There were quite a few announcements out of the D23 Expo and a lot of those announcements had to do with the transformation of Epcot. There are some fun and exciting things coming to Epcot!
Four Neighborhoods
Epcot will be separated into four neighborhoods, each with a different theme. World Discovery, World Celebration, World Nature, and World Showcase with each having experiences related to the theme of the neighborhood.
World Showcase
This neighborhood will continue to celebrate different cultures around the world. In addition, there will be some new shows and attractions added throughout the World Showcase.
- The United Kingdom pavilion will getting the first ever attraction inspired by Mary Poppins! This new attraction will take guests down Cherry Tree Lan, past Admiral Boom’s house, and into Number 17, which is the home of the Banks family.
- The name of the new nighttime spectacular for Epcot has been announced. “HarmonioUS” will debut in 2020, after the limited run of “Epcot Forever,” and will celebrate how Disney’s music inspires people around the world. The show will feature floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers, and more.
- Another exciting attraction coming to Epcot in the France pavilion is Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, which will open next summer. This ride shrinks guests down to the size of Chef Remy and will take them on a fast-paced journey through Gusteau’s restaurant.
- Also opening in the France pavilion next summer is the new restaurant, La Creperie de Paris. Guests will be able to enjoy both table service and quick service dining at this location.
- Debuting in January 2020, the new “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along” will join the film Impressions de France in the France pavilion.
- The Canada pavilion will be receiving a new film in January 2020. “Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360” will have new scenes and a new story.
- And finally, the China pavilion will also be receiving a new film. “Wondrous China” will be shown in 360-degree digital format and will take guests on a journey across the country.
World Celebration
- Spaceship Earth will get a makeover, including new narration and a new musical score. Guests will follow a magical “story light” through the different scenes.
- A new pavilion will be put in place for live events and it will act as home base for the different festivals that Epcot holds throughout the year. The pavilion will have three levels, a plaza level, a middle expo level, and a park on the top level.
- The entrance to Epcot will get a reimagined fountain, new pathways, and sweeping green spaces. This new design is meant to pay homage to the origins of Epcot.
- A new statue of Walt Disney will be added outside the exit of Spaceship Earth. This area will be called Dreamers Point and will have a wishing tree and a story fountain.
World Nature
- “Journey of Water” will be the first experience that is inspired by “Moana.” This new experience will take guests through a lush trail where guests can meet and play with magical, living water.
- A new film, “Awesome Planet,” will debut in January 2020 and will showcase the story of this planet.
World Discovery
- The Guardians of the Galaxy ride now has a name. This new ride will be called Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. It starts in a planetarium-like exhibition that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xander. The coaster will rotate 360 degrees and will include the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.
- A name for the Mission: SPACE restaurant was also announced, Space 220. Guests will board a special elevator and will dine while enjoying views of earth in both the daytime and the nighttime. Space 220 will open this winter.
- The PLAY! pavilion will be highly interactive with games, activities, and experiences that connect guests with friends, family, and different Disney characters (both real and virtual). Some things guests will be able to do include helping Edna Mode on her quest to ride the world of uninspired style and having a water-balloon fight which is hosted by Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby. This pavilion will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World.
Epcot is definitely going to a different look and a different feel to it with all the transformations. Are you excited for these changes?
Thanks for reading!
Liz
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Liz
I love all things Disney, but my main love is for Disney World and I'm always planning for the next trip. Before becoming a Disney blogger, I was a radio DJ, so I guess I'm just continuing in the communication industry, just in a different form. I love talking Disney and I could talk about Disney all day. That's why I started blogging and created the Facebook group. The Disney community is full of friendly, helpful, and happy people...and I love being a part of it! If there is any Disney subject you would like to see covered just let me know! Need help planning your Disney vacation. Feel free to contact myself or Melissa at Never Stop Dreaming Travel Co. We love helping people plan their trips! Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy! Don't forget to check out our Countdown to Disney app! Feel free to email me with suggestions of things you would like to see in the app :-)