Construction projects abound at Epcot from the front to the back of the park. Many of you will rejoice as we say farewell to the Leave A Legacy monoliths. And we have updates on the Guardians of the Galaxy and Play Pavilions, as well as Ratatouille. And, just to tide you over until your next visit . . . colorful photos from the Flower & Gardens Festival . . . 

Majestic Military Appreciation

Navy Blue Angels performed several passes above the iconic Spaceship Earth attraction this morning in honor of Military Appreciation Month.

Epcot Parking Lot and Entrance Changes

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Work has started on removing the Leave a Legacy “statues” and for remodeling the entrance plaza outside of the park. Getting into Epcot is a necessary mess right now and there are green walls everywhere! 

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Just like at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, they’ve livened up the construction walls with some eye-catching images from the pavilions.

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

The tram stops have a bit of a walk, just like at the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

 

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot
Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho…it’s off to Epcot we go!

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at EpcotI spy, with my photographer’s eye, some Guardians of the Galaxy construction! But more on that later, we need to get through security.

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Leave A Legacy Monument Removal

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

The Leave A Legacy monuments were always a bit controversial. They’re not particularly attractive, and they’re more of an obstruction than anything. Apparently, they will be relocated to a new garden area out of the way. Do you have any ideas where they’re going to be moved to?

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

I can’t wait for the new entrance fountain to be completed! It’s going to be a spectacular photo opportunity for vacationers.

And Now…Some glamour shots of Spaceship Earth!

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Guardians of the Galaxy Coaster Construction

Let’s see what is going on with the former Universe of Energy Pavilion.

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot
Views of the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster construction wall and entrance.

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

The solar panels have been removed from the roof. 

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Play Pavilion

Next to Guardians, there’s not a lot of visible work going on in the spot of the future Play Pavilion (former Wonders of Life). 

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

But check out that show building in the back:

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Mission Space and the Space Restaurant

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot
How did that mischevious Stitch get in here?
Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot
You can glimpse a crane over Mission Space. Work continues on the new space-themed restaurant.

The space-themed restaurant that will be operated by the Patina Group is coming along nicely. Hopefully, they’ve fixed the sound issues coming from Test Track. And the problem with space being a vacuum…just sayin’.

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Land Pavillion Updates

The Land Pavilion is getting a few minor updates.

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot
Did you know that the seasons of the balloons are mirrored on the table tops of the eating area?
Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot
They’ve used some foliage to block the dining view of the Garden Grill restaurant. Or, there’s a surplus of salad!

The Harvest Theater Updates

Awesome Planet is coming to the Harvest Theater. Originally, Symbiosis was shown here from 1982 to 1994. It was replaced by the Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable, which ran until February, 2018.

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot
Ae you happy to see something new here?
Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot
We’ll see if the wall carpet survives.

Everyone loves the wall carpet in the waiting area for the Harvest Theater. I wonder if they will replace it. Any guesses?

Smoking Areas Going, Going, Gone!

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot
This smoking area will go away this week as Disney removes them from all of the US parks.
Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot
Won’t see these anymore soon.
Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot
Or these, for that matter.

Let’s Stop and Smell the Seas!

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

It’s time for a break to enjoy the Seas with Nemo and Friends.

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

No changes to the Character Spot. Although, it is rumored to be changing once the Play Pavilion opens sometime in the next few years.

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Ratatouille and Skyliner Construction

As you cross the bridge from the United Kingdom to France, you’ll see a large new show building for the upcoming Ratatouille attraction.  The scale is a bit larger than the surrounding buildings. 

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

And what’s that you spy above the Friendship boat?  The Skyliner! 

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

The massive stations have been built and the system is already testing.  

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

The International Gateway into Epcot is being reworked.  

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Flower and Garden Festival

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

The Flower and Garden Festival continues. The festival runs until June 3, so it’s still got a while to go. Although, the topiaries and flowers are still as beautiful as ever!

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot
Annual Passholders can stop by Mouse Gear for the special Daisy Duck Magnet. 
Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot
I am speed…er, flowers…

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Surprise Magic Kingdom Update!

Arrival Update

George from ImagiNERDing visited the Magic Kingdom on Saturday for a quick update. The Magic Kingdom parking lot tram stop is now before the bridge under Seven Seas Drive and no longer takes you to the security checkpoint at the TTC.

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

The change is in preparation for the stroller size changes and a new security checkpoint. Hopefully, the new security check will be more streamlined.

Tron Ride

Inside the park, Tron coaster construction is still in the groundwork phase. 

Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

Disney’s Hollywood Studios at 30 Press Event

Lots of big news coming out of the Studios park. Chloe captured the details for us yesterday: 

The Reinvention of Disney’s Hollywood Studios – 30 Years in the Making


That does it for this week!

What are your thoughts on the major changes coming to Epcot? Will it make the park a must-visit? Which of the upcoming attractions is the one you are looking forward to most? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

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Epcot Construction, Dateline Disney World: Times Are-A-Changin’ at Epcot

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Cory Disbrow
Cory likes Walt Disney World so much, he recently packed his bags and moved to Orlando. Cory is a photographer and writes MiceChat's Dateline Disney World columns every Friday.