EPCOT’s Exciting Multi-Year Transformation in 2022

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EPCOT is undergoing one of the largest transformations of any Disney park in history. It was due to be completed by the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World on October 1, 2021, but was delayed because of COVID. Many of the new rides, experiences and restaurants are now open and several more are due at EPCOT to open summer of 2022. 

EPCOT’S entrance plaza welcomes guests with open pathways and sweeping green spaces. At the base of Spaceship Earth, a new fountain with three pylons and flags feature six original EPCOT icons. Transformed into four neighborhoods—World Celebration, World Discovery, World Showcase and World Nature —EPCOT features immersive storytelling through new attractions, experiences and food. 

new-entrance-at-epcot
Photo from Walt Disney World.

World Celebration

At World Showcase Lagoon, Illuminations fireworks has been replaced by the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park—Harmonious. This 20-minute journey takes guests through culturally diverse music, moving fountains, lights, lasers, fireworks and other pyrotechnic effects. Still to come is a new three-level pavilion that will feature one of the most remarkable architectural designs at any Disney park. It will feature a plaza level, a middle expo level and a park that sits in the sky on the top level. 

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Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World. “Harmonious” at EPCOT is one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney theme park.

World Discovery

One of the most anticipated rides at EPCOT, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, opens summer 2022. This new family-thrill coaster takes guests on an intergalactic chase through time and space. The coaster rotates 360 degrees, features the first reverse launch on any Disney coaster and will be one of the longest fully enclosed coasters in the world. At the Wonders of Xandar pavilion, guests will learn about the Xandarian people, their culture & history and advanced technologies. 

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Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.

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.

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Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.

World Showcase

EPCOT’s expansion of it’s France pavilion features a celebration of culture, cuisine and architecture. The expansion nearly doubles the size of the existing pavilion and adds an art nouveau-style archway and a French market street. Anchoring its expansion is Remy’s Ratatouillle Adventure, a family-friendly attraction where participants don 3D glasses and are shrunk to the size of a rat while racing through Gusteau’s restaurant. 

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Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.

Guests can also enjoy authentic French cuisine including savory galettes, dessert crepes and hard ciders at Crêperie de Paris. Family fun continues with Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along and Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 260.

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Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.

World Nature

This neighborhood 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. The Land pavilion film, Awesome Planet, showcases the beauty, diversity and dynamic story of our planet. The forthcoming Journey of Water, inspired by the film Moana, will invite guests into a lush exploration trail to play with magical living water and help them learn how to protect the natural water cycle in a fun and engaging way. 

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Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.

Epcot is going to be sensational in 2022!

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