Disney World is totally revamping EPCOT with new attractions, nighttime shows, and even a new look!
EPCOT is a literal maze of construction walls and gutted buildings at the moment. The theme park is undergoing a MASSIVE overhaul that will totally transform the theme park. Guests will be able to experience all sorts of new adventures when it’s all said done. So, let’s take a photo tour so you can see exactly what the construction progress is and what construction looks like on ALL the BIG EPCOT projects.
France Pavilion Expansion
The France Pavilion in World Showcase is nearly done and we’ve been keeping a close eye on the projects. In this area, guests will soon be able to experience the new attraction, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and stuff themselves with crepes from the Le Creperie de Paris.
The area will also host some seating areas and a rat fountain inspired by Ratatouille. You can see a shot of the new fountain that was taken during a D23 virtual event last year.
Walls have come down for a portion of the expansion while the attraction and restaurant are set to open sometime this year!
We took a good look at the new restrooms and got a feel for the new expansion.
We also got to take a look at the new La Creperie de Paris which will be a Table Service and a Quick Service restaurant. You can see more photos here.
The attraction isn’t open just yet, but has been confirmed to open this year.
We can’t wait to hear just when the attraction will open!
Check out the details for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure here!
World Celebration
EPCOT will now be divided into four “neighborhoods” with distinct themes and attractions. The neighborhoods include World Showcase, World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature.
World Celebration will feature Dreamers Point which will be located behind Spaceship Earth. The area will have a garden designed to “pique curiosity,” a story fountain, and a new statute of Walt Disney “dreaming” about the future!
There was also mention of a “wishing tree” during the initial announcement. More details to come!
There will also be a brand new Festival Pavilion coming to this area of the theme park.
Originally, the 3D model and concept art showed that this pavilion will feature three stories and even an outdoor garden. Here’s what the view looked like from the monorail a while back. Since the monorail doesn’t take guests to EPCOT right now, we haven’t had the opportunity to see from this angle in a while.
The details on this project have been a little muddy considering that during a press release, Disney called it a Festival Area. This could mean that the project may get some adjustments or be pared back a bit. We’ll have to wait and see as construction continues!
Read our thoughts on the Festival Pavilion (Area?) right here!
World Nature
This new section of the park will be located near The Land and Seas pavilions. Construction is beginning on the new Moana attraction called Journey of Water. The concept art looks like it will be a walk-through attraction and Disney described it as a “lush exploration trail” that “will invite guests to meet and play with magical, living water.”
Disney has shared that this attraction likely won’t open in 2021. We’ll absolutely keep you updated when we confirm an opening date for the Moana attraction!
See more details for Journey of Water here!
World Discovery
Perhaps the biggest additions will be located in World Discovery. This section is where you will currently find Mission: SPACE and Test Track. The neighborhood will feature the new indoor roller coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
Right now, you’ll notice the building that once held Ellen’s Energy Adventure has been gutted and being transformed into a high-speed coaster.
The ride vehicles are currently being tested. The ride will feature vehicles that can turn in different directions while in motion!
We’ll hopefully have an opening date real soon!
Learn more about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind here!
This area is also receiving a brand new restaurant called Space 220.
Guests are highly anticipating the new immersive restaurant that will take you on an elevator ride into space. You’ll munch on space-themed meals and take in the galactic atmosphere.
The walls that were recently placed around the restaurant have been removed and a very sneaky structure was installed.
We’re hoping this ominous box is where the restaurant sign will be placed! The attraction is slated to open this year and we’ll keep you updated as we learn more!
Learn more about Space 220 here!
PLAY! Pavilion
The PLAY! pavilion was described as a “digital metropolis” with interactive experiences, games, entertainment, hands-on activities. It was also noted that you would be able to meet Disney characters virtually and in real life.
The pavilion was strangely omitted from a press release and we haven’t heard much beyond that except for a few patents and permits.
We’re keeping an eye on the Wonders of Life building where the pavilion is set to take over.
Learn more about the PLAY! Pavilion here!
Harmonious
This project has seen some of the most progress in EPCOT. Harmonious is a nighttime show that will feature water, lights, lasers, and more effects.
Two barges have been moved into the middle of World Showcase Lagoon where they are currently being tested.
Eventually, these barges will be used as a fountain during the daytime.
The debut is slated to be sometime this year and we’re hoping we get an official opening date very soon!
See the latest construction update on Harmonious here!
Gelato Kiosk
Now we’re talkin’! The Italy Pavilion in World Showcase is set to receive a permanent gelato kiosk. The announcement was made in 2019 that the kiosk will have 12 different varieties of gelato and sorbet, including gluten-friendly and plant-based flavors, and a seasonal menu.
The building has really taken shape and we’ve spotted the terracotta roofing with stone wall accents.
We’re impatiently waiting for the official opening date!
See construction updates for the Italy Gelato Kiosk here!
Popcorn Kiosk
More foodie news! A Disney permit has been filed that has been coded as an “EPCOT Popcorn Kiosk.” Yes, please! The prospective popcorn stand will be placed near the prior Mouse Gear location.
Also, the permit was filed with Icarus Exhibits. This is a contractor that tends to do themed projects in Disney World.
Signs are pointing towards the fact that World Celebration could be getting a themed popcorn cart. How cool!
Read more about the Popcorn Kiosk permit here!
Mouse Gear
The giant gift shop in EPCOT is getting a makeover too! The old building has been completely gutted while it’s being transformed into World Celebration.
We haven’t received too many details about the new look and features of the transformation. Right now, you can find merchandise in the mini Mouse Gear located near the old building.
Whew! That’s a lot of construction in EPCOT! We’re still waiting on a lot more opening dates and announcements for many of these projects. We’ll continue to keep an eye on the progress as we learn more.
Learn about all the EPCOT transformation projects right here!
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