Hello, and welcome to Dateline Disney World! This week, we will get you up to date with all of the major announcements made for Epcot at this year’s D23 Expo. Lots of photos to get to today, so let’s get this party started . . .
Welcome to Epcot!Plans are underway to transform Epcot’s arrival experience. That should mean a removal of the Leave a Legacy tombstones.
No word yet on an opening date for Guardians or what type of ride it will be.Surprisingly, the building will remain. There will simply be a new sign out front. No word on the type of ride experience. Though it is somehow based upon Star Lord’s (Peter Quill) prior visit to Epcot as a child.
You can see a lot of new blue paint on the pavilion though.
Hasn’t been installed everywhere yet.This is the mural on the side of the pavilion, still with a teal background. Pretty big change.
Part of what Disney announced at D23 was the injection of more IP at the park. They attributed much of this idea to the success of attractions like Frozen Ever After.
A new film was announced for the China pavilion. It promises to use new technology to create a seamless Circle-Vision presentation.No title was announced, but this is exciting news!
The pathway from World Showcase to Future World near Imagination is currently walled off. Probably for Food and Wine installations.Again, this view may not look quite the same in a few years as the area inside the monorail loop becomes a new center part of Epcot. Or as we like to call it “Epcot Center.”Will these light up walkways go the way of Yesterland?
Bob Chapek said that this is only the beginning for Epcot. We are almost as excited about what hasn’t been announced as we are by what has. According to the MiceChat Podcast guys and Kevin Yee, In addition to the attractions mentioned above, the following projects are also in the works for Epcot’s future:
An all-new Illuminations
Replacement for Imagination Pavilion as it is today
Coco ride for Mexico (likely a retheme to the existing boat ride)
A new pavilion for World Showcase, Brazil
Just under 2 billion dollars has apparently been allocated for the transformation of this park. That’s a massive number. Whether you are a fan of the Epcot evolution plan or not, these projects will surely put this park back on track to accelerated attendance.
Time to head out!
Walt Disney World News
“Disney Movie Magic” has made its debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The latest nighttime spectacular is a celebration of Disney films, using special lighting and state of the art projection technology, it is a must see this Summer season.
Disney Springs Marketplace plays host to “ Beat the Heat DJ Dance Party”.
This Summer- inspired dance party takes place between “Earl of Sandwich” and “Once Upon a Toy” and features family friendly music. The party takes place daily from 1pm to 5pm. An evening dance party takes place from 6pm to 10pm.
If you visit Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom park, be on the look out for iCan the Showbot. This robot from another galaxy wants to learn all about us and our culture.
He can be spotted throughout the Rockettower Plaza area, having fun interactions and posing for photos through late August.
That does it for this week! How do you feel about all of the changes? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
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