CommuniCore Hall & Plaza Coming to EPCOT
Walt Disney World has released new details about the World Celebration neighborhood of EPCOT, which will soon be home to CommuniCore Hall and Plaza, the reimagined core of Future World and scaled down festival center that was previously announced but shelved. This post shares new concept art, what the company is promising, and our commentary.
EPCOT is now unified with four neighborhoods, each speaking to important aspects of the world and its people: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery. These neighborhoods are filled with new experiences rooted in authenticity and innovation that take guests to new destinations, where the real is made fantastic in a celebration of curiosity, discovery and the magic of possibility.
The news of four “neighborhoods” in EPCOT are nothing new. Four years ago at the D23 Expo Parks & Resorts panel, the company announced the overhaul of Future World and flashed concept art on screen. Two years ago at the same event, Disney released new concept art and the above color-coded “map.” That map remains accurate since it was simply a colored overlay of the then-existing EPCOT. Last year at the start of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, the three new neighborhoods at the front of the park officially replaced Future World.
For a while, we’ve been in the dark about Walt Disney World’s current “vision” for EPCOT’s transformation, as plans were put on hold and changed without new concept art being released for World Celebration (known “lovingly” around these parts as the Giant EPCOT Dirt Pit™️). Today’s announcement sheds some light about what’s still planned for Epcot and what isn’t, along with new concept art for this area, now known as CommuniCore Hall & Plaza.
Here are new details from Walt Disney World about the EPCOT transformation, followed by our commentary…
World Celebration
- World Celebration will offer new experiences that connect guests to one another and the world around them.
- The EPCOT entrance plaza welcomes guests with open pathways and sweeping green spaces that beautify the entryway. Bridging the past, present and future of EPCOT is a new fountain at the base of Spaceship Earth with three majestic pylons. The entrance plaza also features new lighting and music, as well as flags flanking the fountain featuring six original EPCOT icons.
- Spaceship Earth transforms at night into a Beacon of Magic with new lights shining across the geodesic sphere’s reflective panels. These lights connect to one another in a symbol of optimism resembling stars in a nighttime sky.
- The new Connections Café and Eatery is home to a quick-service dining location as well as Starbucks coffee. With show kitchens and a variety of seating options, this new dining option encourages guests to connect with one another over food and drinks. Adding to the park’s rich legacy of original art displays, Connections Eatery features a hand-painted mural stretching more than 160 feet along the back wall, celebrating how food is cultivated around the world.
- Creations Shop is the park’s new retail location, replacing MouseGear. The store is inspired by Mickey Mouse and features a bright environment with large glass walls allowing sunlight to pour in. Artistic homages to Mickey are throughout the shop, including large murals.
- Adjacent to Creations Shop is a new-look Club Cool Hosted by Coca-Cola. Club Cool invites guests to taste drinks from around the world, bringing the global experience of Coca-Cola to life.
- In the future, there will be a new view of World Showcase from Dreamers Point behind Spaceship Earth. (Currently behind construction walls.)
- In the future, World Celebration will feature a new Walt Disney statue plus “natural environments and global design elements” filled with Disney things. (Currently behind construction walls.)
- In the future, this enchanted garden will be surrounded new merchandise and dining locations, along with a newly reimagined festival area that will be home to ever-changing events in a unique new environment. (Currently behind construction walls.)
World Nature
- World Nature is dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty, awe, and balance of the natural world. It includes The Land and The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilions, as well as the forthcoming Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana.
- The Land pavilion film “Awesome Planet” showcases the beauty, diversity and dynamic story of Earth. The 10-minute show features in-theater effects and an original musical score from Academy Award-winning composer Steven Price.
- Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will be the first Walt Disney World theme park experience featuring by Moana. This lush exploration trail will invite guests to meet and play with magical, living water. Water will have a personality of its own, helping guests learn how to protect the natural water cycle in a fun and engaging way. (Currently behind construction walls.)
World Discovery
- In World Discovery, stories about science, technology, and intergalactic adventure come to life.
- In an expansion of the Mission: SPACE pavilion, the new Space 220 Restaurant is a culinary experience offering the celestial panorama of a space station, including virtual daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles above the planet’s surface. Guests board a space elevator for a simulated journey to the Centauri Space Station, where they experience the “height of dining.” Once they arrive, guests enjoy meals and drinks while taking in views that are truly out of this world. Space 220 is operated by the Patina Restaurant Group.
