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Disney has been talking about changes to Epcot for SEVERAL years, and it's currently undergoing a major transformation.
Recently, Disney Imagineers completed the Creations Shop - a unique (and massive) merchandise shop near Mission: Space and Test Track. Club Cool was relocated next door to Creations Shop, offering guests the beloved experience of tasting Coca-Cola products from around the World. Most recently, Connections Cafe + Eatery opened across the breezeway from Creations Shop, in just about the exact location as the Electric Umbrella from years' past.
However, Disney did recently announce some scale backs on certain projects and have even scrapped some that were announced prior to Covid!
Here's what's happening around Epcot NOW:
New Neighborhoods of Epcot:
What we knew of "Future World" is no more - physically, most of the buildings that made up Future World have been torn down or gutted to the concrete shells of stores, eateries, and attractions that they once were.
Soon, Disney will complete the "subdivision" of 3 new "neighborhoods" within the old Future World space:
- World Celebration
- World Discovery
- World Nature
Originally, these neighborhoods were going to be MAJOR overhauls with over-the-top theming, but things haven't quite gone as expected. *insert sad face here*
Before we get ourselves too worked up, we can all rest easy knowing that each new "neighborhood" will still see the amazing Disney Magic that was coming!
World Celebration:
The World Celebration neighborhood covers the area in the front of the park - around Spaceship Earth - down the middle of the park, to World Showcase Lagoon.
Per Disney, this neighborhood "will offer experiences that connect us to one another in the world."
Currently under construction, World Celebration Garden is the reimagined area where Fountain of Nations once stood. We don't know about anyone else, but Epcot getting more greenery in this open space is music to our ears!
Here's an excerpt from Disney's press release regarding World Celebration:
"World Celebration will offer a beautiful hub divided into several different gardens, with a central planter based on the five-ring Epcot logo. Filled with ample seating and shade, you'll be invited to connect with one another and the nature around you in this lush new area. Each of these gardens will have its own identity and they'll change with the festivals throughout the year."
One thing that's definitely making a comeback is our favorite pathway lighting designs. Disney has said that the new illuminated pathway designs will sparkle more than ever! These pathways will be around each planter and in the rings that make up the Epcot logo.
Dreamers Point:
Dreamers Point will be a new statue of Walt Disney, right inside World Celebration. This statue will celebrate the legacy of "the original dreamer".
When Disney announced this statue (which was also confirmed at the November 2021 D23 Expo), it was also announced that a "wishing tree" would be in an enchanted forest would also be placed. Along with the "wishing tree", a "story fountain" celebrating the power and music of iconic Disney storytelling would also be placed in the gardens.
Connections Cafe + Eatery and Creations Shop:
Connections Cafe is a new quick service spot next to Creations Shop in World Celebration. This is the new permanent location for Starbucks and replaces the beloved Electric Umbrella of Future World past.
This spot offers unique takes on theme park classics with items like the French Bistro Burger, General Tso Chicken Salad, and Curry Spice Pizza. (This location also offers unlimited refills on fountain drinks, which we LOVE!)
Creations Shop is the flagship store in Epcot that replaced Mouse Gear, housing the most Epcot and WDW themed merchandise in the whole park. It's a super unique shopping experience with beautiful displays and a wide variety of souvenirs, reminiscent of The Emporium on Main Street in Magic Kingdom.
Club Cool:
Club Cool is a unique "attraction" in its own right - with 6 tasting stations to try various Coca-Cola drinks from around the world. We DARE you to try the Beverly! This is a Coca-Cola branded/themed store as well, so you can shop for the Coca-Cola lover in your life with t-shirts and tumblers alike.
World Nature:
The World Nature neighborhood covers the area to the right of World Discovery - The Land Pavilion and The Seas pavilion with the aquarium and the Finding Nemo attraction.
Journey of Water:
Disney has said that this area "will be the first ever experience based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios hit film, 'Moana', and will let guests interact with magical, living water in a beautiful and inspiring setting".
World Discovery:
The World Discovery neighborhood coves the area to the left of World Nature - Test Track, Mission: Space, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (NEW!). Disney says this neighborhood will be "where stories about science, technology, and intergalactic adventure come to life".
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (OPENS MAY 27, 2022):
This indoor roller coaster was announced in 2017 at the D23 Expo and it's just as awesome as it seemed back then. The new attraction is housed where Ellen's Energy Adventure once was and most of the original building is used for the queue for GotG.
Space 220:
The "out of this world" dining experience opened in mid-September 2021 and has been a HIT ever since. The premise of this restaurant is that you are 220 miles above the Earth (get it? Space 220?) and offers celestial panoramic views of Earth, during both day and night time. Space 220 is located right next to Mission:Space and the "elevator" ride up and down really adds to the illusion of dining in space - you may even see some astronauts and space ships floating around!
The menu at Space 220 is pre-fix and has separate options for lunch and dinner. With lunch, guests are offered an appetizer and entree for $59, plus tax. For dinner, guests can choose from an appetizer, entree, and dessert for $79, plus tax. Of course, kids have a separate menu and pricing.
PLAY! Pavilion:
The PLAY! Pavilion is one of the projects that many people are worried won't make the cut when it comes to things being completed. Said to be located in the old Wonders of Life pavilion, this overhaul will include an "innovative city" and will host "interactive character experiences, hands-on activities, and engaging entertainment". From Disney's announcement regarding this pavilion, guests will be afforded the opportunity to help Edna Mode and compete in a water balloon fight with Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webbie.
What are you looking forward to the most? Leave a comment and let us know!
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