Epcot Overhaul & Re-Imagining: 8 Huge Rumors
Beyond the Epcot Re-imagining Details that were announced at the D23 Expo, there are a lot of rumors for new rides and re-themed areas of Future World and World Showcase. Without a doubt, Epcot is the focus of Walt Disney World’s plans prior to 2021.
There are still several concepts are floating around for an Epcot “re-imagining” that have yet to be announced. No matter what does end up being built, it’s an interesting time for the park. Big plans for Epcot are most definitely going to change the look and feel of the park. Imagineering has put Epcot veterans at the helm with the intent of restoring the park to its former grandeur, and even Parks & Resorts chairman Bob Chapek indicated that he’s told the Imagineers to “dream big” with regard to an Epcot overhaul that would stay true to the park’s original vision while offering something “timeless, relevant, and family friendly.”
In other words, we know things are on the horizon for Epcot: some of these things have been confirmed since we originally shared the rumors (and will be marked as such), while other possibilities are still on the table. A steady stream of rumors continues to trickle out, all with varying degrees of credibility. For this post, I thought I’d assemble the “best” of these rumors, and share them in the order of least-likely to most likely, along with my own commentary on each rumor…
Note that this list is based upon a combination of permits that Disney has quietly filed, insider sources, and credible rumors that have started floating around. I’m compiling everything here on the basis of what I deem most likely to come to fruition (based upon track records of those who have shared the info and a general smell-test). That does not mean that all of these changes will occur.
In other words, this is basically no better than Second Hand Disney News, and I’m correspondent Anthony Crispino. “Did you hear this thing where Spaceship Earth is changing its name to Golf Ball Racers? I’m pretty sure it’s gonna be like the hit attraction Rocket Rods; I got it from a reliable source.” 😉
Frankly, at this point I’m not inclined to believe any Epcot rumors until they’re officially announced by Disney, and even then, I have a sense of healthy skepticism. Even the things that were announced at the D23 Expo could be canceled or changed–it happens all of the time with Walt Disney World announcements. I’ve been burned plenty of times believing something that was a “sure thing,” most notably with the overhaul of the Journey into Imagination pavilion a couple of years ago that got pushed aside when Frozen proved to be a smash hit. (The rest of that, as they say, is history.)
Anyway, with regard to an Epcot reimagining, the question is not “if” but rather “what?” and “when?” Beyond the timeframes for specific attraction updates and additions, this more generically also pertains to what the overarching vision (if there is to be any) for Epcot will be going forward.
Does restoring the park to its former grandeur mean trying once again to “entertain, inform and inspire and, above all, may it instill a new sense of belief and pride in man’s ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere.” Or, does it simply mean making the park popular and “Disneyfying” the attractions? Time will tell.
While we cannot answer that overarching question, what we can offer are a glimpse into rumored proposals for Epcot…
Note: This post does not cover everything that was announced at the D23 Expo. For more on what else is coming, including the Outer Space Restaurant, new Reflections of China film, Central Spine Redesign, and more, read our Epcot Reimagining Details Announced! post.
One of the most exciting things about the D23 Expo with regard to Epcot is that a lot was teased, but left unannounced. Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek indicated that they have other surprises up their sleeves, and even hinted at a possible return of the Tapestry of Nations parade (hence the above photo–from a performance during the presentation.) He and Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald shared many details, as well as some timelines for the projects. Additionally, we offer some predicted timetables for this work in our Construction Impact at Walt Disney World post.
7. Figment Refresh – The most unlikely of all these rumors, and yet there’s still a pretty decent chance of this happening. The new-look Epcot will continue to use Figment as its mascot, and the park’s iconic character having an attraction worthy of his legacy just seems logical.
The latest fanning of the flames on the Figment speculation came over the weekend by way of WDWNT’s posting about survey questions pertaining to Figment. Personally, I cannot envision a scenario where Epcot receives a large-scale overhaul and the current incarnation of Journey into Imagination survives that. The attraction is not a big draw, and its guest satisfaction scores are not high.
With Journey into Imagination, it’s more a question as to whether the future holds a new attraction with Figment and Dreamfinder, or Disney intellectual property, such as Inside Out. I don’t think the survey is telling either way: management is already aware that Figment is quite popular with Annual Passholders and serious fans, but his selling power with regular guests is more of an unknown.
6. United Kingdom Attraction – The variations of this rumor do not seem particularly credible to me, but there are multiple sources indicating that various concepts are being kicked around for the UK pavilion. Depending upon who you ask, this is everything from an attraction featuring the Loch Ness Monster or Mary Poppins.
