Disney Imagineers transform Epcot for 2020
by Andy Knaggs | 29 Aug 2019
Disney Imagineers have promised the biggest ever transformation of any of the Disney parks in announcing a host of new attractions and experiences for its Epcot theme parkin Florida, with many set to open in January or summer 2020.
Among the new characters that will inhabit the park are Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, Moana and Guardians of the Galaxy.
The location will be divided into four neighbourhoods that each "speak to important aspects of the world and its people", and will be "filled with new experiences rooted in authenticity and innovation" said Disney. These four areas are World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery.
World Showcase will continue to be a celebration of culture, cuisine, architecture and traditions, infused with new magic. In the United Kingdom pavilion, the first attraction – inspired by Mary Poppins – will open. Guests can step back in time along Cherry Tree Lane and enter Number 17, the home of the Banks family, for whom Poppins was the nanny.
Also in World Showcase will be a new Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along and Remy's Ratatouille Adventure attraction, both in the France pavilion, new scenes and stories in the Canada and China pavilions, and HarmonioUS ‒ the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for Disney, celebrating its music as an inspiration for people all over the world.
World Celebration retains its Spaceship Earth attraction, with new narration and music, and this will be joined by a new pavilion with elevated views that will provide a venue for live events and festivals.
In World Nature, the Imagineers will create Journey of Water, inspired by the hit animated film Moana, as well as Awesome Planet, a new film at the Land pavilion, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the planet and its dynamic story.
New in World Discovery will be Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: the first other-world showcase pavilion at Epcot. This will include a new storytelling coaster from Disney Imagineering, that rotates 360 degrees. A new restaurant called Space 220 in the Space pavilion will provide day and night views of Earth from 220 miles up.
There will also be the Play! pavilion, which will be an interactive city full of games, activities and experiences, including a water-balloon fight hosted by Huey, Dewey, Louise and Webby, in which visitors can compete.
Disney Epcot
Disney's transformation at Epcot will be its biggest of any park in its history
The park will feature four neighbourhoods that will be filled with new experiences
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Interactive play pavilion to form part of Disney's Epcot transformation
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Epcot overhaul in the works, says Chapek
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Disney Imagineers have promised the biggest ever transformation of any of the Disney parks in announcing a host of new attractions and experiences for its Epcot theme parkin Florida, with many set to open in January or summer 2020. Among the new characters that will inhabit the park are Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, Moana and Guardians of the Galaxy. The location will be divided into four neighbourhoods that
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