- Opening May 27, 2022, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the first “otherworld” showcase pavilion at EPCOT. The family-thrill coaster adventure starts in the Galaxarium, a planetarium-like exhibition that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar. Guests learn more about the technologies Xandar has to share – until Eson the Celestial arrives and guests must help the Guardians of the Galaxy save the universe on an intergalactic chase through time and space. The attraction is one of the longest fully enclosed coasters in the world, and each vehicle rotates 360 degrees to focus guests on the action, including the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.
Now, let’s turn our attention to World Celebration, the focus of today’s announcements. Previously, the heart of World Celebration was going to be a multi-level festival pavilion, shown below in concept art from the D23 Expo over two years ago:
As you might recall, Disney announced that the company would “take a different approach” with the multi-level Festival Center in World Celebration right as the reopening process started. This was originally announced at the last D23 Expo, with a variety of concept art released about the space. (For those skimming this post, the above concept art is NOT what is being built anymore.)
Here’s another angle:
This multi-level festival pavilion was described as follows: “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.”
Below is the new concept art, from that same angle:
There are minor changes throughout, but the most noticeable ones are to the festival pavilion itself, which is noticeably less vertical.
Now called CommuniCore Hall, this space is a new outdoor multi-use facility and events space, bringing international festivals to the center of the EPCOT experience. According to Walt Disney World, CommuniCore Plaza and Hall will be the first fully purpose-built location with EPCOT festivals in mind.
CommuniCore Hall will feature a demonstration kitchen and mixology bar to extend the festival programming and allow Disney chefs to share their creations with guests.
It will also feature a new location called Mickey & Friends (not the parking structure) for guests to meet characters. Presumably, CommuniCore Hall is an indoor-outdoor space.
Turning out attention outside to CommuniCore Plaza, which is the outdoor space in World Celebration. This area will feature a large central planter based on the five-ring logo of EPCOT.
Radiating from that will be a variety of gardens, each having its own identity character, with the ability to change and amplify festival themes. At night, controllable lighting evolves based on the seasonal events and is further enhanced by the Beacons of Magic on Spaceship Earth.
The concept art above shows the way that the gardens in CommuniCore Plaza will change during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, for example.
This all looks very different than prior concept art. Previously, this area was going to feature natural environments, a wishing tree in an enchanted forest, and a story fountain playing Disney music. Unless that just isn’t mentioned for some odd reason (doubtful), it sounds like the story fountain is being replaced by the planter.
On the outdoor side facing CommuniCore Plaza, it’ll have an outdoor stage for concerts and performances during festival season, which is integral to EPCOT. This looks similar to what previously existed on the backside of the Fountain of Nations, except now at ground level and without as cool of a backdrop.
I don’t care what anyone says, this is definitely an upgrade from the Giant EPCOT Dirt Pit™️! Whether it’s an upgrade from the prior central spine of Future World is debatable, as is whether all of this is “worth” several years of construction walls and a torn up park. Nothing I see in the concept art leads me to those conclusions. Perhaps it’ll all present better in person.
Walt Disney World also released new concept art for Journey of Water inspired by Moana, pictured above. This is the first time the company has offered a look at the rough layout of this interactive exploration trail and water play area.
We actually just shared new Moana’s Journey of Water Construction Photos (as of early May 2022) so you can see for yourself how this attraction is taking shape.
A few things stand out from this announcement. First, what is not mentioned at all. That includes projects were already know were “postponed” indefinitely, like the Mary Poppins attraction and Spaceship Earth reimagining. The status of the Mary Poppins project remains unclear, as CEO Bob Chapek was asked about it in 2022 and gave an answer suggesting it might not be dead.
Additionally, the Spaceship Earth reimagining will need to be revived at some point, since there are overdue issues with the attraction that will need to be addressed in the not-too-distant future irrespective of the reimagining. The ride needs track work, among other things, and a lengthy refurbishment will be necessary within the next few years. If a year-plus closure needs to happen, it might as well include show scene updates.
Another surprise is that the Play Pavilion also is not included in the announcement. Post-reopening, this project has not been mentioned at all–neither as something that has been cancelled or is proceeding as planned. At first, our assumption was that Disney didn’t quite know how to handle the very hands-on pavilion with all playgrounds and interactive exhibits closed. That’s no longer an issue, so the continued silence around Play Pavilion is curious.
We have no clue what’s up with the Play Pavilion. Our understanding is/was that the project was pretty far along pre-closure, and would’ve had no issues making its planned opening date this year. However, the lack of anything official–or even rumors–makes us wonder whether this mothballed project will come to fruition, or will be “restored” to its status as a festival center.
