Disney4me Posted November 28, 2023 Report Share Posted November 28, 2023 Disney announced that EPCOT’s transformation would be completed in December 2023. EPCOT While Disney World is always changing and updating, EPCOT has seen a MASSIVE overhaul. Walt Disney proclaimed, during the beginning ideas of EPCOT, that it would “always be in a state of becoming.” And this transformation is doing just that, bringing EPCOT into a new state of past, present, and future. But what exactly has all changed since the transformation began? That’s exactly what we’re here to tell you about. New Worlds Let’s start with one of the most important changes that we’ve seen inside EPCOT. If you’re trying to get around, it’s important to know the names of the areas you’re trying to get to. What once was known as World Showcase and simply Future World (or commonly designated by the attractions you find in the area, for example– The Land and The Seas), are now separate “neighborhoods’ named World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery. Neighborhoods on a map This change may seem small, but it lays the foundation for all the other changes. Now, you can locate where the next attraction you want to go to is fairly easily by matching it to the neighborhood it belongs in. But this was just one of the many changes we have seen at EPCOT. Entrance EPCOT’s transformation really begins at the park’s entrance. Disney is known for getting all of your senses involved in your experience and the changes to EPCOT have even included new music as you walk into the park. You can also see that the Leave A Legacy monoliths have moved and been given a colorful upgrade. Leave a Legacy Walls in EPCOT If you walk a little further into the park, near Spaceship Earth you’ll find a new water feature. The new fountain, along with the three new acrylic pylons and 12 new flags, bridge the past, present, and future of EPCOT together. The pylons look especially beautiful at night! Spaceship Earth and the new fountain Spaceship Earth Before we step inside any of the world “neighborhoods” too far, let’s talk about how Spaceship Earth has changed. During the 50th Anniversary celebration of Disney World, the four icons from each park became the “Beacons of Magic” at night. When the 50th celebration ended, Spaceship Earth kept the new lighting and now you can capture new shows presented on the big ball. Spaceship Earth during EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays World Celebration At the very beginning of EPCOT, CommuniCore East and CommuniCore West were near the center of the park and served as the park’s “Main Street.” But they were eventually removed to make way for Innovations East and West and Mouse Gear, the central shopping center. However, in 2023, it seems we are bringing back some old-school features in a reimagined way. Mouse Gear Mouse Gear was officially closed in 2019 and has been replaced with Creations Shop. And Innovations East and West are completely gone and instead you’ll find Connections Eatery, Connections Cafe (Starbucks), and Club Cool (which was reimagined and updated as part of the transformation). Connections Cafe & Eatery in EPCOT Yet to come in World Celebration is Dreamer’s Point. This will be a new location with the NEW “Walt the Dreamer” statue and beautiful gardens, a wishing tree, and a story fountain. “Walt the Dreamer” Also still to come, are CommuniCore Plaza and CommuniCore Hall –throwing back to the old names for the park’s central hub. Disney has said that these will serve as a “home base” for EPCOT’s festivals and live entertainment. We’ve been keeping an eye on the construction as it’s due to be done in about a month or a little more! CommuniCore Hall World Discovery World Discovery has seen a couple of big changes within the transformation (other than its name). Space 220, a new restaurant, was opened in 2021 adding to the Mission Space area. You take a simulated “elevator” into orbit 220 miles above Earth. Space 220 Universe of Energy– Ellen’s Energy Adventure featuring Bill Nye the Science Guy closed permanently to make room for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind which officially opened in 2022. It became EPCOT’s first-ever roller coaster and quickly a fan-favorite ride in Disney World! Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind World Nature World Nature recently became home to the brand new attraction Journey of Water– Inspired by Moana. This walk-through attraction takes you on a journey with water as you learn and play. Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana Not only did the attraction featuring Moana open, but Moana herself has come to EPCOT! You can now meet the young way-sailor near the new attraction’s entrance. Moana in EPCOT And over in The Land, you can watch the new film Awesome Planet, which debuted in 2020! Awesome Planet World Showcase Many people will be able to tell you about one big transformation that happened over at the World Showcase. The France pavilion got an entire expansion! Now you can join Remy on his Ratatouille Adventure which opened in 2021. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Along with the new ride, an all-new restaurant came to France– La Crêperie de Paris. You can get counter service or talk service at this crepe shop that features a delicious menu from celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse. La Crêperie de Paris And finally, the finale, literally and figuratively. Luminous: Symphony of Us is set to debut on December 5th! It is a nighttime spectacular in honor of Disney’s 100th Anniversary. Luminous replaces Harmonious which had previously replaced IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at the start of the transformation. ©Disney There have been a few other changes and additions around EPCOT such as the addition of the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, also in the France Pavilion, and the new restaurant, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya, in the Japan Pavilion. And we’re sure in the many years to come, EPCOT will continue to be in the “state of becoming.” We’re looking forward to the completion of this transformation and to enjoying all the new additions to their full extent. Until then, keep following DFB for more Disney news. Disney Shared a First Look at the MUSIC for EPCOT’s New Fireworks Show! Want MORE Details About EPCOT’s MASSIVE Transformation? NEW Festival Areas, Gardens, a Meet-and-Greet Area, and More Are Coming to EPCOT Learn All About Journey of Water -- Inspired by Moana Has the Mary Poppins Project at Disney World Been Canceled? What’s Been CUT From the EPCOT Transformation? SNEAK PEEK at the NEW Fireworks Show Coming to EPCOT Click HERE for All the News and Details about EPCOT’s Transformation! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest EPCOT transformation news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What part of EPCOT’s transformation are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!The post Every Single CHANGE Since EPCOT’s Transformation Began first appeared on the disney food blog.View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.