Epcot Overhaul Rumors
With D23 arriving very soon and Epcot being the last WDW park to get its overhaul, WDWNT has compiled a list of epcot changes happening over the course of a 5 year expansion plan between 2018-2022. This means everything would supposedly be completed in time for Epcot's 40th anniversary. So lets get down to the nitty gritty and I will start with the rumors i feel are the most important and why.
INSIDE OUT REPLACING JOURNEY TO IMAGINATION
Inside Out was a great success for Disney Pixar but more importantly it showed that mental health is not a taboo topic. Using this film in Epcot would be a great gateway for discussion and the importance of mental health to all ages since among young adults my age, Depression and Anxiety is becoming more and more prominent. I personally realized Figment was on the chopping block when a few moths back, a guest survey asked guests if they knew who figment was. And while i do enjoy figment and the history of the ride, i do feel figment has run its course. Rumor states that Inside Out would replace Journey to Imagination but figment would have a small cameo within the ride similar to how Mr' Toad can be found hidden in the Pooh Ride at Magic Kingdom.
NEW ENTRANCE PLAZA
Rumor states here that there would be an entirely new entrance to Epcot, more properly matching the day and age we live in. This means no more "Leave a Legacy" stones in the entrance or most of the original 1982 structures.
NEW NIGHTTIME SHOW REPLACING ILLUMINATIONS
I am not a fan of Illuminations but it is one of the oldest shows running at any Disney park. Therefore there is no question that it will soon be retiring. If Wishes can be replaced ,and it was as beloved as illuminations, then it can too. In any case, i am sure fans can agree with new technology available a brand new fireworks spectacular can come to Epcot.
SPACESHIP EARTH UPDATE
It is being assumed that Siemens will renew its sponsorship here. While i have heard that there is a possibility of a complete overhaul of the attraction itself, i have more so heard that Project Tomorrow and the finale scene would be redone completely. It is uncertain for the time being.
INNOVENTIONS PLAZA CHANGES
I was curious as to what the possible changes for this area would be and according to rumor it will include the following
INSIDE OUT REPLACING JOURNEY TO IMAGINATION
Inside Out was a great success for Disney Pixar but more importantly it showed that mental health is not a taboo topic. Using this film in Epcot would be a great gateway for discussion and the importance of mental health to all ages since among young adults my age, Depression and Anxiety is becoming more and more prominent. I personally realized Figment was on the chopping block when a few moths back, a guest survey asked guests if they knew who figment was. And while i do enjoy figment and the history of the ride, i do feel figment has run its course. Rumor states that Inside Out would replace Journey to Imagination but figment would have a small cameo within the ride similar to how Mr' Toad can be found hidden in the Pooh Ride at Magic Kingdom.
NEW ENTRANCE PLAZA
Rumor states here that there would be an entirely new entrance to Epcot, more properly matching the day and age we live in. This means no more "Leave a Legacy" stones in the entrance or most of the original 1982 structures.
NEW NIGHTTIME SHOW REPLACING ILLUMINATIONS
I am not a fan of Illuminations but it is one of the oldest shows running at any Disney park. Therefore there is no question that it will soon be retiring. If Wishes can be replaced ,and it was as beloved as illuminations, then it can too. In any case, i am sure fans can agree with new technology available a brand new fireworks spectacular can come to Epcot.
SPACESHIP EARTH UPDATE
It is being assumed that Siemens will renew its sponsorship here. While i have heard that there is a possibility of a complete overhaul of the attraction itself, i have more so heard that Project Tomorrow and the finale scene would be redone completely. It is uncertain for the time being.
INNOVENTIONS PLAZA CHANGES
I was curious as to what the possible changes for this area would be and according to rumor it will include the following
- Innoventions East and West Buildings would be demolished
- New Multi level table service restaurant
- New Plaza behind Spaceship Earth to give easier access to Future World
- Remodeled MouseGear Store
It is uncertain if Club Cool and Fountain of Nations will stay although i don't see why it would not stay as they are fan favorites. However that doesn't mean much.
