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 it does appear like the 4 neighborhood concept will go on.

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

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 

Final showing of Illuminations: September 30, 2019
Location: World Showcase Lagoon
Estimated completion date: TBD, but it is expected to debut in 2021

Harmonious was well into development when the parks closed, and Disney has confirmed that despite other project cuts, EPCOT definitely will be receiving this new nighttime show. 

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

Disney has said that this new show will be on a massive scale “like we’ve never done.” Sounds amazing!

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

La Crêperie de Paris

New restaurant
Location: France pavilion in the World Showcase
Estimated completion date: 2021

Another project that definitely will be completed is the new restaurant LaCrêperie de Paris.

Opening near the highly anticipated  “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure” attraction, this authentic crêperie will be 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 will feature savory and sweet crepes and have both a quick-service and table service dining option available.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

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
Estimated completion date: 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.

And now that things are back open, we are back to waiting for an opening date to be announced. 

Disney has said it will be in 2021. 

But our best guess is that we won’t see it open up until at the earliest Spring 2021. Disney (rightfully so) likes to open new things with a bunch of fanfare, including opportunities to bring press in to check it out. 

And with current conditions the way they are, our gut tells us Disney will stick with a more conservative opening schedule and wait until when things across the world are looking up.

Or maybe not.

We could be way off, but considering the latest maps (that are good through December 2020) only say that Remy’s is “Coming Soon,” we don’t anticipate it happening in the winter.

When it does open, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect since the Epcot version is inspired by the one at Disneyland Paris.

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

Wondrous China

Attraction type: show
Location: China pavilion
Estimated completion date: 2021

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 still expect it to happen sometime in 2021.

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

World Showcase Projects that may not happen

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.

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

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.”

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.

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

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.”

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.

As you can see in the concept art above, 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.

Read more on the Disney Parks Blog.

Dreamers Point

As shared at D23 Expo in 2019 and per an Instagram shared by Imagineer Zach Ridley on Saturday, Dec. 5, it looks like Dreamers Point is still set to come as part of the World Celebration neighborhood.

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.

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 will eventually be relocated to an area just outside the park’s gateway.

• Fountain of Nations – closed on September 8, 2019

• Electric Umbrella – closed on February 16, 2020
• 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
• Pin Central – Moved from the previous location to the former Camera Center location and is now open

• Fountain View Starbucks – closed on September 8, 2019. A temporary location called Traveler’s Cafe is open near Refreshment Port in World Showcase.
• Club Cool – closed September 8, 2019, and may reopen in the future at a new location
• Mouse Gear – currently undergoing a refurbishment with a temporary location open in Future World East
• 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.”

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.

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

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.

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: 2022

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. 

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.

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.

How cool does that sound?

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

Space 220

New restaurant
Location: World Discovery (formerly part of Future World)
Estimated completion date: Spring 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 Disney is still talking about it, and they even included info on it in a recent press release, so we know it is going to happen, and our best guess is that it will be sometime next spring.

According to Disney, Space 220 will be “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”.

This restaurant will be located next to Mission: SPACE and will be 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!

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.”

Read more on the Disney Parks Blog

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 has made an appearance on the Epcot map released for the Festival of the Holidays:

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

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.”

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.

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

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.

According to Disney, this  “new location will be a modern barbecue smokehouse, with all the accompanying sights, sounds, smells, and flavors you love – including a large smoker preparing fine food every day right on the pavilion’s promenade. There will also be a redesigned patio for you to enjoy, so get ready to grab a brew, some barbecue, and relax inside Epcot.”

Check out the menu.

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

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

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)

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 Dan 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.

Takumi-Tei (Opened July 5, 2019)

New Restaurant
Location: Japan pavilion (World Showcase)

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.

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

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.

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 Forever (interim nighttime show)

Before the new HarmonioUS nighttime show begins,  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).

However, with all nighttime entertainment suspended, it is unlikely that we will see this temporary show return before the new one begins.

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

Here’s a quick preview video if you missed it:

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.