The Epcot Transformation Begins
The information shared at D23 Expo 2019 was overwhelming—and exciting. In the last episode of SamsDisneyDiary, we recapped all the key announcements from the Parks and Resorts panel. From Magic Happens at Disneyland to the Zootopia expansion in Shanghai and the Avengers Campus coming to both California and Paris, there’s a lot to look forward to.
But the biggest news of all? A multi-year transformation of Epcot that promises to change the park forever.
This blog takes a deep dive into the Epcot transformation, not just what was announced—but what’s already underway.
From Future World to Four Neighborhoods
Epcot has always been a park rooted in two concepts: a never-ending world’s fair (World Showcase) and a celebration of technology, nature, and the future (Future World). Now, that original vision evolves with the announcement of four neighborhoods:
- World Celebration
- World Discovery
- World Nature
- World Showcase
The reimagining begins the moment you step inside the park.
A New Entrance and Dreamers Point
The entrance area will become greener and more welcoming. The Millennium Celebration markers will be relocated, replaced with natural topiaries and landscaping. A new version of Epcot’s original fountain will appear at the base of Spaceship Earth.
Even Spaceship Earth itself will change, shifting from a story of communication to a journey through the power of storytelling, with a new narrator and musical score.
Exiting Spaceship Earth, guests will enter Dreamers Point, a newly designed area with sweeping views, gardens, and a statue of Walt Disney, celebrating the dream that started it all.
World Celebration and the Park’s New Center
The heart of Epcot becomes World Celebration, home to:
- Interactive gardens
- A wishing tree that comes to life
- A storytelling fountain
- The new Celebration Pavilion – a three-level festival hub with live events and rooftop views of nighttime shows
World Discovery – Coasters and Space Dining
To the left of Spaceship Earth is World Discovery, home to science, space, and storytelling coasters.
- Space 220 Restaurant – Guests will “travel” 220 miles above Earth via a space elevator and dine with panoramic views of space.
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Disney’s first reverse-launch coaster begins with the Galaxarium and takes guests from Earth to Xandar and back in an epic storytelling ride experience.
- PLAY! Pavilion – An interactive digital city filled with games and character experiences, including Edna Mode and the DuckTales gang.
World Nature and the Journey of Water
To the right of the park lies World Nature, focusing on harmony with the natural world.
- Journey of Water, inspired by Moana – A lush trail where guests interact with water, learning about its natural cycle and magic.
- Classic attractions like The Seas with Nemo, The Land, and Imagination Pavilion continue to educate and entertain.
Updates to World Showcase
World Showcase sees changes too:
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse opens in the American Adventure Pavilion with real barbecue and a brand-new smoker on the promenade.
- Wondrous China, Canada Far and Wide, Awesome Planet, and a Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along refresh World Showcase films for the 2020 Festival of the Arts.
- Epcot Forever debuts October 1, 2019, as a temporary nighttime show before HarmonioUS—Disney’s biggest nighttime spectacular—takes its place.
Experience the Future of Epcot
Much of the model from the D23 Expo 2019 will appear at the Odyssey Events Pavilion in Epcot as part of Walt Disney Imagineering Presents the Epcot Experience, giving guests a firsthand look at what’s coming.
