29 Aug 2019
Disney's Epcot transformation continues with new attractions unveiled
BY Andy Knaggs
Disney has promised the biggest ever transformation of any of its parks in announcing a host of new attractions and experiences for its Epcot theme park, many set to open in January or summer 2020.
Among the new characters that will inhabit the park are Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, Moana and Guardians of the Galaxy.
The location will be divided into four neighbourhoods that each "speak to important aspects of the world and its people", and will be "filled with new experiences rooted in authenticity and innovation" said Disney. These four areas are World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery.
World Showcase will continue to be a celebration of culture, cuisine, architecture and traditions, but, said Disney, infused with new magic. Here, in the United Kingdom pavilion, the first attraction inspired by Mary Poppins will be situated. Guests can step back in time along Cherry Tree Lane and enter Number 17, the home of the Banks family, for whom Poppins was the nanny.
Also in the World Showcase will be a new Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along and Remy's Ratatouille Adventure attraction, both in the France pavilion, new scenes and stories in the Canada and China pavilions, and HarmonioUS ‒ the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for Disney, celebrating its music as an inspiration for people all over the world.
World Celebration retains its Spaceship Earth attraction, with new narration and music, and this will be joined by a new pavilion with an elevated view that will provide a venue for live events and festivals.
In World Nature, visitors will find Journey of Water, inspired by the hit animated film Moana, as well as Awesome Planet, a new film at the Land pavilion, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the planet and its dynamic story.
New in World Discovery will be Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: the first "other-world" showcase pavilion at Epcot. This will include a new storytelling coaster from Disney Imagineering, that rotates 360 degrees and has the first reverse launch of a Disney coaster. A new restaurant by the name of Space 220 in the Space pavilion, accessed by a special elevator, will provide day and night views of Earth from 220 miles up.
There will also be the Play! pavilion, which will be an interactive city full of games, activities and experiences, including a water-balloon fight hosted by Huey, Dewey, Louise and Webby, in which visitors can compete.
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