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Credit: DisneyOn Monday, August 25, EPCOT’s iconic Spaceship Earth attraction closed for an indefinite refurbishment. Just hours after crews presumably began work inside the geodesic sphere, Disney Park guests noticed a sign directing visitors to its themed, adults-only lounge: GEO-82.
GEO-82 lives up to the excitement and then some — perfect drinks, fantastic finger foods and the ambiance makes you feel the spirit of Epcot that Walt tried to convey with his ideas
Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t shared much about its plans for the World Celebration attraction, which was supposed to receive a transformative overhaul ahead of the Central Florida Disney park’s 50th anniversary in 2021. Like many projects, the Spaceship Earth reimagining was indefinitely shelved due to budgetary, personnel, and other constraints during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The entrance and exit to Spaceship Earth, including the interactive Project Tomorrow post-ride experience, are now closed. However, the adults-only bar attached to the attraction remains open. GEO-82, which opened in June, is an upscale lounge featuring premium alcoholic beverages and luxurious small bites inspired by the themes and cultures represented at EPCOT.
Because the entrance to GEO-82 is a small staircase near one of the doorways to Project Tomorrow, Walt Disney World Resort seems to have anticipated that guests would have trouble finding the bar during the Spaceship Earth refurbishment. On Monday, WDWNT reported that EPCOT has added two temporary signs outside both Project Tomorrow entrances on the East and West sides of the building.
A blue, double-sided sign on the East side of Spaceship Earth reads: “Project Tomorrow is currently unavailable. GEO-82 is still welcoming guests at the West entrance.”
On the West side, two golden signs with the GEO-82 logo stand at both walkways to the automatic doorway leading into Project Tomorrow. Inside, guests find the hallway to GEO-82. A row of potted plants and a black curtain now block guests’ access to Project Tomorrow.
Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t announced a reopening date for Spaceship Earth at EPCOT. GEO-82 will remain open throughout the refurbishment project, and reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance. Guests must be 21+ to visit the adults-only lounge.
Has a temporary attraction closure impacted your visit to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your story with Inside the Magic in the comments!