “signature dining experience,” which means it falls into the same category as the priciest Disney restaurants. One cool thing to note is that this new dining location is being operated by the same people that operate the stores, kiosks, and restaurants in the Japan pavilion: Mitsukoshi USA.

The name Takumi-Tei means “house of the artisan,” and the design elements used in this new restaurant “celebrate the relationship between Japanese craftsmanship and the natural world.”

Sound tasty? Check out the menu for more info.

Disney Skyliner (Opened September 29, 2019)

Location: The Epcot station is located at the International Gateway. Other stations are located at Hollywood Studios, Art of Animation/Pop Century, Disney’s Riviera, and Caribbean Beach.

Gondolas at epcot

While not an attraction or restaurant, the announcement of the Disney Skyliner at D23 was very well received by nearly all Disney fans.

Gondola at International Gateway

This new mode of transportation allows guests to easily move between 4 resorts: Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, and Disney’s Riviera Resort and 2 parks : Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

Read more about the Disney Skyliner gondolas.

Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience (Opened October 1, 2019)

Attraction type: Display/experience
Location: World Discovery (formerly part of Future World)

With so many changes to Epcot happening in the next few years, Disney is providing guests with an opportunity to preview what is coming.

Epcot experience

Located in the Odyssey Events Pavilion (which historically had been used as the Festival Center during many of the Epcot festivals), a new “Experience Center” will provide Epcot visitors with a chance to see and explore the future of Epcot.

We definitely think it is worth a visit. There’s rarely a large crowd here, and it can be fun seeing what is coming to the park.

Epcot experience

Epcot Forever (closed September 28, 2021)

Before the new Harmonious nighttime show began, Disney hosted a limited-engagement nighttime show (which is similar to how Disney rolled out Rivers of Light with the Jungle Book show running with a limited engagement before Rivers of Light began).

Epcot Forever Kites

The music for Epcot Forever featuree some classic Epcot tunes, including the popular “One Little Spark” from Journey into Imagination.

Here’s a quick preview video of what it was like:

Epcot Rumors

The Disney community is full of rumors. And, truth be told, who doesn’t love dreaming about the possibilities?

But alas, in light of what we saw in 2020, we don’t think we’ll see either of the popular rumors below any time soon.

New Epcot resort hotel (rumor)

This rumor has been floating around since the D23 Expo in July 2017. It has been picking up steam again recently as permits have been filed that may indicate the preliminary work to begin prepping for infrastructure construction will be starting soon.

Most people are guessing that if this new resort happens, it will be situated towards the front of the park, possibly even near the monorail station.

New World Showcase pavilion (rumor)

Every year, rumors float around that a new pavilion will be coming to the World Showcase.

The most commonly mentioned idea is that of a Brazil pavilion. Still, alas, Disney has never confirmed or released anything that would indicate that such a pavilion is in the works.

*************

Lots of changes are coming to Epcot in the next few years! Which of the Epcot updates are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.

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Heather Thomas

Jon

Wednesday 2nd of June 2021

I'm sorry....Epcot is nothing more than a shadow of what it used to be....what it used to represent.... I first visited Epcot in the VERY early 90's, and I couldn't get enough of Future World, it quite literally blew my young mind. I was inspired to use my imagination and thrilled to that the possibilities for the future were endless. Back there there was very little in the way of commercialism in Epcot (yes there was certainly the Disney characters roaming around, the themed merchandise, and of course minor attractions that were themed to Disney created characters and movies), It was dedicated Walt's original vision of showing new generations what the future could be like, inspiring them with hope of a brighter tomorrow.

What Epcot has become today is sad, and very disappointing. Even the World Showcase didn't escape the sweeping changes made, I'm looking at you Frozen Ever After! The real ironic thing is, the chirlden of yesterday, who visited Epcot in it's golden years are now the adults of today with their own children, and from what I've seen and researched, I'm not in a minority of people who think this way.

That all being said however, this is still simply my opinion, and if you are excited for Epcot as it is now, then you should enjoy it to the fullest, and not let others (myself included) sway you from your decision to visit Epcot or any other Disney theme park. I just had to finally vent a little get this all out there.

BlueKnight

Tuesday 9th of February 2021

The Imagination Pavillion will be part of The Nature section? Or will it be an extension of the Celebration section? Trying to figure it out.

Vikki

Saturday 5th of December 2020

Thanks so much for the updated article on the works at Epcot! We are hoping to visit from the UK (my first time in about 10 years and my husband and kids’ first time ever) and pre-Covid were planning on an early 2022 trip, hoping to catch all of the new attractions at Epcot. I had been wondering recently what might end up being open (or not) by then given all that has happened this year..... so handy that you have spelled it all out in one place here, as I hadn’t been able to find an updated source of information.

Hopefully our 2022 trip can still happen (and I will cross everything that Guardians of the Galaxy is open by then because it sounds amazing!) but in the meantime I will continue enjoying your wonderful podcast and website!

RONALD COLBERT

Monday 3rd of August 2020

I have been to WDW so often, I've become an unofficial Ambassador. I've enjoyed every update and addition you've created so far. It's would be great to develop a Retro Theme Park. Many of those wonderous Attractions (now gone), we're stunning and beloved in their day. I now have Grand Children I enjoy sharing the most magical place on earth with. All those retired attraction would still have a following if they could be shared. For example, The Magic Journey montage, or the Kitchen Cabaret show, just to name a few. Keep sharing the magic. From a loyal follower.

Kevin Roberts

Tuesday 18th of February 2020

There is rumors that the star light paths are being removed. There are so many memories on these paths. Are they eliminating them or upgrading them to led controlled lighting?