At the D23 Expo 2019, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek revealed massive plans for the transformation of Epcot. Chapek says, "Epcot inspires us all to see and do more," which is apparent as Disney continues the biggest transformation of any Disney park in history with new attractions and experiences.
Chapek was joined by Zach Riddley of Walt Disney Imagineering and other special guests, as he made several exciting announcements about the future of the park, including that Epcot will now have four neighborhoods!
Epcot will be unified with four neighborhoods: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery. Each of these neighborhoods will be filled with new experiences with innovation that will take you to new destinations, "where the real is made fantastic in a celebration of curiosity, hands-on wonder and the magic of possibility."
Let's explore the new offerings coming to each of the four neighborhoods.
World Showcase
World Showcase will continue to be a celebration of the culture, cuisine, architecture and traditions of the countries but there may be some new magic brewing!
Mary Poppins Inspired Attraction Is Coming to the United Kingdom Pavilion
Dick Van Dyke stepped on stage to announce that a Mary Poppins inspired attraction is coming to the United Kingdom pavilion! The first-ever Mary Poppins themed attraction at at Disney Park will let you walk down Cherry Tree Lane including Admiral Boom’s house! You will then enter Number 17, home of the Banks family, where your Mary Poppins themed adventure will begin.
New Nighttime Spectacular - HarmonioUS Will Deubt In 2020
Following the limited-time run of “Epcot Forever,” the new “HarmonioUS” will debut in 2020 as the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park. The spectacular will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people across the world. The music will feature familiar Disney tunes reinterpreted by a diverse group of artists from around the globe.
“HarmonioUS” will feature grandiose floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers and more.
France Pavilion Additions Include a New Attraction, Crêperie, and Sing-Along
In summer 2020, the France pavilion will offer even more, including the much-anticipated attraction Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. The attraction shrinks you to the size of Chef Remy as you race through Gusteau’s restaurant on a wild adventure.
Also in the Summer 2020 a new restaurant in the France pavilion, La Crêperie de Paris, will debut. The Crêperie will offer both table- and quick-service options featuring a menu from celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse.
Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, a new “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along,” will debut in January 2020. The new sing-along, directed by Don Hahn who produced both version of the tale as old as time, will join the classic Impressions de France film.
New Films Honor World Showcase Countries
At the Canada Pavilion a new 360 film, “Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360” will debut in January 2020 with new scenes and a new story.
In the China pavilion, “Wondrous China” will take guests on a journey across the wonderful country, filmed and presented in a completely seamless 360-degree digital format.
World Celebration
Bob Chapek explained World Celebration as "an experience that connects guests with Epcot's unique DNA." This neighborhood will offer experiences that connect us to one another and the world around us.
Spaceship Earth Will Receive Some Enhancements
The iconic Spaceship Earth will remain Epcot's icon and the attraction that takes you through through time but the journey will transform with new scenes to reflect the power of storytelling that can unite the human experience. There will be some changes to the attraction including a new narration and a new musical score that will focus on the moments and ideas that define our story. Also being added to the attraction is a magical “story light” that you follow throughout the story to bring the entire experience to life by giving each scene energy and beauty tying the entire journey together.
Dreamer's Point
As you exit Spaceship Earth, you’ll discover a breathtaking new view of World Showcase from "Dreamers Point." At Dreamers Point there will be a new statue celebrating the legacy of the original dreamer, Walt Disney. The area will also include beautiful natural greenery and design elements filled with Disney magic and surprises. Here you can find a wishing tree in an enchanted forest and a story fountain celebrating the power and music of iconic Disney storytelling.
New Three-Level Pavilion is Home Base for Epcot's Festivals
A new pavilion is being designed for live events and the home base for Epcot’s festivals. The three-level structure will provide an elevated view of the entire park and will be the ideal spot to witness Epcot’s nighttime spectacular. This beautiful structure will including a plaza level, a middle expo level, and a park that sits in the sky on the top level.
New Entrance Plaza
Epcot’s entrance plaza will be also be transformed with new experiences that "connect us with the world." The new plaza will include a reimagined fountain, new pathways and sweeping green spaces that pay homage to the origins of Epcot.
World Nature
World Nature is dedicated to understanding the beauty and balance of the natural world. It will include The Land and The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilions.
New "Moana" Themed Experience Coming to Epcot!
A New "Moana" themed experience is coming to Epcot The Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana,” the first experience inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film, will be a lush exploration trail that invites you to meet and play with living water. Get ready, the water will have a life of its own! You’ll learn about the importance of the natural water cycle.
Land Pavilion Will Debut New Film in January 2020
The Land pavilion’s new film, “Awesome Planet,” will showcase the beauty, diversity and dynamic story of the planet. The new film is set to debut in January 2020.
World Discovery
In World Discovery you can explore the realms of science, technology and even take part in an intergalactic adventure.
"Guardians of the Galaxy" Coaster Details Revealed
The much-anticipated ride, Guardians of the Galaxy, received a name! The coaster will be called Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and will be the first “other-world” showcase pavilion at Epcot. The adventure starts in the “Galaxarium,” a planetarium-like area that explores the mysteries of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar. You will be then be invited to learn more about the treasures Xandar has to share but then suddenly the Guardians of the Galaxy arrive and your adventure starts! The attraction will feature a new innovation from Walt Disney Imagineering – a storytelling coaster that rotates 360 degrees to focus your attention on the action. The attraction will also include the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster!
Space Restaurant Receives a Name and New Details are Announced!
As part of the expansion of the Mission: SPACE pavilion a new space-themed restaurant will provide you fantastic food and meals that are out of this world. The new restaurant will be called Space 220 and will include daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles up.
You’ll board a special elevator for a journey to the space station that is home to an amazing dining experience. On the way up, viewports will give you a real-time perspective as you travel high above the planet. Opening this winter, Space 220 will be operated by the Patina Group who also operates Via Napoli.
PLAY! Pavilion With Games, Activities, and Experiences Coming to Epcot
The PLAY! pavilion is a digital metropolis where you’ll discover an interactive city bursting with games, activities and experiences that connect you with friends, family and beloved Disney characters (both real and virtual.) You'll even have the chance to help legendary fashion icon Edna Mode on her quest to rid the world of uninspired style! You can also compete in a water-balloon fight with Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby. The new PLAY! pavilion will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World.
As you can tell (if you made it this far) there is A LOT happening at Epcot. You’ll be able to see these exciting plans for Epcot when doors open Oct. 1, 2019, for Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience in the Odyssey Events Pavilion.
We will bring you more details as soon as we receive them!
News & Media Source: Disney Parks Blog