Last week’s announcements during the IAAPA and D23 Fantastic Worlds events gave some clarity to the direction of EPCOT, but raised more questions about some aspects of what was originally announced for the park’s transformation.
As Disney moved to confirm that Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will move to a 2021 opening, we did not get a timeline update on the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, or Space 220. Guardians has reached the milestone of vehicle testing, and some show elements are arriving on site, which seems to be a very positive step.
The PLAY! pavilion seems to have completely dropped off the menu, at least for now. In a press release issued this week there is no mention of the reworked Wonders pavilion. PLAY! was planned to be an interactive experience that may just become unfeasible given the current COVID-19 health restrictions. Disney may be waiting to see how things develop and if this could once again become a possibility.
Another addition that is pending easing of health restriction is Harmonious. The return of nighttime shows at Disney is thought to be considered for Spring 2021, and construction of Harmonious is continuing. Disney also confirmed that the massive show barges will remain on the lagoon during the day, disguised by a daytime fountain show.
Also missing from any recent discussions is the rework of Spaceship Earth. Originally planned to begin earlier this year, the changes were put on hold as the company scrambled to save money and get EPCOT back open to guests in July. We may see this later, but for now Spaceship Earth will remain as is.
At the center of the park, there are more questions about what will become of the central spine.
As work slowly continues on gutting the former Innoventions buildings, the elaborate festival center is gone from the plans, but what will replace it is open to interpretation. New wording in the press release describes a “newly reimagined festival area.” Are we looking at an open area of land that will house some event kiosks? It is a distinct possibility.
Staying with the center of the park, Dreamers point remains, as does the statue of Walt Disney. We also expect the new Starbucks, Mouse Gear and other food, beverage and retail to feature.
The Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana remains in the plans, which means we should see a total demolition of the still standing Innoventions West building.
And finally there is Mary Poppins. The United Kingdom pavilion came so close to finally getting an attraction, but this one failed to get out of the starting gate and was canceled back in July.
Article Posted:
Nov 23, 2020 / 8:24am ET