Rather than choosing between Loch Ness Monster and Mary Poppins, I’d like to humbly propose to Imagineering an attraction that features both. Just think of the possibilities: you fly above Nessie as Mary Poppins, while engaged in an epic battle for the ages. Everyone knows Poppins’ umbrella doubles as a laser stun-gun and all sea monsters have laser eyes.
Joking aside, it seems like this is a pavilion that is having blue sky ideas pitched for it, but I don’t see it being a top priority. Especially with the pavilion next door being the surest bet to receive a new attraction on this list.
Post-Expo Update: Despite no announcement at the D23 Expo, this “rumor” seems to be gaining traction in the fan community. We have heard nothing from reliable sources. It seems the conversation about a potential attraction in the United Kingdom is being intensified because of the pending closure of Great Movie Ride, which could supply Audio Animatronics for this attraction. While that is definitely possible, it’s not an actual rumor coming from folks in the know–at least it’s not something we’ve been told.
6. Coco in Gran Fiesta Tour – If Coco is as authentic in its depiction of the culture surrounding “Dia de los Muertos” as Moana was with Polynesian cultures, this seems like it would be a natural fit. A no-brainer, in fact. The real question is whether it’d be worth making a reasonably popular attraction (with limited queue space) even more popular.
I think this one probably hinges upon Coco‘s box office success this fall. If it’s a smash hit, it might behoove Disney to find a way to integrate the film into the attraction and somehow accommodate larger crowds. If not, that money would be better spent elsewhere, especially considering the Gran Fiesta Tour has enjoyed a surge in popularity since its Audio Animatronics were added.
5. Spain – Most longtime Disney fans are aware of World Showcase’s history of unbuilt pavilions, most notably Equatorial Africa, Spain, and Israel, all of which were actually announced by Disney. If you’re not familiar with these concepts, there’s a lot about them in Walt Disney’s Epcot Center: Creating the New World of Tomorrow. At the time this book was written, it was still believed that these pavilions were coming to EPCOT Center, so the book spends time discussing them.
They were such sure things that Danny Kaye spoke with Alex Haley, author of Roots, about the Equatorial Africa pavilion, which would be opening in “about a year” as they stood over a detailed model of the pavilion at its future site in EPCOT Center Opening Day Celebration TV special:
Africa would now be redundant, and I don’t think modern-day Disney would deem Israel stable enough or sufficiently free from controversy to build that pavilion. (For the same reason, Russia, Greece, Egypt, and Iran are also highly unlikely candidates at this point, even if they were once considered.)
Of the unbuilt pavilions that were planned, Spain is now the most sensible. Its name has popped up a lot when insiders discuss a World Showcase expansion, with some pointing to Gigantic as the concept for the ride. With that now having been delayed multiple times, I think Imagineering would take a wait and see approach with the movie.
This means that a decision on Spain would either be delayed until Gigantic‘s popularity is known, or the pavilion have a non-IP concept. The original plans called for a cultural dark ride, film, and tapas restaurant. Films are becoming passé for Disney, so I don’t see that happening, but a restaurant and high capacity dark ride seem plausible.
Post-Expo Update: While we don’t have any concrete updates on the Spain rumor, specifically, we’ve heard that a second new World Showcase country is still on the table. It now seems less likely to occur in general, and also more likely that if it does, it won’t be Spain.
Regardless of whether Spain comes to fruition, expansion in World Showcase makes a lot of sense. It does not seem like there’s any end to the perpetual “Festival Season” in sight, and expanding World Showcase would provide some breathing room and added capacity for guests during these popular (and financially lucrative) times of year. Even if Disney cannot find sponsors for new countries, it seems like building-out World Showcase (even if it’s in the model of Italy) makes complete sense. To that end, I suppose another possibility for Spain would be building the pavilion first, and the attraction later…although that didn’t work out so well for Germany or Japan! We’ll cover the Top 4 rumors for Epcot on Page 2…
Your comment about Guardians of the Galaxy fitting into Rock N Rollercoaster makes a lot of sense! Aerosmith has never felt like a great fit to me. Then again I’m not exactly a fast coaster fan either so my ties to this ride are thin.
I am one of those 30-something Figment devotees so I’m hopeful that his recent attention as co-mascot for the art and the flower & garden festivals means Epcot will double-down on him rather than the alternative.
So many great ideas mentioned already that I agree with wholeheartedly.
My priorities would be:
Update Journey while bringing back the joy and fun of the original.
New, updated circle-vision films in all 3 countries.
