EPCOT Center opened on October 1, 1982. Though Walt Disney World is now home to four parks, EPCOT Center was the second to open its gates to guests outside of the Magic Kingdom, which opened on October 1, 1971. Originally envisioned by Walt Disney himself as an “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow,” these days the park is known simply as EPCOT.

And while the park has seen many changes over the years, Disney confirmed a multi-year transformation of EPCOT at the 2019 D23 Expo. The park — which was previously comprised of Future World and World Showcase — now houses four distinct “neighborhoods”: World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery, and World Showcase. And, in fact, the three new neighborhoods began going by their new names on October 1, 2021.

Click HERE to learn your way around EPCOT’s three NEW neighborhoods: World Celebration, World, Discovery, and World Nature!

New attractions, restaurants, and much more will serve as reminder that EPCOT — as Walt Disney himself said — will “always be in a state of becoming.”

While the transformation will ultimately span a few years, guests can enjoy some of the results of the work already! For instance, the Leave A Legacy monoliths which used to welcome guests upon entering the park have been moved, and also colorfully reimagined.

And now let’s take a closer look at the three new neighborhoods and explore the many ways World Showcase will also be changed as EPCOT undergoes what Disney is calling an “historic transformation!”

World Celebration and the Entrance Plaza

Entrance Plaza and Spaceship Earth

On December 22, 2020, a new fountain was unveiled which guests can see as they approach Spaceship Earth immediately upon entering the park.

Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley has previously explained that the design team “took special interest in looking back to the original geometry for inspiration and infusing new features with a little bit of added magic to bridge the past, present and future of EPCOT.” The fountain itself is complete with a trio of acrylic pylons that look especially beautiful at night.

Guests will also notice the addition of 12 new flags (six designs, two of each) on flagpoles flanking Spaceship Earth.

The flags feature original EPCOT icons that represent the pavilions and attractions. They arrived at the same time as new music which welcomes guests into the park! Though still a work in progress (as everything is growing!), the newly revealed area presents refreshed landscaping to enjoy as well.

And EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth has also received a truly stunning exterior transformation, as each of the four park’s icon’s become “Beacons of Magic” in the evenings as part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration for Walt Disney World, which kicked off on October 1, 2021!

Click HERE to see MORE of the stunning new nighttime lighting on Spaceship Earth!

In the case of Spaceship Earth, the new evening lighting is a permanent addition to the structure! (Note that a ride refurbishment of Spaceship Earth was also previously announced; however, that project has been postponed.)

Creations Shop and Club Cool

On September 15, 2021, a new merchandise location — Creations Shop — opened as the park’s new flagship store!

Creations has replaced Mouse Gear (which closed in 2019 to make way for the transformation). But Mickey Mouse still serves as the inspiration for the new location, as you’ll see him featured in a large mural on one of the walls and in smaller touches throughout the space.

All of the artwork featured is completely unique to the space and intended to showcase “the global, contemporary icon that Mickey has become for generations around the world.”

Click here to STEP INSIDE Creations Shop!

Guests can also celebrate the return of an EPCOT classic experience in a revitalized fashion: Club Cool  — where guests can sample sodas from around the world — opened on September 15th, as well!

Like the previous spot, Club Cool is complete with lots of Coca-Cola merchandise, a small snack counter, and — of course — free samples for sipping! Look for it next to the Creations Shop.

See EVERY DRINK you can try at Club Cool!

Dreamers Point

Looking towards the future, as guests exit Spaceship Earth — the park’s icon and centerpiece attraction — they’ll get a fantastic view of the new Dreamers Point.

Dreamers Point will feature a NEW statue of Walt Disney which will celebrate the way he always looked towards the future. World Celebration will include gardens designed to “pique curiosity”, a wishing tree, a story fountain, and a large new pavilion.

Festival Area

We’re especially excited for the addition of a dedicated Festival Area which will serve as the new “home base” for EPCOT’s seasonal Festivals and live events!

From the park entrance, guests will move to the left of World Celebration to enter World Discovery.

World Discovery

Space 220

Dishes that are out-of-this-world are NOW being served at the new Space 220 restaurant, which opened on September 20, 2021!

Guests rocket into orbit 220 miles above earth (via a simulation elevator) to enjoy a meal “in space” aboard the Centauri Space Station.

This new dining experience offers prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner as well as a lounge, and you can take your first look INSIDE this incredible new restaurant HERE!

Step INSIDE Space 220 by clicking HERE!

Guardians of the Galaxy” Cosmic Rewind

The existing attractions of Mission: SPACE and Test Track will be joined by Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind when it opens in 2022!

This attraction will be the first at Disney to launch guests BACKWARDS, and we can’t wait to experience those new, pivoting ride vehicles!

Click HERE to learn more about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind!

PLAY! Pavilion

And the new PLAY! Pavilion will allow guests to participate in new adventures with Disney characters in both actual and virtual experiences.

The PLAY! Pavilion will be housed in the former Wonders of Life pavilion.

Get ready to PLAY by clicking HERE!

