As you walk around EPCOT these days, you’ll notice a LOT of construction going on as part of the EPCOT Transformation.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Construction

Various projects are underway including the construction of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and work on the new nighttime show, Harmonious. But, some projects, like the Mary Poppins attraction and refurbishment of Spaceship Earth have been postponed. Could plans be changing for another part of this transformation — the Festival Pavilion? Here’s what we know.

One part of the EPCOT transformation that was previously announced is the creation of a brand new three-level pavilion or “Festival Center,” which was set to serve as the new “home base” for EPCOT’s various festivals and live events! The building was set to feature a plaza level, a middle expo level, and a park in the sky on the top level! It was once described by Disney as “one of the most remarkable designs at any Disney park.”

World Celebration Concept Art ©Disney

The Festival Center was announced as part of World Celebration — an area that guests would encounter just past Spaceship Earth. Given that the building here was set to be 3-stories high, it would provide some incredible views for new nighttime spectaculars. The concept art shows the building with a very space-age design, with trees and vegetation on the top level. We’d seen models of this new pavilion at the EPCOT Experience…

EPCOT Experience

…as well as posters of it. We’d also heard that it will be “transformed for the seasons and festivals” with special themed decorations.

World Celebration Poster

In other words, while we haven’t heard a TON of details about this pavilion, we have seen enough to show that it was well into the stages of development.

Description of the Festival Pavilion

But, it seems things may be changing for the future of this pavilion. We’d already noticed that the model for the building had been removed from the EPCOT Experience exhibit, but now the “Center” itself is not even being referred to as that. A recent press release from Walt Disney World regarding EPCOT’s transformation says the following:

• World Celebration will offer new experiences that connect guests to one another and the world around them.
• Surrounding this enchanted garden will be new retail and dining locations, along with a newly reimagined festival area that will be home to ever-changing events in a unique new environment.

Epcot Concept Art ©Disney

So, it seems this area has gone from a Festival Center to now being described as a “Festival Area.” What that means exactly, we’re not entirely sure. Will a building with indoor areas still be created in this spot? Will it just be more of an open space for festival booths and things of the like? It’s unclear. The project wasn’t directly addressed in the recent D23 Fantastic Worlds events, but we’ll definitely keep an eye out for more information about it.

©Disney

In the meantime, progress continues on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure as well as several other projects all around Disney World. Stay tuned for all the latest!

The 2020 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays guide map is now available! Click here to check it out!

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What part of the EPCOT Transformation are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!