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Credit: DisneyWhen a Disney World theme park undergoes a massive transformation, it typically comes with stunning results. That being said, the journey to achieve that new look often results in months or sometimes years of construction.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios had to suffer that fate to add in Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and as a result, is currently one of the toughest parks to score a Disney Park Pass reservation for. Now, EPCOT is currently going through those growing pains.
Related: Fans Share That You’re Not Alone If You’re Missing Disneyland
EPCOT Overhaul Construction
It was no surprise to many when Disney announced at D23 that EPCOT’s Future World was going to get a total update. For a section of the park that is meant to represent the future, it started to become a little too dated. Now, as Guests visit EPCOT, they will be surrounded by construction walls at every turn — until Guests hit World Showcase.
If you are planning to visit the theme park, Guests should know that Future World is undergoing a huge renovation right now, which as a result, will divide the section of the park into three new neighborhoods — World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature (with World Showcase of course located in the back of the park).
However, the bright side of things is that the construction is currently only happening at the first end of the park. Once you pass by all of the construction happening in the old Future World, Guests can enjoy beautiful sights and sounds while roaming around World Showcase.
Say Goodbye to Innoventions West
One of the first zones Imagineers are working on is Innoventions West — a location that even construction walls can’t hide. As Guests enter the theme park they used to be almost instantly greeted with Innoventions, which was split into two sections — Innoventions East and Innoventions West.
Thanks to Bioreconstruct (@bioreonstruct), we can take a look at the current construction happening at this location:
Opposing views of the demolition of Innoventions West. Roof over the original building gone. Original building’s structural frame coated in brown fireproofing. Building was expanded in early 1990’s.
Opposing views of the demolition of Innoventions West. Roof over the original building gone.
Original building's structural frame coated in brown fireproofing. Building was expanded in early 1990's. pic.twitter.com/suGGFmmgu7
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) February 14, 2021
EPCOT signature fountain can be seen through the Innoventions West demolition from the Imagination pavilion fountain plaza. Demolition of Innoventions West, as seen from the Imagination pavilion fountain plaza.
Demolition of Innoventions West, as seen from the Imagination pavilion fountain plaza. pic.twitter.com/8uRSpDtVfm
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) February 14, 2021
Current demolition of Innoventions West, where Art of Disney shop used to be.
Current demolition of Innoventions West, where Art of Disney shop used to be. pic.twitter.com/Rr9umJy5Eh
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) February 14, 2021
At center is the former curved hallway of Innoventions West. Demolition as seen from Spaceship Earth.
At center is the former curved hallway of Innoventions West. Demolition as seen from Spaceship Earth. pic.twitter.com/h5Yd5L4vKt
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) February 14, 2021
If there is one thing that is quite clear, it is that Innoventions West is now just pure structural beams. It will be interesting to see if Disney chooses to change the architecture of the building or leave it as is. The journey for EPCOT’s construction has been a long one.
Guests Can Still Enjoy EPCOT Despite Construction
As we mentioned earlier, despite the construction happening at the front of the park, once you pass through the old Future World, Guests can enjoy the beautiful World Showcase. One of the best things to happen around the World Showcase almost year-round is the festivals!
At the moment, EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts is currently underway where Guests can eat and drink literal artwork. If you want to see some beautiful food and purchase stunning artwork, the festival runs until February 22, so there are still a few days to cram in some art at EPCOT!
If you are arriving at Walt Disney World Resort after the festival closes, do not fear! EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival will be ready to bloom on March 3, 2021. Guests can enjoy the delicious food and drinks, as well as the florals all over the park. After that, the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival will begin, but we do not yet have those dates.
What else is coming to EPCOT?
The expansion to the U.K. pavilion — which was set to include a Mary Poppins Cherry Tree Lane attraction — as well as the Spaceship Earth refurbishment have both been put on hold. But there is still plenty of other projects Guests can look forward to once this construction overhaul is complete!
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
In regards to what is actually coming in 2021, Guests can look forward to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, an attraction that has a similar version at Disneyland Paris. The upcoming ride will find a home in EPCOT’s World Showcase in the Franve pavilion.
The attraction was originally set to open in 2020, but due to the pandemic, the date was pushed back. We do not yet have an exact opening day, but at the moment, the attraction is confirmed to open in 2021.
HarmonioUS
Another thing that Guests can look forward to this year, despite the construction happening at the theme park, is the highly anticipated nighttime spectacular — HarmonioUS. EPCOT’s upcoming nighttime spectacular is set to debut this year with the barges already being placed in the World Showcase lagoon.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
That being said, there are some projects that Guests will have to wait a bit longer to enjoy. For example, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is still underway as Imagineers work hard to complete this attraction. Though many are hoping it will come to life for the 50th Anniversary celebration in 2021, Disney did not include it in their list of confirmed projections for this year.
Disney describes the story of the attraction as:
At Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind the adventure will start in the “Galaxarium,” a planetarium-like exhibition that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar. You’ll be invited to learn more about Xandar’s treasures – until the moment when the Guardians of the Galaxy arrive, and adventures across the cosmos ensue.
At this time, Disney has yet to release an opening date for the attraction.
Journey of Water
Guests can get excited for a brand new Moana-themed attraction titled Journey of Water. This walk-through attraction was originally set to open in 2021, however that date now seems unlikely. Keep in mind that at this time, nothing has been confirmed by Disney.
Space 220
Space 220 was meant to open in 2020 but due to the pandemic, that opening date has been pushed back. In the meantime, you can better acquaint yourself with the restaurant’s description as we anticipate its opening:
Embark on the ultimate culinary exploration from this new expansion of the Mission: SPACE pavilion.
Step inside Space 220—a celestial panorama of a space station—for a delicious meal! As you dine, peer out and enjoy amazing daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles up.
To begin your journey, board a special space elevator that will ascend to the stars! Along the way, viewports will give you an aerial view of Epcot as you travel high above the planet.
Upon your arrival, you will dine from a menu featuring modern American cuisine, more than 1,000 bottles of the world’s finest wines and a wide selection of craft beer.
If you want to check out exactly what to expect at the Disney parks in 2021, click here for all the details!
When do you think EPCOT will complete construction?
If you want to check out EPCOT’s construction in person, or perhaps come visit for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration at Magic Kingdom, click here to begin planning that magical vacation!