Two Years After Debuting Modernized EPCOT, Disney Files Permit To Replace Updated Area

Walt Disney World Resort has filed a new construction permit for CommuniCore Plaza at EPCOT. This area, including the CommuniCore Hall event space, opened in 2024 as part of a sweeping overhaul of former Future World, which was divided into the World Nature, World Discovery, and World Celebration neighborhoods.

Construction Permit for CommuniCore Plaza at EPCOT

On July 2, Walt Disney Imagineering filed a Notice of Commencement to “install set elements” at 1940 Avenue of the Stars, the approximate address of CommuniCore Plaza at EPCOT. The document lists Jon Richards Company FL as the third-party contractor responsible for the work. This general contractor has worked on several projects at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Universal Orlando Resort, including facades in Fantasyland at Disneyland Park and the iconic Universal Studios globe.

Like most construction permits at Walt Disney World Resort, the Notice of Commencement for CommuniCore Plaza expires 1 year from its July 2 filing. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that construction will take that long.

Construction permits filed by Walt Disney Imagineering typically indicate that something new or refreshed is coming to the area, rather than a simple refurbishment or behind-the-scenes replacement. Walt Disney World Resort’s Facility Assets Management team typically files Notice of Commencement documents for basic maintenance projects.

The stage at CommuniCore Plaza is currently hosting an Encanto (2021) sing-along show. However, the area often hosts events tied to EPCOT’s iconic seasonal festivals. With the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival set to start on August 27, the latest construction permit could be tied to an installation for that annual event. However, Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t confirmed whether the filing is related to the upcoming festival.

Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t commented publicly on the construction permit for CommuniCore Plaza at EPCOT. For now, the area remains accessible to Disney Park guests, and the Encanto sing-along continues to run multiple times daily.

Have you ever attended the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival? Share your experience with Inside the Magic in the comments!

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