Disney brought us a whirlwind of updates during Destination D23 this year.
We learned that Test Track is getting a reimagining, a new Zootopia show is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and so much more. But even with all of those news bombs, there were still a few major updates that Disney left out of their announcements this year. Let’s take a look at some of the changes we are still waiting for answers on.
EPCOT is in the middle of a major multi-year transformation, and we have heard all kinds of news about potential additions over the years. While a lot has already opened — from thrilling rides to new restaurants and shops — unfortunately, Disney has gone radio-silent on some of those updates.
Mary Poppins Attraction
Back in 2019 — yes, years ago — we first learned about a Mary Poppins attraction coming to EPCOT during the D23 Expo. Dick Van Dyke himself even helped make the announcement with a bit of song!
According to Disney, this attraction would allow guests to “step in time down Cherry Tree Land past Admiral Boom’s house, then enter Number 17, home of the Banks family.” The plan was for it to come to EPCOT’s UK Pavilion, but is that still the case?
In March 2020, the attraction was officially put on hold. Since Disney didn’t state that it had been canceled, we were still holding out hope!
However, it has been quite a while since we have heard anything about it, and Disney didn’t mention it during Destination D23 this year.
Spaceship Earth
At the same time that we learned about the Mary Poppins attraction, Disney shared that Spaceship Earth would be getting a reimagining.
The basic structure of the ride was supposed to remain the same, but instead of the narration focusing on great moments in the human history of communication, new scenes in the ride would focus on storytelling and “reflect human themes.”
But just like with the Mary Poppins attraction, news of this update has slowed to a halt. In 2020, Disney shared that the overhaul of this ride was postponed indefinitely. Unfortunately, we didn’t hear any updates this year at Destination D23.
Play! Pavilion
Lastly, this EPCOT transformation was to include the new Play! Pavilion — a “digital metropolis” set in the former Wonders of Life Pavilion. Disney shared that this would feature interactive experiences, games, entertainment, hands-on activities… AND favorite Disney characters, both virtual and real!
Back in the fall of 2022, we saw some workers on the top of the building for the first time in a long time — but in the following months, not a lot of activity happened.
In fact, Disney actually removed it from the park map in January! Previously, the map showed the building with a “Future Home of PLAY!” sign on top…
…but after the update, the designation is gone.
Did Disney scrap this project? It’s possible that Disney changed, renamed, or otherwise altered the plans for this attraction and that’s why they are pulling back, but they haven’t commented on the matter officially. Unfortunately, we didn’t hear anything about this project during this year’s Destination D23 either.
Will Disney comment further on these projects soon? We’re keeping an eye out for any updates, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
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