Ultimately, I can’t say that I’m personally excited about CommuniCore Hall or Plaza. One reason I was previously on board with losing Innoventions and Fountain of Nations was because the multi-level festival pavilion looked incredibly ambitious, and architecturally compelling. Even though it wouldn’t have the same symmetry and clean look of Future World, it looked like a compelling addition.
This latest concept art looks like a knock-off of the previous core of Future World, with Innoventions replaced by a similar but incomplete building and Fountain of Nations replaced with a planter. About the only thing that’s an unequivocal upgrade is the lushness of the area. I’m no “tree expert,” but I feel like that could’ve been accomplished without this entire area engulfed in construction walls for several years.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think of EPCOT’s newly-announced CommuniCore Hall and Plaza? Is this an exciting development, or underwhelming as compared to the previous multi-level festival center? Looking forward to any of these projects coming to EPCOT? Disappointed about anything that has been delayed or cancelled? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
The last time we were there was 1 week before they closed for Covid..It was like vacationing in a construction site.
We used to go there every 4 weeks for years, we did that instead of 1 big vacation we did 2 days every month..some cm’s thought we worked there they saw us so often. LOL
Now, we haven’t been there since that trip March 2020.. With all the bs about changing characters, things like no more “Welcome Ladies & Gentlemen, Boys & Girls.” Changing attractions and characters to “cave” to activists.. The lack of services you’re paying for in the hotels and not getting… this stupid Park Reservation, Restaurant reservation, Food ordering ahead.. Ride time assignment..This is insanity…we gave up.
We spend our entire work life having to stick to schedules..We refuse to do our vacation that way..and why should we when Universal and any other parks don’t make you jump thru hoops!
Everyone we know that has been going to Disney this last years, comes back saying, they’re open, but NOT the same vacation. They’ve had trouble with food or Genie+ or Lightning lane or just the hotel stay..the Construction zones within the park.
the longer Disney’s nonsense goes on, the less we want to go.
There are a lot of valid complaints mentioned here for people to scoff about, but Disney’s inclusivity should not be one of them. There are much bigger issues to address than removing a few lines or changing a few animatronics so that all guests can be a part of the magic.
Has Disney always made these big reveal and public announcements and then frequently reneged or went in a different direction later? I know Covid changed things but it does seem in the past few years they’ve been over promising and under delivering (but maybe that isn’t new?)
Yes. Years ago we went to a D23 presentation about “New Fantastyland” and the announcement of Mine Train. The final product was missing a lot of the presented then. There were going to be a lot more character interactions (beyond Story Time with Belle) and a Tinker Bell area. And something with Knights.
Would Gringotts at Universal be a good comparison?
Honestly, all Spaceship Earth needs is new tracks and screens. Wish Mary Poppins was built and Disney would rebuild the Fountain of Nations.
Epcot deserves better.
Maybe I won’t notice since I’ll be simultaneously stuffing my face with a fine-not-great festival snack, checking Genie+ (for Hollywood Studios slots for latter that day, natch) and running over fellow park guests to get to my Cosmic Rewind Lightning Lane.
Haha!! this is so true.
I love the idea of mature trees and lush landscape. The Future is a return to a more ecologically savvy understanding of our place in the Universe. I’m onboard with that. It’s just that I have no trust that these trees will actually come to fruition. I remember the New Fantasyland concept art fondly. I was super excited for the enchanted forest lying just outside the castle gates. What we got is more concrete. I sincerely hope this is not the case for World Celebration.
A different site showed that there would be at least some pavement lighting around the new central fountain. Hopefully that’s at the same level or more than the old innoventions pavement lights. I loved those lights… A large scale epcot logo pavement light fountain could be really cool too though! I hope it’s done well!
I still miss the symmetry of the space! Why couldn’t they at least make the new building have the same roof curves as the old building?!
So they tore down Communicore West to put in lush trees (which actually look good and mesh with the lawns on the west side of the once Future World in the art), and they’re now rebuilding the southern half of it. It’s not as colossal a burning of cash like remodeling Paradise Pier twice in five years or so, but for crying out loud.
They should have shelved Play for a few years if they aren’t sure whether a new building would be worth it, rather than throwing away an impressive piece of architecture to just copy the Starbucks at Disney Springs.
There is no excuse for the current Giant Epcot Dirt Pit. Though it is cheaper to conduct construction in this manner it clearly isn’t faster. If they were putting up more booze concessions we can all agree THAT would happen overnight. Epcot is an embarrassment in its current state and they should be ashamed to hype the opening of rides while leaving the rest of the park looking this way. Tom, I’m no tree expert either but I do know landscaping, Dreamer’s Pointe and fountains could have already been done to make the park more enticing. As for the new concept art, just finish something!! Charging more and giving less is not an acceptable way to do business over the long term.
