Changes are afoot at Walt Disney World.Bigchanges. While it was previously announced that Walt Disney World Resort planned on transforming the Epcot theme park in a significant way, I got a firsthand look at all the new additions, subtractions, and transformations that are ongoing at Epcot when I recently attended a Disney media preview event. Held at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, I got a first look at theincrediblenewStar Wars: Galaxy’s EdgeattractionStar Wars: Rise of the Resistance, but was also able to preview the transformations underway at Epcot.
When Epcot opened in 1982, it was presented as an idealistic look into the future. Obviously a lot has changed since that time, and so the folks at Disney are hoping to update the park and thread in more connections to classic Disney characters and properties while maintaining the heart of Epcot, which is a focus on knowledge and learning all in the hopes of a great, big beautiful tomorrow.
The entrance to Epcot is being completely transformed physically, and the park is being reorganized into four “neighborhoods”: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery. Many iconic attractions likeSoarin’andSpaceship Earthwill remain, but the park is adding new attractions from the likes ofRatatouilleandBeauty and the Beast.
Below, I’ve assembled some key points to know about Epcot’s transformation, so let’s begin by taking a look at the all-new attractions:
New Attractions
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewinddoesn’t yet have an opening date, but it’s under construction as part of the first “other-world” showcase pavilion. The conceit here is that Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) and his buddies have come to Earth to share their new science and technology knowhow with humans. The attraction itself starts in the “Galaxarium,” a planetarium-like exhibition that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar. But in truth this is a storytelling roller coaster that rotates 360 degrees to focus guests on the action, including the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventureis due to open in Summer 2020 as part of an expansion of the France pavilion in World Showcase. This full-on ride will allow guests to shrink down to the size of Remy the rat and make their way from the rooftops of Paris to the food pantry in Gusteau’s restauraunt, with gigantic art direction painting a stunning scene. This attraction already exists at Disneyland Paris, but I got to do a brief walkthrough of the in-construction ride and it looks incredible.
Also opening in the France pavilion isBeauty and the Beast Sing-Along, which debuts on August 25, 2025. This short film uses footage from the iconic animatedBeauty and the Beastwill all-new hand-drawn animation that reframes the story from the point of view of LeFou, who as it turns out was pulling the strings all along to bring Belle and the Beast together. All new narration fromAngela Lansburyencourages guests to sing along to iconic songs like “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.” It’s quite fun, and an experience kids are sure to love.Don Hahn, who produced the original and live-actionBeauty and the Beastmovies, directed this new short film.
And over in the United Kingdom pavilion, the first-ever attraction inspired byMary Poppinsis on its way. Guests will walk down Cherry Tree Lane past Admiral Boom’s house, where their adventure will begin. Further details haven’t been revealed at this moment, but as you can see iconic Disney properties are taking hold all over Epcot.
The New Layout
As mentioned, Epcot will now be structured into four different neighborhoods. They are as follows:
More to Come…
No doubt even more announcements and transformations are incoming, and 2020 will also bring us the debut of the highly anticipated new fireworks showHarmonioUS, which will be the largest nighttime spectacular in Disney park history. Epcot is already pushing the fact that it’s basically hosting festivals year-round now, during which folks can sample somegreatfood and drink from the many countries in the World Showcase.
So stay tuned as the transformation of Epcot takes a huge leap forward in 2020. And if you missed any of myRise of the Resistancecoverage,click here. That attraction is now open in Disney’s Hollywood Studios andopens at Disneyland on August 08, 2025.