NEW PAVILION IN WORLD SHOWCASE
This has been a subject for almost 10 years now, especially since a county hasn't been added since Morocco and Norway since the park opened. And while i was personally hoping the new pavilion would be Greece or an African country but Disney has apparently been in talks with different countries and it has been narrowed down to Puerto Rico, Spain and Brazil. A while ago, here was talks of it being Puerto Rico but time will tell!
THE SEAS BECOMES MARINE LIFE INSTITUTE
According to WDWNT, this will not be part of phase one of Epcot's changes but it is expected to happen possibly. The Seas with Nemo and Friends will become the Marine Life Institute as seen in Disney Pixar's "Finding Dory." It would be a good addition for the attraction in my opinion as it would for sure attract the new generation of children who fell in love with Dory while my generation loved Nemo.
THE LAND UPDATE
The Land will be, thankfully, getting an update. It will include a new boat ride and a new film to replace "Circle of Life." Rumors came about last year that circle of life would be replaced but overall, the land is a product of its time and needs to be brought into the 21st century.
POSSIBLE ATTRACTIONS FOR GERMANY, JAPAN AND UK PAVILIONS
Rumor states that a possible Big Hero 6 attraction could come to Japan pavilion as permits have been filed for a Ratatouille attraction in France. I am sure no disney fan would oppose this but one can always be surprised. Also rumblings went about for a while that a Mary Poppins attraction or sorts could go into UK and a Tangled one in Germany, where Snow White currently meets as of now.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY THEMED LAND/ATTRACTION
This one has been going around for a long time since we discovered Ellen's Energy Adventure was on the chopping block. Plans are to demolish the building entirely apparently and create a GOTG attraction/ small themed land. Originally it was thought that it would be the tron themed coaster seen at Shanghai. But now it is possibly replacing Tomorrowland Speedway at Magic Kingdom. Ellen's will close for good shortly after Epcot's 35th.
COCO REPLACING GRAN FIESTA TOUR
This one i am on the fence about. While this would be an easy change, they just made changes to the final scene a little while ago. Apparently this was only a small side project and it's more likely that audiences now will relate more to Coco than The Three Caballeros.
MULAN FILM FOR CHINA
A little while ago i was told that Disney is looking to add Mushu to the circlevision 360 theater as a host.Not sure if this is true or not.
But have no fear friends! D23 will reveal all!
THE SEAS BECOMES MARINE LIFE INSTITUTE
According to WDWNT, this will not be part of phase one of Epcot's changes but it is expected to happen possibly. The Seas with Nemo and Friends will become the Marine Life Institute as seen in Disney Pixar's "Finding Dory." It would be a good addition for the attraction in my opinion as it would for sure attract the new generation of children who fell in love with Dory while my generation loved Nemo.
THE LAND UPDATE
The Land will be, thankfully, getting an update. It will include a new boat ride and a new film to replace "Circle of Life." Rumors came about last year that circle of life would be replaced but overall, the land is a product of its time and needs to be brought into the 21st century.
POSSIBLE ATTRACTIONS FOR GERMANY, JAPAN AND UK PAVILIONS
Rumor states that a possible Big Hero 6 attraction could come to Japan pavilion as permits have been filed for a Ratatouille attraction in France. I am sure no disney fan would oppose this but one can always be surprised. Also rumblings went about for a while that a Mary Poppins attraction or sorts could go into UK and a Tangled one in Germany, where Snow White currently meets as of now.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY THEMED LAND/ATTRACTION
This one has been going around for a long time since we discovered Ellen's Energy Adventure was on the chopping block. Plans are to demolish the building entirely apparently and create a GOTG attraction/ small themed land. Originally it was thought that it would be the tron themed coaster seen at Shanghai. But now it is possibly replacing Tomorrowland Speedway at Magic Kingdom. Ellen's will close for good shortly after Epcot's 35th.
COCO REPLACING GRAN FIESTA TOUR
This one i am on the fence about. While this would be an easy change, they just made changes to the final scene a little while ago. Apparently this was only a small side project and it's more likely that audiences now will relate more to Coco than The Three Caballeros.
MULAN FILM FOR CHINA
A little while ago i was told that Disney is looking to add Mushu to the circlevision 360 theater as a host.Not sure if this is true or not.
But have no fear friends! D23 will reveal all!
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