Something outstanding to bring Innovations back to life. The House of Tomorrow was always a favorite.
Bring back a great animatronic show to the Land. Food Rocks and Kitchen Caberet were fun!
More countries!
The Living Seas aquarium really could use a heavy-duty clean-up.
Move those awful cement things out from under SE! 20 years is up, right? (Do a stepping stones sale like in front of MK!)
I really do hope EPCOT Center gets the TLC it deserves very soon! It was always my nymber 2 park!
With Epcot being about technology, and this is a bold idea but what if they were to replace the Chevy Test Track ride with a Tesla Test Track. It would allow riders to test track the “ludicrous mode” of a Model S P100D. 🙂
Please give EPCOT the overhaul it deserves. Hopefully not by placing more band-aid rides like Frozen in all the countries. Still mourning the loss of Maelstrom, affectionately know to my family as “the funny boat ride.” Sighh. I have high hopes for an overhaul that would speak to the original mission of Epcot. With the other 3 parks getting big new plans, it only makes sense that EPCOT would be next. DHS was definitely in a sadder state of affairs, but EPCOT just feels stale, stale, stale. Nostalgia for WDW will keep me coming back, but in the past 10 years or so, the “Disney difference” has been lacking…will be cautiously optimistic until more concrete plans are announced! Yay.
Virtual reality is a way for Disney to bring new experiences. Also they could revisit old extinct attractions bringing them back to life.
This could be a fantastic medium for all to enjoy.
Interesting rumours. I know that with the speed Disney brings any new ideas to fruition, any changes could still be many many years away, but it’s interesting to read about none-the-less.
As someone has already mentioned, I like the idea of Brazil because it is part of a currently unrepresented continent. It would also be nice to see the south side of the Equator represented, as I’ve always considered the ‘World’ aspect of Epcot to be a bit lopsided.
Rather than Spain, perhaps Australia? The country is as diverse as it is interesting and I can see great appeal in a BBQ restaurant.
I think Australia is an exceptional idea, but depending upon the focus, I’d (potentially) also prefer that going to Animal Kingdom. The Sydney Opera House is the first thing that comes to mind when showcasing iconic architecture at Epcot, but that has pretty restrictive trademark protections.
Unless Disney could get permission to use that for ‘inspiration’ in World Showcase, I think focusing on other aspects of Australia in Animal Kingdom would be the better move.
Yes ,I agree
An Australian Experience of Architecture , Fauna & Flora ,deserves a Land in Animal Kingdom not Epcot ..
Good point. Australia has quite a bit of gorgeous architecture inspired by aboriginal culture, but none of it would be iconic enough to make it into Epcot. Meanwhile, a mock up of it’s arguably most iconic ‘structure’, Uluru, has the potential to be culturally insensitive.
I’m now have a private laugh with myself over the vision of a stereotypical version of a New Zealand (my home country) with a marae, beehive, oversized kiwifruit and a corrugated iron sheep (all surrounded by lots and lots of trees).
Please, Disney, replace the “Outpost Pavilion” with something – anything!
From a very good source, I heard they were going to spend a Billion dollars on epcot starting in the very near future. He could not tell me what was going to happen or that he knew. Lets hope they reimagine Journey and spice up future world. How far can a Billion go these days at Disney?
Not far enough to accomplish everything on this list.
Epcot is my wife and my favorite park, particularly the world showcase but not least of all the land. I agree that the land could use some refreshing starting with the Circle of Life (maybe a new short film with the crew up the upcoming live action LK?). The center area might be improved with a more earthy, eco feel like adding plants and maybe a nature soundtrack. I think one way to avoid the food court vibe is to sort of wall off Sunshine Seasons (not all the way to the ceiling but something to separate it more).
LWTL for some reason is one of my favorites but it wouldn’t cost much to film an updated version of this including the world as it is now and updated farming/green energy info.
Everybody knows Innoventions needs a huge update, but because the park is the most adult friendly Disney has, I’m against doing anything mainly kid-ified and I hope they can find a nice balance. This one is the hardest to figure out, but I know they can find a good solution.
As far as world showcase, fingers crossed they add the two new countries and include attractions. I would love to see Ratatouille make an appearance in France but only if Impressions De France remains. I think the countries benefit by an authentic representation and not just a Disney cartoon representation.
Finally, I would hate to see guardians replace Rockin Roller Coaster because RRC is still a good, popular ride, and because Hollywood Studios needs more big ticket attractions, and replacing one with another seems to me a waste.
I personally resent the notion that an African Pavillion would be redundant. Africa, the continent, is more than just its animals and safaris. Its actual peoples and cultures deserve to have a place in World Showcase.
