EPCOT’s massive transformation is moving forward, with the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster opening on May 27th. We’ve also recently gotten a BIG update on the Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana attraction, and Connections Eatery is already open! So what’s still left?
EPCOT
If you’ve been to EPCOT recently, you know that the front section of this park is a maze of construction walls. Now, we’ve got another UPDATED look at some of the attractions and areas that will be located here in World Celebration when the construction finally wraps up. Here’s a hint — a beloved detail is finally going to return to this area!
Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley posted on Instagram today with some concept art of the World Celebration space, along with more details about the area. We’ve already seen the concept art of CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza, which are new festival areas coming to this EPCOT land. But now we know more about some lighting, decor, and landscaping elements that guests will find there.
©Disney
Does anyone else miss the lights in the ground that used to be part of Future World in EPCOT?
Lights in the pavement | 2019
There were sparkly squares and colorful patterns in the area just behind Spaceship Earth. These lights went away when EPCOT began renovations a few years ago, but now Disney has confirmed that they’ll be coming BACK!
Lights | 2019
Riddley shared that “guests loved the fiber optics embedded in the pavement at EPCOT, and we’re excited to share that we’re bringing back new illuminated paving designs in World Celebration.” The new lighting fixtures will incorporate updated technology and “controllability to deliver some fun new lighting capabilities.” While we don’t know all the details about what kinds of new lighting we’ll see, you can tell from the concept art that the central EPCOT logo under the planter will be lit.
©Disney
The new areas will also have “hero features,” which are big artistic elements like topiaries and sculptures. These will change depending on the season and which festival EPCOT is hosting at the time. Riddley said that this image represents the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. The pieces will coordinate with the lights on Spaceship Earth.
©Disney
The CommuniCore Plaza was previously announced as a place to host live entertainment and performances during festivals. There will be different stages throughout the plaza so that guests can explore a variety of entertainment in the different gardens.
©Disney
Overall, World Celebration will have more than 12,000 individually controllable lighting fixtures, which Imagineers are hoping “will create a dynamic environment that will transform the area every night.” We’ll keep a lookout for more updates on this major project, so keep following DFB for all the latest news.
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Click HERE for All the News and Details about EPCOT’s Transformation!
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Are you a fan of the light-up pavement in EPCOT? Let us know in the comments!
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Finally, a piece of the past will get passed on to the new generation of Epcot visitors. I remember seeing the sparkling walkways 30 years ago and have always appreciated the uniqueness that fit the Epcot persona. Love it…
Yes! I am so happy to hear this! We loved those pavement lights. Thank you Disney (for bringing them back) and Thank you DFB for discovering this information (about the pavement lights return) and most importantly sharing it with us. I can always count you all.
Now we just need to know when? Any ideas DFB team??
The twinkle lights in the pavement in Epcot have always been a regular and favorite attraction for my boys and family ever since we first took them there at ages 2.5 and 3.5 years young! At night as we walked towards the exit of Epcot we always made sure to walk on the lit pathway which our boys called the special”Tinker bell Fairy Magic dust” sidewalk!!! We used to dance on the path everytime! Our boys had a name, a title, description, a story or a connection for everything and still do today. After dozens of annual trips to Epcot and during our last visit, pre covid, we noticed many lights broken, missing, not well lit and looking like they were not important anymore to Disney. It is a breath of fresh air to know that they will be re introduced, updated and improved for many kids and people to enjoy once again! Including our boys who are now adults and still look forward to walking on the “Magic Fairy dust” in Epcot once again soon. Thank you!