Though there have been a lot of changes confirmed to be coming to Epcot over the next five years, including the most ambitious ride ever constructed at Walt Disney World, several new additions in the World Showcase, and two new nighttime spectaculars. However, Disney has recently announced even more changes coming to this park before Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021, including a redesigned entrance, a brand new Future World pavilion and more!
Former Wonders of Life pavilion set to be transformed into “Play” Pavilion
Image: Disney
After more than a decade being used as a Festival Center, it looks like the Wonders of Life pavilion is finally being turned into attraction space once again, and is being re-designed and re-branded as Future World’s new “Play” pavilion (we’re not quite sure if this is the official name or not). This updated space will be designed to look like an innovative indoor city that’ll come to life with interactive experiences, including ones that will include Disney characters. Though no specific IPs or attractions have been confirmed for this new pavilion, the concept art above features Mickey Mouse, as well as characters from Inside Out, Zootopia, the Aristocats, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan and Frozen, which is certainly exciting for Disney character fans!
Though no specific opening date was given for this area, Disney did confirm that this new pavilion will open just in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021. Zach Riddley, portfolio executive, Walt Disney Imagineering had this to say about this new “Play” pavilion:
“This innovative, new pavilion is beyond anything we’ve ever created and is completely unique to Epcot. 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.”
Epcot’s entrance is being redesigned with new walkways, while Leave a Legacy slabs are removed
Image: Disney
Epcot’s main entrance plaza is also being redesigned in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World, with expanded new walkways, new garden areas, a newly reimagined fountain and a design that will pay homage to the original park entrance with fresh takes on classic elements, all of which you can see in the concept art above.
Because of the expansion of walking areas the Leave A Legacy photo display will be moving to an unspecified area outside the park’s gateway where the pictures will be displayed without the giant granite slabs that currently house the photos, which is definitely good news and will help free up more space for guests to walk around as they enter this park.
The Odyssey will become a preview “Experience Center” for Epcot’s reinvention
There are a LOT of changes coming to Epcot over the next five years, and to help guests keep track of everything happening there will be a new semi-permanent “Experience Center” opening in the former Odyssey restaurant later this year that will showcase the upcoming changes to Epcot.
This reimagined preview space will feature engaging and interactive exhibits that showcase the relentless innovation, energy and excitement driving the future of Epcot, and will be open for the next few years while all these ambitious projects are in development, including the following:
- Unnamed Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster
- Ratatouille
- Play Pavilion
- Beauty and the Beast show in France
- A Celebration of Disney Music nighttime spectacular
- Unnamed Space restaurant in Future World
- Unnamed restaurant in Japan
- New film in Canada
Image: Disney
Interestingly, one big change that has not been announced yet (but we hear is still very much in the works) is the overhaul of the central hub of Epcot’s Future World, which was teased at the 2017 D23 event and could see the removal of several buildings including Innoventions, Club Cool, MouseGears and more. However Disney has said they will be making even more announcements about the future of Epcot soon, so maybe we’ll hear more about this project in the near future as Disney continues to overhaul this park!
