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Two thousand, one hundred and fifty-five.
That’s how many days it’s been (that’s almost six years) since former Disney CEO Bob Chapek first announced that they would be changing the heart of EPCOT in a massive refurbishment. And today, Disney fans are still waiting for the Mouse House to make good on the announcement and finally share that the EPCOT attraction will soon open.
The Seas of Adventure at EPCOT / Credit: Disney
Bob Chapek Announces EPCOT Construction
In 2017 at the D23 Expo, former Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced a host of changes coming to EPCOT, some of which have arrived and some still to be seen. At the time, Chapek announced a major new ride — themed to Guardians of the Galaxy—all Disney Fanatics know what this is (Cosmic Rewind)—as well as a ride based on the Pixar film Ratatouille that would come to EPCOT’s World Showcase area; Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
However, despite the number of attractions that have come to life, construction still continues.
Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park / Credit: Disney
Attractions Magazine recently detailed the progress made in EPCOT and highlighted what has arrived and what is left to come. From the article,
Currently open in World Celebration is the shopping area, Creations Shop. There is also a Starbucks and eatery location, Connections. The Guest Relations area near Spaceship Earth was refurbished recently as well.
In addition, we know we will be getting the Moana-inspired Journey of Water along with the new Walt Disney statue at Dreamer’s Point this year.
CommuniCore Hall will also have new Mickey and Friends meet ‘n’ greets.
Moana Meet and Greet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park / Credit: Disney
Reportedly, World Celebration will also be illuminated at night—similar to the Beacons of Magic light update for Spaceship Earth.
It’s true that all of this is a lot of work, and since the initial announcement, we’ve faced a pandemic, and Disney has had multiple setbacks. However, as many felt with TRON Lightcycle/Run until its debut in the Magic Kingdom, sometimes, one can’t help but question whether some of these EPCOT updates will ever see the light of day.
