We love Epcot at Modernlifeisgood. It probably has been our favorite park at Walt Disney World during most of our visits. However, many attractions are getting a bit dated and new additions in recent years have been sparse. A refresh of Epcot had been rumored for several years and was confirmed at D23 in 2017. However, nobody expected the level of transformation that has since been announced. Here are all the confirmed Epcot Updates coming soon to Epcot. Our Guide was last updated following D23 in August 2019.
Have an early look at what is Coming To Epcot
The amount of changes coming to Epcot is staggering and Disney is keen to show you what is planned.
Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience in the Odyssey Events Pavilion will be opening on October 1, 2019, for previews of the changes being made to Epcot. Disney is promising “engaging and interactive exhibits that showcase the relentless innovation, energy, and excitement driving the park’s future throughout this unprecedented period of transformation.”
Future World is no more!!
Perhaps the most surprising news at D23 is that Future World will no longer be part of Epcot.
- World Celebration will offer new experiences that connect guests to one another and the world around them.
- World Nature is dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty, awe, and balance of the natural world. It will include The Land and The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilions. It is interesting Disney has stated this as there were rumors both The Land and The Seas would close.
- World Discovery contains stories about science, technology
and intergalactic adventure come to life.
Confirmed Attractions Coming Soon to Epcot
World Celebration
We have previously been aware that Epcot’s Entrance Plaza was to undergo significant change. During D23 we were told:
Epcot’s entrance plaza will be transformed with new experiences that connect guests with the world around them, welcoming them with a reimagined fountain, new pathways and sweeping green spaces that beautify the entryway. The design will pay homage to the origins of Epcot.
D23
As part of these transformations, the Leave Legacy photos have been removed from the park. The photographs will have a new home just outside the park.
There have been rumors that Spaceship Earth was to undergo a transformation for several years. These rumors were confirmed during D23 when it was announced that “New narration and an entirely new musical score will focus on the moments and ideas that define the story of humanity.”
Previously it had been rumoured that Spaceship Earth will close for 2 years for these renovations. However, to date there has been no confirmation how long these changes will take.
During D23 we were also provided the following information on changes that will happen in the New World Celebration area:
A new pavilion will be the perfect place for live events, and the home base for Epcot’s signature festivals. It will provide a stunning elevated view of the entire park and an ideal spot to witness Epcot’s nighttime spectacular. This beautiful three-level structure will have one of the most remarkable architectural designs at any Disney park, featuring a plaza level, a middle expo level, and a park that sits in the sky on the top level.
As guests exit Spaceship Earth, they will discover a breathtaking new view of World Showcase from Dreamers Point. World Celebration will also feature a new statue celebrating the legacy of the original dreamer, Walt Disney, plus beautiful natural environments and global design elements filled with Disney magic and surprises, including a wishing tree in an enchanted forest and a story fountain celebrating the power and music of iconic Disney storytelling.
D23
Although details are currently vague it
World Discovery
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the replacement for Universe of Energy. If you have been to Epcot recently, you can’t have missed the building of this
During D23 we were provided further information on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind:
The adventure starts in the “Galaxarium,” a planetarium-like exhibition that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar. Guests will be invited to learn more about the treasures Xandar has to share – until the moment when the Guardians of the Galaxy arrive, and adventures across the cosmos ensue. The attraction will feature a new innovation from Walt Disney Imagineering – a storytelling coaster that rotates 360 degrees to focus guests on the action, including the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.
D23
The Play!
In this digital metropolis, guests will discover an interactive city bursting with games, activities and experiences that connect them with friends, family and beloved Disney characters – both real and virtual – like never before. As part of this new pavilion, guests will have the chance to help legendary fashion icon Edna Mode on her quest to rid the world of uninspired style, or make a splash competing in a water-balloon fight hosted by Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby.
D23
Space 220 is a new restaurant adjacent to Mission: SPACE opening in Winter 2019. During D23 we were told:
Space 220 will be a culinary experience featuring the celestial panorama of a space station, including daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles up. Guests will board a special elevator for a journey to a space station that is home to an incredible dining experience. Along the way, viewports will give guests
D23real-time perspective as they travel high above the planet. Once they arrive, guests will enjoy fantastic meals and drinks while taking in views that are truly out of this world.
World Nature
A new film is coming to Epcot’s Harvest Theater in
“Awesome Planet,” an on-screen exploration of the realm we call home, showcases the spectacular beauty, diversity and dynamic story of our earth with all the grandeur guests have come to expect.
Disney Parks Blog
The new show will open during January 2020.
Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” was first announced during D23 2019. We have been told the following information about this new walkthrough attraction:
This lush exploration trail will invite guests to meet and play with magical, living water. The water will have a life of its own – just like Moana’s friend, the ocean – and guests will learn about the importance of the natural water cycle.
