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, EPCOT is currently undergoing a multi-year transformation. 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 several 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, Club Cool, and Connections Cafe and Eatery

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.” The store features other additional details to make sure all guests feel welcome.

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 World Celebration is slated to be complete by late 2023), 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 — “Walt the Dreamer” —  which will celebrate the way he always looked towards the future. In September 2022, we were able to see the statue on display at the D23 Expo, and you can take a closer look here.

The area will ultimately include gardens designed to “pique curiosity”, a wishing tree, and a story fountain.

CommuniCore Hall and Communicore Plaza Festival Area — OPENING IN LATE 2023!

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! CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza in EPCOT’s World Celebration will bring EPCOT International Festivals “to the center of Walt Disney World.” (You can see it in the bottom left of the concept art below.)

CommuniCore Plaza is an outdoor space where guests can come to relax and experience all the festivals have to offer. There is also an area that can host large-scale concerts or an intimate performance that extends out into the gardens nearby.

CommuniCore Hall is within the plaza, and will be the first fully-purpose built structure in festival programing, designed with flexibility in mind. This hall will be able to host a wide variety of experiences with food, art, live music, and more. 

There will even be a demonstration kitchen, a mixology bar, and exhibition and gallery space here. The hall should also help extend the festival experience and give chefs new ways to connect and experiment.

We’re tracking ALL the latest news on EPCOT’s upcoming Festival Area HERE!

World Celebration Gardens

As the seasons — and seasonal Festivals — change throughout the year, this will be reflected in a World Celebration hub divided into several different gardens, according to Disney. In the center will be a planter based on the five ring EPCOT logo. The gardens will also evolve with the seasons! These gardens will have a ton of shade and seating for guests, and each one will have its own identity, with the ability to change to go along with the festivals throughout the year.

At night, the gardens will “take on a whole new life” says Disney, where lighting will immerse guests in an evening experience that will also change through the seasons.

The new areas will also have “hero features,” which are big artistic elements like topiaries and sculptures. The pieces will coordinate with the lights on Spaceship Earth.

The gardens will also offer exciting new views of Spaceship Earth!

Mickey and Friends Meet-and-Greet Location — OPENING IN LATE 2023!

As part of this CommuniCore Hall, there will be a new location in EPCOT called “Mickey and Friends” where you can meet some of your favorite Disney characters!

We can’t wait to keep you posted on the “& Friends” greeting guests with Mickey! If it’s anything similar to the previous Character Spot that previously existed in Future World, Minnie Mouse and Goofy were often part of the character scene in the area.

Illuminated Pavement Designs

Do you miss the lights in the ground that used to be part of Future World in EPCOT? For those unfamiliar, sparkling squares and colorful patterns lit up the grounds in the area just behind Spaceship Earth in the evenings.

These lights went away when EPCOT began renovations a few years ago, but Disney has confirmed that they will be coming BACK! Imagineer Zach Riddley states that “guests loved the fiber optics embedded in the pavement at EPCOT, and we’re excited to share that we’re bringing back new illuminated paving designs in World Celebration.”

The new lighting fixtures will incorporate updated technology and “controllability to deliver some fun new lighting capabilities.” Ultimately, World Celebration will have more than 12,000 individually controllable lighting fixtures, which Imagineers hope “will create a dynamic environment that will transform the area every night.”

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 have been joined by Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind which opened on May 27, 2022!

This MASSIVE and thrilling ride (which happens to be EPCOT’s first-ever roller coaster) is located in the new Wonders of Xandar pavilion.

Click HERE to check out PICS and VIDEOS of Guardians of the Galaxy HERE! And we have a SPOILER-FREE Review HERE!

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 is located to the right of World Celebration (from the entrance) and encompasses The Land and The Seas pavilions.

Journey of Water — OPENING IN LATE 2023!

Guests will be able to explore what Disney has described as a “lush exploration trail” that allows explorers to “play with magical, living water” through the Journey of Water, an immersive walk-through attraction. inspired by Moana.

In addition to the trail and living water experiences, Disney has shared that guests will “learn about the importance of the natural water cycle.” But if you’re thinking that maybe that doesn’t sound like the most exciting thing… wait until you see sights along the trail like THIS:

The final figure of the model of Te Fiti you see above will actually be around 15 feet tall and will be made of over 3,000 pieces of foliage. And that’s just one example of what’s to come when this new attraction opens in late 2023!

Click HERE to learn more about the Journey of Water!

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

This 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.

But are you ready for MORE? Because…

A NEW nighttime spectacular will make its debut in EPCOT in late 2023 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company! Click here to learn more!

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 the project is officially on hold. 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.

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

All the Construction CHANGES at EPCOT’s New ‘Moana’ Attraction

We’re Uncovering the SECRETS of the Moana Attraction Coming to EPCOT

The TRUTH About the BIG Changes Coming to Disney World

Opening Timeline Announced for the Moana Attraction Coming to EPCOT

UPDATES Made to Construction at EPCOT’s ‘Moana’ Attraction

PHOTOS: Updated Look at the NEW Moana Attraction in Disney World!

NEW Photos and Details Revealed for the Moana Attraction Coming to EPCOT

What’s New at EPCOT: Construction Continues at ‘Moana’ Attraction

What’s New in EPCOT: MORE Food & Wine Festival Booths and 50 (!!) Souvenirs

An Updated Look at ‘Moana’ Attraction Construction in Disney World

Want MORE Details About EPCOT’s MASSIVE Transformation?

• EPCOT’s Three New Neighborhoods Have Debuted – Learn More Here

• See Our Full Review of One of EPCOT’s Newest Restaurants – Connections Eatery

• Get a Full Tour Inside EPCOT’s New Starbucks Location – Connections Cafe

• See All the Details You Need to Know About the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Coaster, Now Open in World Discovery

• NEW Festival Areas, Gardens, a Meet-and-Greet Area, and More Are Coming to EPCOT

• Go Inside Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure With Us

• Check Out All of the Tasty Details About La Crêperie de Paris

• See Our Full Reviews of Space 220, Which Has Officially OPENED in EPCOT

• Check Out Spaceship Earth’s Permanent New Nighttime Look

• Learn More About EPCOT’s New Nighttime Spectacular -- Harmonious

• See Full Details About the New PLAY! Pavilion Coming to EPCOT

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

• The Mary Poppins Attraction is on Hold – Learn More Here

• What’s Been CUT From the EPCOT Transformation?

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

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