At the D23 Expo today in Anaheim, California, a lot of new experiences, lands, and more was announced for Epcot at Walt Disney World.
Epcot will be comprised of four lands: World Showcase, World Discovery, World Nature and World Celebration. Over the next few years, Disney will be doing a historic re-imagining of the popular theme park.
The largest nighttime spectacular will be arriving at Epcot:
In 2020, following the limited-time run of “Epcot Forever,” the new “HarmonioUS” will debut as the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park. It will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over, carrying you away harmoniously on a stream of familiar Disney tunes reinterpreted by a diverse group of artists from around the globe. “HarmonioUS” will feature massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers and more.
In the France pavilion, the Impressions de France film will be joined by a brand new “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along”, which will debut in January 2020. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is also set to open Summer 2020.
Two new circle-vision films are coming to the Canada and China pavilions. “Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360” will debut in January 2020, and “Wondrous China” will be coming soon.
In terms of the different lands lands announced, starting in World Celebration, Spaceship Earth will be getting a makeover.
The iconicSpaceship Earth will remain a voyage through time as the journey transforms to reflect the power of storytelling to unite the human experience. New narration and an entirely new musical score will focus on the moments and ideas that define our story. You will follow a magical “story light” that brings the entire experience to life in dynamic ways, giving each scene energy and beauty that ties the entire journey together.
A new pavilion will be the perfect place for live events, and the home base for Epcot’s signature festivals. It will provide a stunning elevated view of the entire park and an ideal spot to witness Epcot’s nighttime spectacular. This beautiful three-level structure will have one of the most remarkable architectural designs at any Disney park, featuring a plaza level, a middle expo level, and a park that sits in the sky on the top level.
Epcot’s entrance plaza will be transformed with new experiences that connect us with the world, welcoming you with a reimagined fountain, new pathways and sweeping green spaces that beautify the entryway. The design will pay homage to the origins of Epcot.
In World Nature (currently where The Land and The Seas are), there’s new details about experiences there as well.
Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” will be the first experience inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film. This lush exploration trail will invite you to meet and play with magical, living water. The water will have a life of its own – just like Moana’s friend, the ocean – and you’ll learn about the importance of the natural water cycle.
In World Discovery, Disney announced more about the Guardians of the Galaxy ride, as well as the new restaurant. The brand new restaurant will be called “Space 220” and will open this Winter.
Disney also announced that the PLAY! pavilion will open in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary in 2020.
There’s so much going on with Epcot and we can’t wait to see what’s next! Read more on the Disney Parks Blog.