D23
World Showcase
A new film for the China Pavilion was confirmed at D23 in 2017. “Wondrous China” will take guests on a spectacular journey across the country, filmed and presented in a completely seamless 360-degree digital format.
O Canada! at the Epcot Pavilion recently closed. “Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360” will debut in January 2020 in the Canada pavilion with new scenes and a new story. We do not know if previous host Martin Short will star in the new version.
Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along This new show will be opening in the France Pavilion. I’m sure it will prove to be very popular, but it is hardly an E-Ticket attraction. This attraction was expected to open in spring 2019, however January 2020 has now been confirmed.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a new Ratatouille Attraction similar to that opened at the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris in 2014. The attraction will be located in the France Pavilion with the show building being placed between Morocco and France Pavilion. The entrance for the attraction will be on the International Gateway side of the France Pavilion. Opening date of Summer 2020 has been confirmed.
Also opening in Summer 2020 in the France pavilion is the new restaurant La Crêperie de Paris. The venue will have both table- and quick-service options featuring a menu from celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse.
It has been rumored for many years, but at D23 in 2019 it was confirmed that a new Mary Poppins Attraction would be coming to Epcot. Not many details have been released yet, but we have been told: “Guests will step in time down Cherry Tree Lane past Admiral Boom’s house, then enter Number 17, home of the Banks family, where their adventure will begin.”
Epcot Forever is the replacement show for IllumiNations opening October 1, 2019. However, Epcot Forever is only an interim show before the opening of “HarmonioUS” in 2020. During D23 we were told a little bit more about the new show:
“HarmonioUS”will debut as the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park. It will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over, carrying them away harmoniously on a stream of familiar Disney tunes reinterpreted by a diverse group of artists from around the globe. “HarmonioUS” will feature massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers and more.
D23
Closures and Changes at Epcot During 2019
To make significant renovations at Epcot there has to be a number of significant closures. Unfortunately, guests visiting Epcot during 2019 and beyond are likely to encounter significant building work, closures and temporary relocation of attractions. Here are all the latest changes announced to current attractions:
- Innoventions East, Colortopia and Nanooze Break are scheduled to close on September 8, 2019.
- The Fountain of Nations will close on September 8th
- Fountain View featuring Starbucks will close on November 23, 2019. It is expected to be relocated but a destination has not yet been announced.
- Electric Umbrella is scheduled to close on November 23rd.
- Mouse Gear will move to a temporary home this winter while its current location is reimagined.
- Art of Disney, Club Cool & Pin Central will all temporarily close while being relocated. No venue has been confirmed for Club Cool yet.
- The Camera Center will permanently close.
- The Art of Disney will move to Heritage Manor.
- Pin Central will move into the current Camera Center.
- The Epcot Character Spot will temporarily close—beginning on September 8, 2019
During renovations, many characters will be relocated including those currently meeting at the Character Spot:
- Minnie Mouse will move into the World Showcase Gazebo.
- Daisy Duck will move to The American Adventure.
- While new locations are being developed for Mickey Mouse and Goofy, they will temporarily appear in Innoventions West.
- In the near future, Mickey Mouse will move to an all-new location in the Imagination! Pavilion.
- Goofy & Joy will have new permanent locations to be announced.
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth is due to close after the 2019 summer season. A new night spectacular is due to launch in 2020. Surprisingly Disney has announced that there will be a new interim show called Epcot Forever until the BIG NEW SHOW opens.
Epcot Forever will feature classic Epcot tunes with fireworks, music, lighting, lasers, and special effects kites. Opening date of October 1, has been confirmed which is the day after the last showing of IllumiNations.
Already complete or closed:-
An update to Mission Space has now been completed but it is still the worse ride in Walt Disney World in my opinion.
2017 saw us say goodbye to Ellen’s Energy Adventure & 2018 has seen the closure of the Circle of Life. Circle of Life is an attraction we suspect will be missed by few.
Kidcot has had a refresh for summer 2018. Kids will enjoy the new attractions which were overdue for a change.
Takumi-Tei Restaurant is a new signature venue in the Japan Pavilion. This new restaurant opened during Summer 2019.
Epcot Rumors
As we gain more details of the transformation planned for Epcot it becomes less likely that long-standing fan rumors will be announced. However, do expect some further surprises.
A new pavilion in Epcot World Showcase has been top of many fans lists for many years. Rumors of new World Showcase Pavilions have increased in recent times. Prior to D23, there were numerous rumors that the Brazil Pavilion was going to be announced. However, no new pavilion was announced during the presentation.
We will keep this page updated with the latest information on what is confirmed to be Coming Soon to Epcot and those exciting Epcot rumors.
Read more
If you want to find out more about Epcot our Guide to Epcot is full of handy hints and tips.
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