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Big Changes at Epcot – Go Informed Podcast Episode 049

March 23, 2020
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Episode 49: Changes Happening at Epcot

Lots of exciting changes are coming to Epcot over the next couple of years. If you’re visiting Disney World in 2020, you’ve got some new things to explore, as well as a lot of construction to dodge. Today’s episode is an overview of all the changes at Epcot and what to expect next time you visit.

These are the show notes for Go Informed Podcast episode 49. Click the Play button to listen to the episode for lots more detail about this topic.

If you haven’t already listened to my audio tour of Epcot, be sure to check it out. It’s episode 14, and today’s show is an update to that episode.

Epcot Future World Changes

Sometime in 2020 or 2021, Future World will take on a new name. Actually several new names – this end of the park is going to be re-imagined as a collection of “neighborhoods” called World Discovery, World Celebration, and World Nature.

The neighborhoods will feature new attractions and new theming, but Epcot will continue to focus on nature, innovation, human discovery, and culture

What’s Not Changing at Epcot

All of the major attractions at Epcot are staying put. This includes Soarin’, Mission Space, Test Track, the Seas, and Spaceship Earth. Also, the food court in the Land pavilion and the Garden Grill haven’t changed.

Epcot New Attractions and More

Space 220 Restaurant

A new space-themed restaurant is opening next to Mission Space, called Space 220. The concept is that you are dining on a space station 220 miles above earth. When you enter the restaurant, you’ll ride an elevator that looks like you’ve left the planet. Huge screens will look out into space. And, to top it off – this is going to be a fine-dining table service restaurant that even has an extensive wine list. Space 220 is scheduled to open by summer 2020. This will definitely be a place where you’ll need reservations to get in.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Rollercoaster

The new Guardians of the Galaxy coaster promises to be one of the top attractions in Orlando when it opens in 2021. Located in an enormous show building near Mission Space, this ride will combine story elements with big thrills. My expectation is that it will be similar in style to the major Harry Potter attractions at Universal.

Epcot Park Entrance Changes

The entire park entrance plaza is being re-done. So if you arrive through the main entrance you may be disappointed to see a bunch of walls up in front of Spaceship Earth. This is a bummer for pictures so hopefully the walls won’t be up for too long. When construction is finished, this new space will be much more open than before and should be a big improvement.

Spaceship Earth Closing for Updates

The Spaceship Earth ride will be closing by summer 2020 for a major renovation. It’s scheduled to be closed at least through the end of the year.

Moana: Journey of Water

Moana: Journey of Water is a nature-inspired attraction that is set to open in 2021. Disney hasn’t given many details about this one yet but I look forward to seeing more natural spaces at Epcot.

Interactive Play Pavilion

The Interactive Play Pavilion is an update to the old Future World interactive exhibits. Disney expects this to open in 2021.

New Epcot Fireworks: Harmonius

The current nighttime show, Epcot Forever, is actually not forever – it’s just a short-term show while Disney prepares to launch a brand-new fireworks spectacular called Harmonius. Harmonius is supposed to debut around the beginning of 2021.

Opening in World Showcase: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Most of the changes in the park are taking place near the main entrance, but new attractions are coming to all parts of Epcot. In World Showcase, the big new addition is called Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. This is a family-friendly dark ride opening in summer 2020 in the France pavilion, inspired by the Pixar movie Ratatouille.

Remy touring tip: If you can’t get a FastPass+, the best way to ride this one is at rope drop. Enter the park via the International Gateway entrance – this will put you right next to France when the rope drops.

France is also getting a new creperie – sounds delicious!

What’s Gone from Epcot

As part of the renovation, a number of buildings have been torn down. Gone from Epcot are Club Cool, the Electric Umbrella, and the big Starbucks.

Note that Starbucks does still exist at Epcot, it’s now located near the start of World Showcase. Unfortunately it has displaced the delicious Epcot cronuts.

Epcot Touring Tips During Construction

Top Tip: Do not skip Epcot just because of all the construction! There is still A LOT to see and do in this park, and it is well worth at least a day of your Disney World time.

Yes, navigating around the front end of Epcot is extra tricky during construction. There are lots of walls up, the main entrance plaza is a big work zone, and the entire center of the park behind Spaceship Earth is being demolished and rebuilt. Watch for signs and ask cast members if you need help getting around.

Remember that there are two entrances at Epcot. You can avoid some of the main gate construction if you enter the park on the World Showcase side, at the International Gateway entrance. Now that the Skyliner can bring you right to this entrance, I highly recommend using that route to enter or exit the park.