Top 5 Disney Stories of 2019: #4 – Epcot Updates

With the D23 Expo having been known to be in 2019 many speculated what would be announced at the parks panel.  Would it be a new Tomorrowland?  Would it be something Marvel?  Would it be Epcot?

There had been two announcements that many figured would have more detail with the panel: Ratatouille and the Guardians coaster.  But, what Expo attendees received was a huge update to a favorite park: Epcot.

Epcot has been in need of some loving care and it seems that Disney is giving it.  The parks panel let loose many upcoming changes to the park.  Among them would be new divisions to Future World…and even eliminating the name Future World altogether.  Complete demolition would come of Innoventions to make way for a water playground and festival centers.  Reflections of Earth had its last showing to make way for both Epcot Forever and HarmoniUs.

The Disney Parks pavilion at D23 Expo, taking place Aug. 23-25, 2019, in Anaheim, Calif., shares sneak peeks at highly anticipated new areas and experiences coming to Disney parks around the world. The largest Disney fan event in the world, D23 Expo celebrates all the wonderful worlds of The Walt Disney Company under one roof across film, television, theme parks, products, online, music, live entertainment and more. (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

One thing that caught many by surprise was a new Mary Poppins attraction coming to the UK pavilion.  Another announcement that caught many by surprise, and also brought some tears was a new statue commemorating Walt Disney, making this a very Disney park touched by Walt.  Still, another was the revamp of Spaceship Earth into a storytelling theme.

After the Expo the updates have taken center stage as construction began almost immediately.  The large fountain in the center of Future World has been demolished.  Innoventions wings closed.  Coffee left.  The transformation has already begun.  Fans flock to Twitter to discuss the changes and what is liked and not liked.  One thing seems to bring some ease to many which is the Odyssey into the Epcot Experience.  The Epcot Experience is a preview center that utilizes an immersive 360 degree screen and model with projections to showcase what is coming to the park.  It has become a “not to miss” experience for fans and guests alike.  And it whets the appetite of those who visit.

Whether it’s controversial or delightful, the update to Epcot is something that was talked about greatly among Disney fans this year.

Here is some of the coverage we had this last year:

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek Reveals the Next Generation of Storytelling at Disney Parks at the D23 Expo

Family-Oriented Changes Coming to Epcot in Walt Disney World in the Next Few Years

The Epcot Experience Opens on Epcot’s Anniversary and Reveals Exciting Plans For the Future!


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