Epcot reinvents itself to be destination, not a journey

It is time to say goodbye to Future World because Epcot is becoming a new Disney destination. This theme park reinvention changes everything.

During the D23 Expo, Disney announced many big changes coming to Epcot. While the changes might modernize the theme park, will these new neighborhoods change the heart of this portion of Disney?

As the second oldest theme park at Walt Disney World, Epcot has many loyalists. But even though it draws huge crowds during its various festivals, parts of the theme park might seem a little less relevant to today’s guests. Still, those nostalgic moments are part of the appeal.

With the new renovations and additions coming over the next several years, this Walt Disney World will have a very different vibe. Although the changes are said to create four different neighborhoods, the upcoming changes might be losing the “experience” that many people have come to enjoy.

According to the D23 Expo announcement, there will be four areas: World Nature, World Discovery, World Celebration, and World Showcase (which already exists). Future World is no more, but these four themes should offer a destination feel and offer guests a way to explore a bigger topic.

Although people are talking about this transformation, it will be a long, long time coming. Walking around this Disney theme park now, it’s a little like a construction zone. Even just walking into the park is mess.

Based on the D23 Expo announcements, these Epcot expansions excited us the most.

Mary Poppins experience coming to Great Britain

Described as Mary Poppins in Cherry Tree Lane, this long-rumored experience has finally been confirmed. While few details emerged, it’s said to “join the United Kingdom pavilion as an entirely new neighborhood.”

It will be curious to see if this attraction focuses on the original Mary Poppins or the reinvented version. In either case, let’s hope there are many musical interludes featured in this attraction.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

This new attraction will have guests interacting with “living water.” While this idea might be part child-friendly splash pad and part educational experience, it is nice that Moana is being included in a Disney attraction.

This type of attraction seems to bring the family aspect back to Epcot. Although some guests enjoy exploring the food and beverage options around Epcot, that idea can be less appealing to the younger guests. This type of interactive family experience could be the place to hang out, especially on a hot Florida day.

HamonioUS new nighttime show

As Illuminations says goodbye and Epcot Forever ends its limited run, the new HarmonioUS nighttime spectacular is quite ambitious. Described as a celebration of “the music of Disney inspire(ing) people,” this idea seems to build on the many music events that are part of the various seasonal festivals.

If this nighttime show is to be the “largest ever,” it needs to combine all the Disney magic. From fireworks to lasers to music, this experience should be quite impressive.

PLAY! Pavilion

Continuing to build on the family emphasis, this PLAY! Pavilion brings the Disney characters closer to guests. Described as an interactive metropolis, this area should feel more like classic Disney experiences.

The Disney characters are part of the iconic Disney experience. Young attendees, older ones, and everyone in between want that moment with their favorite Disney character. This area could become the most photographed part of the theme park.

Guardians of the Galaxy ride details

As the Guardians of the Galaxy ride takes shape in the old “energy” area, Disney revealed that this ride will feature the first backwards launch. This aspect, in addition to the rotating car design, excited coaster enthusiasts.

Of course, Marvel fans are also excited to see the storyline behind this coaster. Like other newer family-friendly coasters, the story is as important as the thrill aspect.

Spaceship Earth reinvented

Epcot is always associated with Spaceship Earth, aka the big silver ball. While that story might seem a little dated, it is part of the theme park’s nostalgic appeal. As the experience transforms with new scenes, it supports the bigger concept of becoming a destination.

Journey through Imagination with Figment wasn’t discussed

Many people were waiting to see what would happen to Journey through Imagination with Figment. While Figment is Epcot’s unique character, that experience needs an upgrade, change, and re-imagination. With all the other changes coming to this Disney theme park, it is curious that this area was not discussed. Any guesses why this area was passed over?

As everyone digests these D23 Expo announcements, this reinvention will be met with approval and skepticism. Some people who love the seasonal festivals might wonder how all this construction will impact crowds. Those people who like “Diet” Epcot will wonder if the additions will ruin the theme park’s vibe. No matter which side you are on, these changes will take time — a lot of time.

What do you think of the Epcot reinvention? Do you think the changes are good for the Disney theme park?