New Epcot Concept To Have Four Distinct Neighborhoods

Zach Ridley is the Imagineer in charge of transforming Epcot from the theme park we have known, to a vibrant family focused place to be enjoyed for decades to come. Zach took the stage at the D23 Expo to give fans a peek at what is in store. He told us how this next chapter of Epcot's Journey had "deeply personal meaning to the Imagineers working on the transformation." The transformation of Epcot is about "the power of hope, the power of possibility, the power of wonder." Let's talk about what's going on.


New Epcot Concept To Have Four Distinct Neighborhoods
Approximate Areas of Neighborhoods


Moving forward with major changes to this Park that will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2022 has to mean updating classic attractions in ways that will connect with a global audience in meaningful and transformative ways. Imagineers want to inspire guests, bring people together, and imagine a future that we all have a hand in creating. Guest feedback was key to the reimagining process, and the guests told Disney that they wanted an Epcot that had "more of their favorite stories, more for the family and yes, even more shade."


A Reimagined Epcot Concept Art


World Celebration

Guests will step into the World Celebration as soon as they walk through Epcot's main gate. This neighborhood full of verdant park space is designed to offer new experiences that connect guests to one another as well as to the world around them. Guests told Disney that they wanted more shady spots in the Park, and World Celebration is one of the places that vision will become apparent.

Moving past the front decorative gardens, guests will be welcomed by the ageless icon of Epcot, Spaceship Earth. This voyage through time will be guided by a magical "story light" that brings the entire experience to life in dynamic ways. While the focus of this attraction will change from technology, to reflect the power of storytelling and unite us in a human experience. New narration and an entirely new musical score will focus on the moments and ideas that define the story of humanity.

As guests leave Spaceship Earth they will exit onto Dreamers Point, where along side a statue of the original dreamer, Walt Disney, guests will be able to get an overview of the new park experience. Natural environments and global design elements will be filled with Disney magic and surprises, including a wishing tree in an enchanted forest and a story fountain celebrating the power and music of iconic Disney storytelling.

A New Multi-story Festival Pavilion will anchor World Celebration near World Showcase Lagoon. This extraordinary structure with organic yet modern form will have a plaza level, mid expo level, and a park in the sky. The park in the sky will offer guests the best vantage point for nighttime shows like HarmonioUS, the largest nighttime show in Disney History that debut on Worlds Showcase Lagoon in 2020.

Imagination will sit in this neighborhood of World Celebration.


The Epcot Crystal Fountain Returns
World Celebration Festival Center


World Nature

The Seas with Nemo and Friends and The Land are classic Epcot attractions that guests will find in World Nature. This neighborhood is dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty, awe and balance of the natural world. With a foot-print that somewhat cuts into the former concrete spine of the Park, this neighborhood continues the lush green park-like spaces in Epcot.

World Nature will host the brand new attraction Journey of Water inspired by the playful spirit of water Disney fans discovered in Disney's the hit motion picture Moana. The walk through exploration trail will feature interactive water elements for guests to enjoy and discover.

Also pumping up awareness of the natural world will be a new film at The Land debuting in January of 2020 called Awesome Planet. Here guests will be able to discover and connect with beauty, diversity and dynamic story of our planet.

The Journey Of Water Concept Art


World Discovery

This is a place where science, technology, and interactive adventures drive the fun. Mission Space and Test Track are in this neighborhood, and will be joined by several new concepts that have both Imagineers and guests excited.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be the first "other-world" showcase pavilion at Epcot. The adventure starts in the "Galaxarium," a planetarium-like exhibition that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth's galaxy and Xandar, but when the Guardians arrive a trip to the museum doesn't go quite as planned. The attraction will feature a new innovative storytelling coaster created by Walt Disney Imagineering that rotates 360 degrees to focus guests on the action. It will also include the very first reverse launch at Disney.

The Play Pavilion In this digital metropolis, guests will discover an interactive city bursting with games, activities and experiences that connect them with friends, family and beloved Disney charactersYou may quest with Eda Mode to fight fashion faux pax, or have a water balloon fight with Huey, Dewy, Louie, and Webby. Play pavilion will open in time for Walt DIsney World's 50th anniversary in 2021.

Space 220 Restaurant where guests can board a space elevator for transport to a space station with both day and nighttime views of central Florida from 220 miles in the sky. The new culinary venture will be run by the Patina Group known for its restaurants in Epcot's Italy pavilion as well as at Disney Springs. Space 220 will open this Winter.


World Discovery Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Play Pavilion In World Discovery
World Discovery Space 220 Restaurant


World Showcase

Around the World Showcase promenade storytelling will continue to be about art, culture, and cuisine. That however, doesn't mean the same old things, because World Showcase is getting three new films in the Canada, France, and China pavilions.

In addition construction has been ongoing the past year with an entirly new boulevard being created in France that will be home to Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, where guests will shrink to the size of Chef Remy and race through Gusteau's restaurant on a wild adventure. There will also be a delicious new restaurant in the France pavilion, La Creperie de Paris, offering both table and quick service options featuring a menu from celebrity chef Jerome Bocuse. Coming in Summer 2020!

Just announced at D23 is also an expansion to the United Kingdom pavilion that will be home to the first attraction inspired by Mary Poppins. Guests will step in time down Cherry Tree Lane past Admiral Boom's house, then enter Number 17, home of the Banks family, where their adventure will begin.


Epcot. The magic of possibility.


Walt Disney himself said that Epcot would "always be in a state of becoming" and the transformation underway at this classic Disney Park is one that will help move the story forward for all. There is a bright future on the horizon "where people connect and share the stories that make us, us." Epcot. The magic of possibility.

Are you excited? Leave a comment and share your thoughts below.