Epcot is in the middle of a multi-year transformation that will, according to Disney executives, “honor the park’s tradition and will make it timeless, more relevant, more family, more Disney.”
That transformation includes the addition of two rides, a sing-along, two restaurants, and a new nighttime spectacular, most of which we can see developing before our eyes.
One new restaurant is under construction between the Mission: Space and Test Track attractions. This new dining venue promises to be an immersive experience — diners will be invited to have a meal in “space.” The restaurant will be operated by the Patina Restaurant Group, which also operates Tutto Italia and Via Napoli at Epcot and Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs.
After each visit to the park lately, we can see more and more of the structure coming into view — looks like the building and restaurant will be curved, in keeping with the idea that it will represent a space ship of some kind. No specific opening date has been announced, but it’s generally thought that this space-themed restaurant will open in 2020.
Not too far from this site, more construction is under way on the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride building. Is there a hint of some track for the new coaster now?
This Marvel-inspired attraction, due to open in 2021, will feature some of Disney’s most technologically advanced ride vehicles — learn more here.
As you move toward World Showcase you’ll see what we assume are preparations for IllumiNations’ replacement. That includes some work on the islands in World Showcase Lagoon. Learn about the new show replacing IllumiNations here.
Once in World Showcase, you see loads more work being done, over in the France Pavilion in particular.
France will welcome a Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along “soon” according to film producer Don Hahn. Don’t worry though — this will NOT replace the Impressions de France film in the pavilion. The new attraction will have its own location in the pavilion.
France is also adding a Ratatouille-themed ride, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, slated for 2021. This attraction is based on the popular Ratatouille ride in Disneyland Paris. And of course you can’t look at the construction site in the France pavilion without noticing the towers and cables of the Disney Skyliner, Disney’s newest transportation system scheduled to open this autumn.
To round out our look at all the busy-ness around Epcot, here are a few photos of what’s going on at the Japan pavilion, which will see the addition of a third table-service dining location. This is in addition to the existing Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining.
Not much information has been released about this new location since the initial announcement, but as you can see, work is progressing. Stay tuned!
Which of these additions are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments below!
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Hasn’t there been enough addition to future world, world showcase hasn’t seen a new country/pavilion since Norway in 1989 30 years. There’s still room for 8 more or at least 6 due to all expansion of existing countries
Agreed. I’ll just add that all of the future world stuff has just been replacement not any additions. And I read long ago that WDW has said that adding a new country would not be financially beneficial. So you’ll have to wait another 30 years for the Guatemala pavilion.
Seems like a lot of restaurants to bring in more $$ and very few attractions.