World Nature

World Nature will be located to the right of World Celebration and will encompass The Land and The Seas pavilions.

Journey of Water

Guests will also be able to explore a trail of “magical, living water” through the Journey of Water, a walk-through attraction inspired by Moana.

Awesome Planet

In fact, The Land pavilion has already debuted one of its new experiences with a new film housed in the pavilion, Awesome Planet.

The film made its debut in EPCOT on January 17, 2020.

World Showcase

Harmonious

A brand new nighttime spectacular called Harmonious bow lights up the night in EPCOT!

This new production made its official debut on October 1, 2021.

Guests can now cap off their evening by viewing one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park! Disney music and images have been “reimagined by diverse cultural musicians and artists from around the world” for the spectacular.

Click HERE to see pictures and videos of Harmonious! And you can click HERE to see a video of the entire production!

Several country pavilions around World Showcase will welcome new attractions, dining experiences, and more…

France Pavilion — Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Dining

For instance, the France pavilion is now home to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure which opened on October 1, 2021!

Riders shrink down to “rat-size” and embark on a journey across Chef Gusteau’s restaurant kitchen in Paris.

The attraction thrills and delights riders with the sights, sounds, and smells from the kitchen as they’re chased through it on their way to safety.

RIDE WITH US on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure!

Joining the new attraction in France is a new restaurant! La Crêperie de Paris offers both Table Service AND Counter Service via a walk-up window called Crêpes À Emporter and features a menu from celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse.

These new eateries also officially opened on October 1, 2021.

Click HERE for our review of La Crêperie de Paris!

These experiences in France joined the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along which opened on January 17, 2020.

The theater for the sing-along shares a home with the classic Impressions de France film, which is still available for viewing in the Pavilion in the evenings.

United Kingdom Pavilion

A Mary Poppins-inspired attraction was also announced for one of France’s neighboring pavilions, the United Kingdom.

It was revealed that this attraction will allow guests to “step in time down Cherry Tree Lane past Admiral Boom’s house, then enter Number 17, home of the Banks family.” This is where the magical journey will begin. However, please note that since the original announcement, Disney has released a statement that the development for the Mary Poppins-themed attraction has been postponed, and we will update this page with any further information as it becomes available.

China Pavilion

The China pavilion will soon feature a new Circle-Vision 360° film, Wondrous China. It will join Canada Far and Wide — a new film already playing for guests visiting the Canada pavilion.

Japan Pavilion

Other new experiences already open in EPCOT include Takumi-Tei, a signature dining restaurant in the Japan pavilion, which delivers a dining experience and setting inspired by the natural beauty of Japan.

The American Adventure Pavilion

And the Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue celebrates classic American “backyard barbecue” and beverages as an all-new quick service spot in The American Adventure pavilion.

EPCOT Experience

And something else you can already enjoy in EPCOT is the EPCOT Experience presented by Walt Disney Imagineering.

Housed in the Odyssey Events Pavilion, THIS is where you can enjoy a truly impressive preview of ALL the new experiences on the way to the park which Walt Disney said “will always be in a state of becoming”!

And we invite you to check out our DFB YouTube video talking about several of the new changes coming as part of EPCOT’s historic transformation — and more changes in store for other parts of Walt Disney World — right here!

Find the latest news about EPCOT’s transformation here!

Disney Food Blog Posts Mentioning EPCOT’s Transformation

What’s New at EPCOT: Test Track Construction and the Debut of Disney Genie

NEWS: Filming Has Begun for the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Ride in Disney World!

Everything Coming to Disney World in 2022

What’s New at EPCOT: Guardians of the Galaxy Construction Progress & New World Showcase Merchandise

Have You Noticed The Newest Additions to the Disney World App’s Map?

PHOTOS: EPCOT’s 3 New Neighborhoods Have Debuted in Disney World!

PHOTOS: Will Fountains Make EPCOT’s Biggest Eyesore Any Better?

Here’s When EPCOT’s Future World Will Transform Into 3 New “Neighborhoods”

How EPCOT’s New Club Cool Is DIFFERENT From the Old One!

Can You Still Get FREE Drinks at EPCOT’s Club Cool?

Want MORE Details About EPCOT’s MASSIVE Transformation?

• Future World Will Transform Into Three New Neighborhoods — Learn More Here

• A Revitalized Club Cool Is Now Open in EPCOT

• The New Creations Shop is OPEN and Has Replaced Mouse Gear

• Go Inside Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure With Us

• Check Out All of the Tasty Details About EPCOT’s New Crêperie

• Get a Closer Look at the New Nighttime Lights Coming to Spaceship Earth

• See More About EPCOT’s Upcoming Nighttime Spectacular -- Harmonious

• Learn All About Space 220, Which Has Officially OPENED in EPCOT

• What’s Been CUT From the EPCOT Transformation? See More Here!

• Learn More About the New PLAY! Pavilion Coming to Epcot!

• See All the Details You Need to Know About the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Coaster Coming to World Discovery

• Learn More About Journey of Water -- Inspired by Moana, Coming to World Nature

Click HERE for All the News and Details about EPCOT’s Transformation!

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