I still think this would be better suited to an expansion at Animal Kingdom. The ‘Africa’ section of that park is more than just animals and safaris, too.
I think it would be weird to have a dedicated “Africa” pavilion when you’ve already got Morocco that is in Africa. If anything, pick a different African country. (South Africa? Tanzania?)
I like the idea of Brazil though because there’s currently no other South American country represented, it has a distinct culture, and recognizable landmarks.
Disney’s earnings will be announced later this afternoon. Beauty and the Beast revenues and profits may obfuscate the continuing loss of ESPN revenues. Since ESPN is such a big part of Disney’s earnings, I can see pressure being placed on the theme parks and film divisions to make up for that shortfall. Cast members here at WDW tell me over and over again that they are operating at minimal staffing. Their observation is that all monies are ear marked for expansion at Hollywood studios. With Pandora now completed, perhaps funds will be freed up for new rides, attractions and pavilions. I believe cord cutting by millennials will continue. ESPN’s profits will continue to decline. Therefore, Disney has a choice. Either cut back until ESPN earnings stabilize or go full throttle with new ideas for the theme parks. I hope it is the latter. Seems like too many of the new rides and shows appear to have been thrown together too quickly. I may be in the minority, but I do not see Rivers of Light or the Navi River boat ride as bordering on the spectacular attraction category. Frozen at Epcot appears to be a big hit. For the life of me, I can not see why. Of course, realty at Disney parks has been for the most part: “Build it, and they will come.”
ESPN earnings are not going to stabilize. It’s an albatross that is going to see diminishing returns, with a big bust still a few years away.
I think Disney realizes this, and knows films and parks need to compensate. I think they also realize that short-term cuts are a temporary bandaid, and not a long-term solution. In my estimation, this is why we are starting to see so much new investment in the parks: they represent a big part of the future of Disney’s overall health.
I would welcome a new pavilion or two, with a table service restaurant, as well as a counter service area. However, I feel one of the best changes that Disney could make to EPCOT would be the restaurant associated with the American Pavilion. I read many years ago that a fast food restaurant was designed because that is what visitors from other countries expected to see. The diversity of food this country has should be showcased, NOT burgers and fries. A table service restaurant featuring food from the different areas of the country. The Northeast-chowder, lobster, Midwest-BBQ, South-fried chicken(on the bone), Cajun and Creole, Tex-Mex, I could go on and on. However, I also feel a chef from each of these areas should be preparing the food so that or teaching other chefs how to prepare this cuisine so that it is truly authentic. As for Figment, I never did like the pathetic replacement of the original fun and engaging attraction and it was one attraction children truly enjoyed. More seating and shaded areas would be welcome, with so much cement to hold the heat particularly in the summertime I find and unbearable and avoid going to Disney.
I wholeheartedly agree about the “new” Figment attraction! The original Journey into Imagination was one of my favorite attractions! My family and I love Figment, and I really miss him!
I also agree with Pam about the authentic American cuisine at the American Pavilion. That is a great idea, and I believe long overdue!
Excellent point of the American restaurant food ideas! I’d like to see a second allergy safe restaurant in EPCOT. For those unaware, all of them except Coral Reef are not Disney-owned and therefore most fall miserably short on food allergy awareness and offerings and when at least 10% of the overall Disney crowd is estimated to come because of allergies (to WDW), it’s gross oversight!
Your thoughts on updating “The Land” pavilion are on target. In the more than 20 years we have been visiting Epcot, our favorite park, we have never eaten at The Land once, due to the creepy old mall feel. It was even depressing in 1995! We dash through the entrance to Soarin’, trying not to look around and dash back out after.
Great article.
Interesting take on Ratatouille. I’ve ridden Mystic Manor, but never ridden Ratatouille. Sounds like there is quite a gap between the quality of these two attractions. I would have assumed they were more or less on par with each other.
Mystic Manor and even the ~20 year old Pooh’s Hunny Hunt are both far superior to Ratatouille: the Adventure. I can only assume people who love the Ratatouille trackless dark ride have never experienced what this ride system is truly capable of.
Hi! First off, I read this blog all the time, but it’s my first time commenting, so just wanted to say a huge thank you for this amazing source of Disney news and all your planning tips! 🙂
I’m a Brazilian and did an International College Program back in 2009/2010, and even then the rumours of Brazil coming to World Showcase were treated as old but still a plausible plan. I’ve seen Brazilians run to Brazilian restaurants after spending only one week in US, so I’m pretty sure having any regional food on Epcot would be a hit, and make Disney more money.
