EPCOTNews

Disney’s EPCOT Overhaul: Is the Park Becoming an Outdoor Mall?

Disney fans are expressing concerns over the latest updates to EPCOT, with some fearing that the park’s essence is being lost.

Walt Disney’s Vision vs. Reality

Walt Disney’s original concept for EPCOT, which he dubbed the “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow,” was vastly different from the park we know today. He envisioned a living city where cutting-edge technology and advanced urban planning would allow for a constantly innovating community.

Walt Disney statue at EPCOT
Credit: Disney

What was meant to be a futuristic utopia, with streamlined transportation, automated systems, and corporate collaborations shaping the future of society shifted following Walt’s death in 1966.

Instead, Disney shifted the focus of the project. The dream of a functional, living community was abandoned, and EPCOT became a theme park designed to showcase the future, culture, and innovation. The park opened in 1982 as a blend of futuristic concepts and cultural pavilions rather than a working city.

EPCOT’s Modern Updates

Fast forward to the present day and you’ll find a unique theme park split into four distinct areas: World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase. Over its 42 years, the park has undergone numerous updates, especially in recent years, with a marked increase in attractions tied to Disney’s intellectual properties (IP).

Exterior of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT at night
Credit: Disney

Recent additions include Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. While the latter has a more educational focus, some fans feel that these additions betray EPCOT’s original mission of fostering learning and innovation.

Many are particularly disappointed by Disney’s failure to deliver on major promises, such as the Spaceship Earth update and a Mary Poppins (1964) ride, which were scrapped during the pandemic. The lackluster results have left many wondering if Disney still cares about EPCOT’s original purpose.

Is EPCOT Becoming a Mall?

One of the most vocal criticisms of EPCOT’s recent transformation is its shift toward a more food-and-shops-focused experience.

Guests eat snacks at EPCOT
Credit: Disney

Several guests have likened the park to an outdoor mall, with the emphasis on shopping and dining overshadowing the more interactive, educational aspects that Walt Disney envisioned.

“Just went today and… where’d the magic go?” questioned one disappointed guest on Reddit. “I went 40 years ago and there was all sorts of cool demonstrations and such going on. Now it’s like 90% food and shops?” This sentiment is echoed by others who feel that the park’s focus has shifted away from exploration and discovery in favor of a more commercialized atmosphere.

One user commented, “The countries are less about experiencing the countries now, which is a giant shame.”

Morocco Pavilion in World Showcase at EPCOT
Credit: Disney Parks Blog

The Morocco Pavilion has become a focal point of frustration for many EPCOT regulars. Once a highly detailed and culturally immersive pavilion, the area has lost much of its authenticity after the Moroccan government ended its sponsorship in 2020.

One guest summarized the changes succinctly: “Disney went the cheap route and replaced mosaics that had hundreds if not thousands of small handcrafted tiles with large, generic tiles for bottom dollar.”

What’s Next for EPCOT?

While some guests continue to express their love for EPCOT, calling it “still a super fun and beautiful place,” others can’t help but feel disappointed with the direction Disney has taken the park in recent years. The increasing reliance on IPs and commercial ventures has left many questioning if the park will ever return to its roots of innovation and global education.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana at EPCOT
Credit: Disney

“I actually appreciate the Moana water experience more than I thought I would because it does have that element,” one guest noted, showing that while the updates have their defenders, not all changes have been met with hostility.

But the sentiment remains clear: EPCOT’s soul seems to be slipping away, and fans are eager to see if Disney can reignite the park’s original magic while still keeping pace with the demands of modern-day theme park-goers.

How do you feel about the current state of EPCOT?

Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

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