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Credit: DisneyAt Walt Disney World, we are constantly seeing change. At Magic Kingdom, TRON Lightcycle/Run is currently under construction as Guests await an opening date for the newest coaster. EPCOT is a total construction zone at the entirety of Future World is under construction. Luckily, we have seen things like Creations, Club Cool, and Connections Cafe open, with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
World Showcase will soon also be joined by World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery. The construction on these three lands has been ongoing, and now, we are beginning to see certain aspects of the theme park taking shape.
During D23 in 2019, a lot of amazing projects were announced when it came to the Disney Parks. We learned of the massive expansion coming to EPCOT which would include all of Future World getting a massive overhaul, Spaceship Earth being refurbished, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind’s inception, World Showcase updates like the France pavilion expansion, Moana Journey of Water, the U.K. pavilion expansion with Mary Poppins Cherry Tree Lane, and more.
Then, the pandemic struck.
Since Walt Disney World Resort reopened in 2020, we have seen some of these projects develop and evolve. Harmonious is now the new EPCOT nighttime show, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is available for Guests to enjoy along with the France pavilion expansion, Future World is under construction, and Journey of Water is also being developed. We saw Space 220, an all-new space-experience dining opportunity, take flight at EPCOT as well. At Disneyland Resort, we have seen Avengers Campus debut with WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure and Doctor Strange’s Ancient Sanctum.
However, there are a few projects like the Quinjet attraction in Avengers Campus, the Spaceship Earth refurbishment, and the Mary Poppins expansion that were put on hold without any information.
When Avengers Campus was revealed to the world during the 2019 D23 Expo, Marvel fans were given a sneak peek into the land’s flagship E-ticket attraction.
In Avengers Campus, this currently unnamed ride would give Guests the experience of a lifetime on a S.H.I.E.L.D. Quinjet. Reportedly opening at or near Avengers Headquarters — the Black Panther and Black Widow daytime stunt show area and the building that the Quinjet is parked atop of — this new attraction will transport Guests to Wakanda on a Quinjet. But, along the way, these recruits will take part in an Avengers-sized fight against a currently undisclosed MCU villain.
Related: Possible Sewage Issue Affecting Avengers Campus Attraction
The unnamed ride is reportedly set for Phase Two of Avengers Campus. Disney is keeping this upcoming attraction a massive secret, as no new reports indicate the progress made on this ride. However, early reports suggested that the ride system could be similar to Animal Kingdom’s Flight of Passage or Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
The Mary Poppins Cherry Tree Lane addition would be a charming plus to England’s World Showcase pavilion, and we look forward to seeing Mary’s umbrella peeking from the clouds. But we’ll be a bit more patient for this practically perfect expansion to EPCOT.
During The Walt Disney Company shareholders meeting, Disney CEO Bob Chapek was asked about these missing projects and their future at the Disney Parks. At first, Chapek took the time to highlight what has been completed, diverting from what is still a question mark. In terms of these projects, however, Chapek noted they are now in a “holding pattern”. Once their cash is more “robust” the company will “hopefully” be able to refund the projects in the future. From this, we can see that there is no certainty if or when these attraction ideas which were once promised will actually be conceptualized.
Interestingly enough, in the same call, it was highlighted that the Disney Parks just had a record-breaking quarter as one of the most profitable of all time.
Recently, Disney shared new concept art for EPCOT. The Disney Resort has scaled back its plans for the Festival Center area, reducing it down to a festival stage location, it will also include Journey of Water (the Moana-inspired attraction), CommuniCore Hall/CommuniCore Plaza, and World Celebration. The PLAY! Pavilion, however, seems to be getting the silent treatment. Now, the building remains untouched and unfinished next to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which means World Discovery will be left incomplete for quite some time.
One Guest, Six Miles Tall (@6MilesTall), even called it the “Pause Pavilion” on Twitter.
Pause Pavilion pic.twitter.com/EEbJY1ExBr
— 🚝🌴 Six Miles Tall 🏰🚡 (@6MilesTall) May 10, 2022
For now, we will have to wait and see what Disney decides to do with the space.
At the moment, EPCOT is now celebrating the International Flower and Garden Festival, and tons of construction is going on! Spaceship Earth now has the new Beacon of Magic lights illuminating the sphere, and Future World is on the road to completion. Club Cool and the new Creations Shop is open to Guests as well as Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion! Plus, you can enjoy the stunning Harmonious show each evening!
What do you think will happen with the PLAY! Pavilion?
Let the expert team at Academy Travel help you plan your next magical vacation to Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district!