I used to work on Innoventions, and would hate to see it permanently go, but I guess this ship has already sailed.
Regarding the speculation, I would love to see some plans for that yellow dome between Universe of Energy and Mission: Space. In 2008 I took and English course at Disney (aka excuse to stay there for 3 weeks!) and we used the dome as classrooms, but it was pretty sad to see it abandonned, like an old spooky amusement park. So, any scoop on that? 🙂
The yellow dome used to house the Wonders of Life pavilion, with numerous attractions and exhibits relating to the health of the human body. Cranium Command was a fun show, kinda like a celebrity-studded early version of Inside Out. Body Wars was an early flight simulator through the inside of the human body. The Making of Me was about human sexuality and reproduction (believe it or not). They also had a comedy ad-lib show, a “healthy” counter service restaurant, and a show about health featuring Goofy. Of all these attractions, I miss Cranium Command the most. Now they often use the building as “festival headquarters” during their various annual festivals. I wish they would put in a new permanent attraction or two.
Thanks, Gina! From what you said, sounds like the dome is the perfect spot for a Inside Out attraction! 🙂
I like the American provilion at Epcot, however the gift shop needs a lot of work. Each state should be represented. Not just a few books and hats and what not.
We’ve always like “Living With The Land” but it has lost much of it’s interest since they added the pre-recorded track. It doesn’t point out nearly as many things as when the cast members “conducted the tour”.
Hi Tom! Long time reader here. Love the Blog. 🙂
First and foremost, as I’ve said before on Facebook pages, getting rid of Figment is like getting rid of Mickey – it isn’t right. He’s a staple of EPCOT . As someone who grew up with him, I was sad when they took out the original ride, put in the horror that was, and then refreshed it to include Figment again. What I’m hoping is that they bring back the original ride with Dreamfinder but newer, fresher. And if they do that, bring back the meet and greet with Dreamfinder and Figment, too.
I’ve been looking forward to Coco ever since its announcement and I agree. They need to refresh the Grand Fiesta Tour when (because in my mind, there is no ‘if’) the movie becomes popular. I’m also picturing a meet and greet with characters from the movie.
They need to utilize the building that they made for the millennium celebration. What is it currently being used for? Is that where the rumored Spain or Brazil pavilions would go?
As much as I love Ellen and Bill Nye, if they could fit it in to the theme of energy, I think Universe of Energy would be perfect for Guardians of the Galaxy. Rock N Roller Coaster needs to be left alone (but it’s just my personal feelings, and I’m also a big Aerosmith fan).
The Land does need a major refurbishment. I think the Circle of Life movie has been played out, and everything just seems tired there, save for Soarin’. Even when we went last month to check out what they had for lunch at Sunshine Seasons, the menus seemed to be uninspired. The whole “mall food court” vibe isn’t working anymore like it used to.
Even if nothing else comes to fruition, I hope that they keep Leave a Legacy, since we’ve had our picture up there ever since 2000.
I’m curious to know why you’re not a fan of the Ratatouille ride. I just went to Disneyland Paris and I thought it was a blast and a perfect choice for World Showcase! I thought it was creative and fun…and there’s nothing like it at WDW. And as much as I adore BATB, the expansion of Fantasyland includes a lot of BATB and I think Ratatouille is under-represented.
For World Showcase, I’d like to see a split between England, Scotland, and Ireland. There could be distinctly different areas featuring Mary Poppins, Merida, etc. I agree that Spain in a good option, too, though, personally, I’d prefer to see Greece. And man, Canada needs an overhaul! In terms of space, there’s room for what, 7 more countries?
I would love to see Wales represented too in the UK Pavilion and Disney has an underrepresented (completely ignored?) IP that is directly inspired by Welsh mythology- The Black Cauldron. It would be nice to see that movie get some love.
A tiny mouse door with the address 221 1/2 would also be an adorable nod to the forgotten Disney movies of that era.
I think a Ukrainian pavilion would do well the Danes are amazing. The culture is rather unique as well
It would be wonderful if the future of Epcot included more shaded areas. I swear it is the hotest place on earth! Include more misting areas too, please?
I totally agree, more shade and maybe some that would double as refuges for rainy times as I’ve been stranded in the rain with no place to hide more than once in Epcot. Maybe a good restaurant could be to transform the current craft beer pavilion in the Odyssey center into a year -round, full blown microbrew/restaurant. They could make and sell a few beers of their own as well as still sell some of the same local craft beers and have a great, unique table service menu.
Great idea! I really would like to see the Odyssey open year round.