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
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!
Just like at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, they’ve livened up the construction walls with some eye-catching images from the pavilions.
The tram stops have a bit of a walk, just like at the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
I spy, with my photographer’s eye, some Guardians of the Galaxy construction! But more on that later, we need to get through security.
Leave A Legacy Monument Removal
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?
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!
Guardians of the Galaxy Coaster Construction
Let’s see what is going on with the former Universe of Energy Pavilion.
The solar panels have been removed from the roof.
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).
But check out that show building in the back:
Mission Space and the Space 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’.
Land Pavillion Updates
The Land Pavilion is getting a few minor updates.
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.
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!
Let’s Stop and Smell the Seas!
It’s time for a break to enjoy the Seas with Nemo and Friends.
No changes to the Character Spot. Although, it is rumored to be changing once the Play Pavilion opens sometime in the next few years.
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.
And what’s that you spy above the Friendship boat? The Skyliner!
The massive stations have been built and the system is already testing.
The International Gateway into Epcot is being reworked.
Flower and Garden Festival
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!
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.
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.
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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