Maybe this will be an unpopular opinion, but why are they taking up so much real estate for an “interactive fountain exhibit?” Seems like it won’t help with dispersing crowds or adding to things that people will want to do in the park since it’s just a walk-through area. Also, why are they scaling back on the convention center when crowds have been through the roof and demand is obviously there?
Whatever is to come, and it has been a while, I hope it is more creative and captivating than Space 220 Restaurant. I felt is was, here’s an empty space we can make money for minimal cost. The elevator is a rather lame experience. At first the large dining area with huge space windows is quite impressive, BUT nothing happens! Small images of spaceships, astronauts float lazily by while you eat your fancy expensive meal. Actually the food was quite good. You keep anticipating SOMETHING to happen. Some drama. Maybe a siren warning of a meteor shower, maybe a large astronaut face appears panicky warning us of something, perhaps a spaceship has hit and damaged the elevator – how will we get back!! So a little vibration, a fancy meal, a pretty room and thanks for coming. FYI the two folks with me were more impressed, but the cost is irrelevant to them!
Its supposed to be as realistic as possible. Its not a rie, its supposed to be peaceful. Like the Coral Reef
while i appreciate the nod of “Communicore”, i’d still rather have the fountain of nations…
I’m starting to think that an actual dirt pit would be better. Some interactive fun for the little ones, as it seems like the Play pavilion no longer attempt to fill the massive gaps left by the closures of ImageWorks and Wonders of Life…
I’d sum it up this way — It’s better than nothing.
Could Disney screw up EPCOT any more badly? I guess the answer today is YES.
There have been a lot of comparisons between Disney and Universal as of late about what the latter has been doing better than the former, but I think there’s one thing people have been ignoring: announcements. Universal handles announcements so much better than Disney. Disney consistently over promises with these big projects before inevitably cutting back on them or worse, cancelling them entirely. This isn’t just a pandemic thing either. Look at all the false promises from Galaxy’s Edge or, if you want to go really far back in time, cancelled World Showcase pavilions/attractions. Universal, on the other hand, practically never announces anything until it is 100% set in stone. Velocicoaster was vertical for months before any official word was put out for it. Sure, it was weird seeing an unannounced coaster looming over the park, but at least there were no promises unfulfilled at its opening. At this point, Disney’s announcement system just seems like a way to con people into planning a trip years in advance before pulling the rug out from under them.
I couldn’t agree more. They just continue to degrade their credibility and reputation which is so sad. I don’t believe a thing in these releases anymore. And – this Communicore just screams mediocrity – also so sad for a company who has prided itself on being the gold standard. I just can’t get my head around how these decisions are made.
I also agree 100%. Disney has become the Boy Who Cried Wolf. I don’t believe anything they say anymore when it comes to these kinds of announcements. I’ll believe it when it’s actually done.
Anything at this time is better than the construction walls. What I am still scratching my head about is why the current and horrible Journey to Imagination attraction has not been mentioned as being replaced. Such a shame that the beautiful Imagination Pavillion is wasted in its current sad state.
Could not agree more with KenR. Fix imagination!
I’m cautiously optimistic that these reimagined areas of the park will be impressive. However, the “Epcot as an elaborate indoor/outdoor shopping mall and food court” experience seems like it won’t be changing. They could have built some truly unique and compelling spaces, but instead it seems more and more uninspired. I love WDW for spaces like Adventureland and Pandora or Asia at AK.
Being critical of the multi-year construction walls is unfair. The construction has lasted a long time because of the pandemic. There was nothing Disney could do about that. IF there had been no pandemic, the EPCOT updates would have been done long before now.
Universal didn’t seem to have any trouble continuing construction projects. Blaming the pandemic doesn’t work for me when others all over the country continued to work.
They managed to build the original MK in 18 months and did the original WDW in 4 years. It took 5 years to build Pandaora, 5 years for Galaxy’s edge, 2 years to build a walking path to the Grand Floridian, and Tron is still under construction even though it started long before the pandemic and already has blueprints and a sister ride in Japan. The leisurely pace of Disney’s construction cannot be blamed on the pandemic. Maybe it is their own internal bureaucracy getting in the way?
Construction throughout Central Florida was going like gangbusters during the COVID shutdowns. We were very surprised not to see the same occur at Disneyworld. It really was an anomaly. If I had to guess, it seems the decisionmakers may have been somewhere not in Florida (maybe California) where the business attitudes were much more sluggish.