A construction permit filed on Independence Day weekend slipped past most people's notice, but it could signal major changes to EPCOT. Here's what Walt Disney World Resort guests need to know.
A New Construction Filing at EPCOT
On July 2, Walt Disney Imagineering submitted a Notice of Commencement to “install set elements” at 1940 Avenue of the Stars — the approximate address of CommuniCore Plaza at EPCOT. The contractor named in the document is Jon Richards Company FL, a firm whose theme park credentials include facade work in Fantasyland at Disneyland Park and construction of the iconic Universal Studios globe at Universal Orlando Resort.
The filing party itself is the most telling detail. Walt Disney World Resort's Facility Assets Management team handles standard maintenance and behind-the-scenes repairs through its own filings. When Walt Disney Imagineering files a Notice of Commencement directly — as it did here — it historically indicates that something new, creative, or guest-facing is being planned for the area rather than a simple fix. The permit expires one year from its July 2 filing date, though the work could be completed considerably sooner.
Walt Disney World Resort has not commented on the filing or offered any details about what's coming to CommuniCore Plaza at EPCOT.
The History of CommuniCore Plaza
CommuniCore Plaza debuted in 2024 as part of the sweeping transformation of former Future World into the park's new World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery neighborhoods. Since opening, it has become one of EPCOT's most active programming hubs, hosting rotating entertainment and seasonal festival content year-round.
Right now, the CommuniCore Plaza stage is presenting an Encanto (2021) sing-along show. But with the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival launching on August 27, the timing of the permit raises an obvious question — could the new set elements be tied to festival installations planned for the area? Walt Disney World Resort hasn't said.
Business as Usual for Now
Nothing has changed for guests visiting CommuniCore Plaza today. The area remains fully open, the Encanto sing-along continues on its regular daily schedule, and no construction activity has been reported in the space yet. What July 2's quiet filing means for the future of one of EPCOT's most visible gathering spaces remains to be seen.
What do you think about the CommuniCore Plaza and the new World Celebration areas at EPCOT? Share your opinion with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
