With the opening of CommuniCore Hall, Walt Disney World declared the transformation of Epcot to be a done deal. The process, years in the making, has revamped much of the “front” half of the theme park, rearranged its so-called neighborhoods and made construction wall stocks soar.
The beginning of the changes is tricky to nail down. The first time the words Epcot and transformation appeared in the same story in the Orlando Sentinel was in 2016, followed by executives referring to a “multiyear transformation.” In August 2019, Bob Chapek (then chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products and later CEO) said the upcoming changes at Epcot would be “the biggest transformation of any park that we’ve ever accomplished.”
Some announced things never became reality, including a mysterious, not-fully-defined Mary Poppins attraction in World Showcase. Here are a few of the attractions and changes that did happen.
Wet, not wild
What it is: Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
What used to be there: Innoventions West
On the plus side: It’s an oasis of sorts, smack in the middle of Future World-ish attractions, and it’s frequently and literally on kids’ levels. Plus, there’s a little old-fashioned Disney magic with the water curtain, motion-activated fun and big green Te Fiti.
On the wish list: Maybe a little less stop-and-go traffic flow, but what are you going to do?
Fly me to the tune
What it is: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
What used to be there: Ellen’s Energy Adventure
On the plus side: Indoor roller coaster that’s a talker with multiple soundtracks and surprising effects. There’s no napping, unlike the low-energy energy attraction that once operated here.
On the wish list: A standby line to accompany virtual queue. And even more songs?
Star eats
What it is: Space 220
What used to be there: The restaurant is adjacent to the Mission: Space attraction, so if you have a way-back machine, let’s say Horizons used to be there.
On the plus side: Another oasis, this time indoors, away from the fray of Epcot. It’s table service, very grown-up and deep, deep, deep into the space travel theming.
On the wish list: An easy way to land reservations. Also, some counseling for the people who ask Google, “Is Space 220 really in space?”
Rodent row
What it is: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
What used to be there: The dark ride was part of an expansion of the France pavilion into what was formerly backstage space.
On the plus side: It’s kid-friendly with an interesting indoor queue. Makes more sense in France than a rat in the kitchen does. Expansion also included a crepe restaurant, restrooms and a soothing garden overlooking the water and Disney Skyliner.
On the wish list: Big-screen haters gonna hate.
Up the middle
What it is: Epcot entrance+
What used to be there: Leave a Legacy monuments, Fountain of Nations, pin trading.
On the plus side: There’s a slew of new stuff running up the spine of the park, including a refurbished fountain, flagpoles, a statue of Walt Disney that overlooks an array of gardens and toward the American Adventure pavilion in the distance. Bonus points for the versatile lighting package installed on Spaceship Earth and expanded seating (with charging ports, so 21st century).
On the wish list: The asymmetry – as opposed to the Innoventions years – is growing on us, and it’s easier to decide how to get to World Discovery (hang a left) or World Nature (go right). But still, what is the “best” route to World Showcase?
Making Connections
What it is: Connections Eatery, Connections Cafe (aka Starbucks), Creations Shop
What used to be there: Innovations East, Mouse Gear store, Electric Umbrella restaurant.
On the plus side: Loads of indoor seating and windows that allow a lot of light in, a view of Cosmic Rewind and even more gardens. The big mural is very Epcot. Creations Shop is open, browsable and convenient to the area around Walt’s sitting statue, which was walled off for a long stretch. Also in the building: the relocated Club Cool.
On the wish list: When folks settle into the Eatery, a high school cafeteria vibe emerges.
To the core
What it is: CommuniCore Hall
What used to be there: Fountain View (and Starbucks), Character Spot
On the plus side: This is a multi-purpose space, depending on the festival or other needs. Permanent elements include a character meet-and-greet, a walk-up eatery called Festival Favorites (menu is fluid) and a plaza stage, where “Celebracion Encanto” is currently performed.
On the wish list: A little more activity when the big space is inactive.
And one more thing
What it is: Test Track (re)construction
What used to be there: Test Track, since 1999
On the plus side: We’re all for another update, which Disney has said it will get inspiration from World of Motion, the original inhabitant of the space.
On the wish list: An Epcot without construction walls. An Epcotter can dream.
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