All the details of the new Epcot unveiled at D23 Expo 2019

Disney just pumped up the volume on the quiet transformation of Epcot. 

Until now, we have seen many of the individual projects planned for Epcot as it approaches its 40th anniversary in 2022, but we’ve seen little over the overall vision for the park. 

That changed today as Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek laid out its plans for Epcot at the D23 Expo 2019, adding detail to previously announced projects but also pulling back the veil on how it is reimagining the story of the park. 

The park will now be divided into four neighborhoods. The World Showcase will celebrate the culture, cuisine and architecture from around the world. The current Future World will be divided into World Nature, World Discovery and World Celebration.

Here’s a look at what’s coming to all the four neighborhoods.

World Showcase

• In the China pavilion, “Wondrous China” will take guests on a spectacular journey across China, filmed and presented in a completely seamless 360-degree digital format.
• The film “Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360” will debut in January 2020 in the Canada pavilion with new scenes and a new story. 
• The France pavilion will offer a new “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along” in January 2020. In summer 2020, the much-anticipated attraction Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will open, as well as a delicious new restaurant called La Crêperie de Paris.
• The first attraction inspired by Mary Poppins in Cherry Tree Lane, which will join the United Kingdom pavilion as an entirely new neighborhood.

World Celebration

• Spaceship Earth will remain the park’s grand icon but the journey will be transformed with new scenes reflecting the universal nature of the human experience. A new guide and all new narration will focus on the storytelling that brings people together.
• The area will also feature breathtaking views at Dreamers Point, lush gardens, a wishing tree, an interactive new fountain and a new statue celebrating the legacy of the original dreamer, Walt Disney.
• A new three-level pavilion will be the home base for Epcot’s signature festivals, providing a view of World Showcase and an ideal spot to witness the park’s nighttime spectacular.

World Discovery

• The Mission: Space pavilion will expand with the new restaurant that was previously announced. Space 220 will open this winter. It will offer ” out-of-this-world culinary experience” with the celestial panorama of a space station, including daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles up.
• The Play! pavilion, which has previously been announced, will open in time for the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World. Guests will discover a city bursting with games, activities, and experiences that connect them with friends, family, and beloved Disney characters like never before.
• The name for the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride as been announced. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will feature the first reverse launch into space. This family-friendly attraction will feature a never-before-seen storytelling coaster that rotates to focus on the action.

World Nature

• The reinvention of Epcot will include Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana.”  This first-ever experience inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios hit film will let guests interact with magical, living water in a beautiful and inspiring setting.
• An opening month date has been announced for The Land pavilion’s new film “Awesome Planet,” which showcases the spectacular beauty, diversity, and dynamic story of the planet in World Nature. It will start January 2020.
• Following the limited time run of Epcot Forever at Epcot, a new nighttime spectacular called “HarmonioUS” will be the largest ever created for a Disney park.  It will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over.
  

New Nighttime Spectacular

We already knew that when Illuminations going away the Epcot Forever show, featuring a tribute to Epcot was jut a placeholder. We now have the name for the new nighttime show. “HarmonioUS” will be the largest ever created for a Disney park.  It will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over.