Disney Announces Plans for New Epcot Pavilion
Earlier today Disney announced several new enhancements for Epcot as part of their new additions to the park leading up to Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021. Among the announcements was a new play pavilion, a re-imagined main entrance, and an Experience Center showcasing future plans for the park.
“Epcot has always been, and always will be, an optimistic celebration of the real world that is brought to life through the magic of Disney. The exciting plans we have on the horizon will honor Epcot’s rich legacy of creativity and innovation while continuing to exceed the expectations of our guests for decades to come.”George A. Kalogridis, president, Walt Disney World Resort
The new play pavilion will have first-of-their-kind experiences devoted to playful fun, inviting guests into an innovative, interactive city filled with games and hands-on activities. Guests will be able to interact with characters in an energetic metropolis unlike anything seen before at Epcot. While we don’t have an official name for the new pavilion yet, we do know it will be going into what used to be the Wonders of Life pavilion, more recently known as the Festival Center. The new play pavilion will open to guests in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary.
“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.”Zach Riddley, portfolio executive, Walt Disney Imagineering
In addition to the new play pavilion, two other enhancements were announced today. Epcot’s main entrance will be re-imagined to include new pathways, sweeping green spaces, and a newly re-imagined fountain in front of Spaceship Earth. The new design, as seen in the concept art above, will pay homage to the park’s original entrance with new takes on classic elements. As part of the new entrance design, the Leave A Legacy photos will be moved to a new location just outside the park’s gateway.
A new Experience Center will open later this year in the Odyssey Events Pavilion. The Experience Center will be home to interactive exhibits showcasing the innovation, energy, and excitement driving the future of the park.
“Epcot is beloved for its focus on imagination, innovation, fun, food and family. It’s a timeless place where the real is made fantastic through the magic of Disney. It has a very bright future ahead and the best part is that we’ve only just begun to dream.”George A. Kalogridis, president, Walt Disney World Resort
Today’s new announcements join other projects already underway as part of the re-imagining of Epcot. Other new experiences in the works for the park over the next few years include:
- Guardians of The Galaxy-themed roller coaster which will be one of the longest enclosed coasters in the world and will feature a brand new ride system
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France, modeled after the number-one family attraction in Disneyland Paris
- Beauty and the Beast sing-along, also in France, showing in addition to the pavilion’s current film, Impressions de France
- Circle-Vision 360 film for the China pavilion
- An updated O Canada! 360-degree show
- Signature Dining experience inspired by the beauty of Japan
- Space-themed table-service restaurant next to Mission: SPACE, inviting guests to travel into space for an unforgettable dining experience
- Epcot Forever, a 2019 limited-time nighttime experience over World Showcase Lagoon set to classic Epcot songs, followed by an all-new nighttime spectacular debuting in 2020
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I am curious how they are going to renovate Wonders of Life. It is a big area.
I am too. Sounds like it will be a neat area. I’m hoping we’ll get more details on it soon.