EPCOT is in the midst of a major overhaul. Back on October 1, 1982, when Epcot opened, the theme park contained two lands: Future World and World Showcase. Future World was the hub of technology, imagination, and human achievement. World Showcase was created to celebrate global cultures and their traditions, art and cuisine. The entrance to the park will have a different look with pathways and green spaces, and a re-imagined fountain. The park is still evolving 40 years later and is now in the midst of a massive, multi-year overhaul to transform the park as soon as you step through the gates.
The new Epcot layout is now partitioned into four “neighborhoods” called World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery and World Showcase. This better reflects the attractions and experiences around Epcot and the changes still to come.
The main entrance is through World Celebration. Step into the park and be greeted by a redesigned entrance fountain and courtyard. There are three acrylic pylons with the park’s logo sitting in the fountain’s center. Look upward and see Spaceship Earth. At night, the changing colors of the fountains sync up with lights on walls surrounding the courtyard and the lighting package on Spaceship Earth.
Epcot has 11 pavilions around World Showcase, each showcasing the food, art, architecture, and traditions of the countries they represent. There are over 60 places to grab food. Grab a baguette at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie and wander the cobblestone streets in the France pavilion. Visit Via Napoli for a fun atmosphere with great food, and you get more food for your money. The menu has salads, pasta, and some meat dishes, but pizza is the main dish. Joining the list of food options is Connections Cafe & Eatery, with food inspired by delicious cuisines from around the world in a quick-service restaurant.
Visit the new eatery, Space 220 in Epcot’s World Discovery neighborhood. Enter the elevator that takes you 220 miles above Earth to the Centauri Space Station. The concept involves having to “travel” to get to the dining location, and getting there is half the adventure! You will ride an elevator that gives you simulated views of Earth. Once you arrive in the dining room, there are virtual views of space. In World Discovery, where Space 220 is, there is a play pavilion in the works. This will be a bustling “digital metropolis” where you can play real and virtual games and activities.
Illuminations: Reflections of Earth has an all-new nighttime spectacular, Harmonious, showing what can be done with pyrotechnics, projections and storytelling. Artists from around the globe worked with Disney to interpret songs in their native languages. IllumiNations Reflections of Earth will be replaced by HarmonioUS in 2020, a show that includes floating set pieces, LED panels, moving fountains and pyrotechnics.
Spaceship Earth is the park’s most recognizable icon. The ride is an amazing way to tell the story of human history, beginning with our wooly mammoth-hunting ancestors through the dawn of the information age in the 1970s. New narration replacing the voice of Judy Dench, a new musical score, and a new storyline that will focus on the power of storytelling are some of the changes to this ride and a lengthy refurbishment to the ride’s storyline. The exterior received a colorful makeover that transforms it into a Beacon of Magic every evening with LED lights that give it the power to sparkle.
Guardians of the Galaxy-themed coaster will be housed inside Epcot’s first “other world” showcase pavilion, the Wonders of Xandar pavilion. Cosmic Rewind is a first for a Disney attraction. It’s the first Disney coaster with a reverse launch, as well as the first “omnicoaster,” having the functionality of a coaster and an omnimover attraction that turns toward the action.
World Nature will get Journey of Water, an experience themed around the Disney film Moana. There will also be a new film Awesome Plant. This will be a walkthrough attraction rather than a ride. You will be able to interact with the magical waters of Motunui a la Moana as you walk through art showing lush greenery and water features.
Now is a great time to start planning your trip to Epcot. We have many Florida Vacation Packages available.
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EPCOT is a perennial favorite for Florida visitors. For more Florida ideas beyond Orlando, explore our Miami to Key West Road Trip itinerary.
