Epcot is in the middle of a multi-year transformation.
The transformation includes new rides, a Play Pavilion, re-imagined park entrance, new restaurants, and a new nighttime spectacular. Our latest visit to Epcot included catching up on the progress of all of this construction.
World Showcase Lagoon Construction for New Nighttime Spectacular
We started our visit out in Future World and checking on the progress of the Guardians of the Galaxy ride.
What’s New in Epcot’s Future World
The new Guardians of the Galaxy ride will open in 2021. The ride will be in a new ride building, and use the former Universe of Energy building as the queue area.
Guardians of the Galaxy Construction
Guardians of the Galaxy Construction
A new space-themed restaurant will open between Test Track and Mission: Space in 2020.
Space-Themed Restaurant Construction Progress
Space-Themed Restaurant Construction Progress
Space-Themed Restaurant Construction Progress
Space-Themed Restaurant Construction Progress
What’s New in Epcot’s World Showcase
How about what’s new in the Epcot World Showcase Lagoon! There is quite a lot of construction going on on the islands in the World Showcase Lagoon as Epcot prepares for IllumiNations replacement.
World Showcase Lagoon Construction for New Nighttime Spectacular
World Showcase Lagoon Construction for New Nighttime Spectacular
IllumiNations will “retire” and be replaced with a new show, “Epcot Forever” this year.
World Showcase Lagoon Construction for New Nighttime Spectacular
World Showcase Lagoon Construction for New Nighttime Spectacular
The France Pavilion is busy as they prepare to welcome a Beauty and the Beast sing-along “soon” and a Ratatouille ride, “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure”, in 2021.
France Pavilion Construction
France Pavilion Construction
Both additions to the pavilion will be in addition to the current “Impressions de France” film — they are not replacing the film.
France Pavilion Construction
At the International Gateway entrance between the France and UK pavilions you can catch a peek at Epcot’s Skyliner Station.
Epcot Skyliner Station Construction Progress
The Skyliner System has been testing gondolas. With an announced opening date of Fall 2019 we are anxious to try this new transportation option out!
Epcot Skyliner Station Construction Progress
A new signature restaurant is coming to the Japan Pavilion. This will be in addition to, not replacing, Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining.
Japan Restaurant Construction Progress
Japan Restaurant Construction Progress
Very little has been announced about the restaurant, including the opening date. When announcements are made we will be sure to keep you posted!
Japan Restaurant Construction Progress
Japan Restaurant Construction Progress
The pop-up wine bar has popped up again in the Italy Pavilion after a brief absence.
Pop-Up Wine Bar in Italy
The pop-up bar’s specialty cocktail is a Limoncello Spritzer — sounds refreshing!
Pop-Up Wine Bar in Italy
Pop-Up Wine Bar in Italy
Norway’s Kringla Bakeri og Kafe was still serving the International Women’s Day cupcake on the day we visited the park. This is a yellow cupcake with a cookies and cream filling topped off with festive purple decorations.
International Women’s Day Cupcake at Kringla Bakeri og Kafe
Since this is for a special event, we do not know how long this will be here. Let us know if you see this on your visit!
International Women’s Day Cupcake at Kringla Bakeri og Kafe
Which addition are you looking forward to the most as Epcot undergoes its transformation? Let us know in the comments below!
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I live in the UK and have been to Disneyland Paris several times. The Ratatouille ride is brilliant and I’m chuffed it’s going to WDW.
I am also looking forward to the Ratatouille ride to come to the France Pavilion, although I wish they would update the Impressions de France film-it is good but so dated.
What I really can’t wait for is the new restaurant coming to the Japan pavilion. The description sounds fascinating and I have become really interested in Japanese culture and cooking.
I’m pretty sure those “festive purple decorations” are tutus (purple skirt, white bodice). And before anyone says that might not be exactly the right message for the top of a Womens’ Day cupcake, let me say as a dance dad that in my experience, no athlete trains harder, with more passion, or more commitment than a dancer. (I can’t name one high school sport whose participants start right after school, train until close to 9 every weeknight, and compete weekends. Maybe figure skating?)
I spy an Italian beer I’ve never heard of at that pop-up wine bar!