Photo: Walt Disney World
Major changes are afoot atWalt Disney World.
Epcot—an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, so you know—is currently undergoing aMiss Congeniality–level makeover, and the companyjust announcedtwo brand new features for park-goers to get excited about.
The first is what they’re temporarily calling the “play pavilion,” which is a dramatic transformation of the golden-domed Festival Center in Future World. The space previously housed the Wonders of Life attraction, which closed in 2007, and has only been used for special events like theEpcot International Food & Wine Festivalsince then.
While exact details about the type of attractions it will feature have not been released, the new pavilion promises a futuristic look (rendering below), offering the experience of an “innovative, interactive city bursting with games and hands-on activities,” according to Disney’s press release.
Walt Disney World
Guests will also be able to interact withDisney charactersin a setting that’s “unlike anything ever seen before at Epcot,” the company states.
Disney is also redesigning the entrance to the theme park leading up to the iconic spherical Spaceship Earth (rendering at top). The redesign promises “sweeping green spaces and a newly reimagined fountain,” potentially providing a new backdrop for that perfect Instagram shot.
The new developments will be timed to the Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary in October 2021, and are part of an ongoing series of renovations to Epcot, which opened in 1982 as the second of what is now four parks at the resort.
In 2020, they plan to openRemy’s Ratatouille Adventure rideat the France pavilion in the World Showcase, along with aBeauty and the Beastsingalong in the same area. There will also be a new nighttime spectacular show debuting that same year, replacing the popular Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, which will wrap up later this year after a 20-year run.
source: people.com
