What’s Next at Walt Disney World’s Epcot
Today is Monday the 26th of August, otherwise known in my home as The Day to Sort Through D23 Expo Announcements.
Last week some of the luckiest people on the planet came together in Anaheim, California, to celebrate all things Disney, including learning about what’s next for Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line, and the world of Disney entertainment – yes, including the Marvel Universe. *swoon* I have not yet visited Star War’s Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but I’ve already got my sights set on the future of Epcot as the park undergoes the largest transformation in the history of Disney Parks.
Mary Poppins Attraction
There has been a lot of debate in my home regarding additional character integration throughout Epcot, especially in World Showcase, but the announcement that Poppins is coming to the UK Pavilion sent us all into a joyful frenzy. The attraction will exist on Cherry Tree Lane, part of a new neighborhood inside the United Kingdom Pavilion. The ride will be situated inside the Banks’ home at 17 Cherry Tree Lane. But of course. If the France Pavilion is more your style (cheese! wine!), look out for the 2020 debut of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, where guests will shrink to the size of Chef Remy and race through Gusteau’s restaurant on a wild adventure.
New Nighttime Spectacular, HarmoniUS, to Replace Illuminations: Reflections of Earth
I was admittedly broken up when I learned that Illuminations was ending its run as the kiss goodnight from Epcot, and yes, I even visited one last time to say goodbye. But I’m excited for the 2020 debut of HarmoniUS, the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for Disney Parks. The show will focus on the ways in which Disney music has inspired people around the world for generations. Warning: I will sing along. Loudly. And speaking of singing, the classic Impressions de France film in the France Pavilion will be joined by the new “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along,” debuting in January 2020.
Spaceship Earth Reimagined
If you’re able to read these words, thank the Phoenicians.
Don’t worry, the Phoenicians aren’t going anywhere, but the words you hear while riding through time are changing. New narration and an entirely new musical score will focus on the moments and ideas that define the story of humanity. Guests will follow a magical “story light” that brings the entire experience to life in dynamic ways, giving each scene energy and beauty that ties the entire journey together.
Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana”
The reimagination of Epcot will include the creation of four neighborhoods: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery. World Nature will focus on celebrating the natural world and will include the existing pavilions The Land and The Seas with Nemo and Friends. The Journey of Water experience will be part of the World Nature neighborhood. This lush exploration trail will invite guests to meet and play with magical, living water. The water will have a life of its own – just like Moana’s friend, the ocean – and guests will learn about the importance of the natural water cycle.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
The World Discovery neighborhood of the reimagined Epcot will take guests to an “other world” experience for the first time inside that park. After walking through a planetarium-like “Galaxarium,” guests will depart on a story-telling coaster, which includes Disney’s first reverse-launch coaster. Sign me up! Also in the World Discovery neighborhood, the PLAY! pavilion will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. In this digital metropolis, guests will discover an interactive city bursting with games, activities and experiences that connect them with friends, family and beloved Disney characters – both real and virtual – like never before. As part of this new pavilion, guests will have the chance to help legendary fashion icon Edna Mode on her quest to rid the world of uninspired style, or make a splash competing in a water-balloon fight hosted by Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby.
Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience
If you can’t wait to learn more about these upcoming changes and more, good news. You don’t have to. Beginning October 1, 2019, you can visit the Epcot Experience in the Odyssey Events Pavilion, featuring interactive exhibits outlining the upcoming transformation of Walt Disney World’s Epcot park.
