Walt Disney once envisioned EPCOT as a place “always in a state of becoming,” a dynamic concept that continues to evolve decades later. Recently celebrating its 50th anniversary, EPCOT is undergoing an extraordinary transformation that’s thrilling Disney fans, both old and new.
With the park’s new layout introducing four distinct neighborhoods, there’s a lot to discover on your next visit. Let’s dive into the magic and explore everything EPCOT has to offer in its dazzling new design.
A New Era Begins: The Four EPCOT Neighborhoods
Gone are the days of EPCOT’s former Future World and World Showcase. As of October 1, 2021, EPCOT unveiled its reimagined layout, now divided into four unique neighborhoods: World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase. Each neighborhood offers its own distinct charm and attractions, ensuring that every visit to EPCOT is a fresh and exciting adventure.
World Celebration: A Heartwarming Welcome
Your adventure begins in World Celebration, the gateway to EPCOT’s magical realms. This neighborhood ushers guests into a newly transformed entrance plaza, where the iconic Leave a Legacy monoliths have been relocated to make way for a more inviting welcome.
The revitalized entrance now features a stunning new fountain, lush landscaping, and a captivating lighting package known as the Beacon of Magic, which casts a spell of wonder over the iconic Spaceship Earth. This revamped area sets the stage for an unforgettable park experience.
Though the reimagining of Spaceship Earth was initially part of the plan, the project has been paused due to unforeseen circumstances. Nevertheless, the World Celebration is brimming with exciting updates!
Some of the park’s latest additions include the Creations Shop, a modern retail space that replaced the former MouseGears. Here, you can find an array of Disney merchandise and souvenirs to commemorate your visit. Another must-see is Club Cool, Hosted by Coca-Cola, where you can sample a variety of refreshing beverages from around the world.
Connections Café and Eatery is the park’s new quick-service restaurant, offering Starbucks coffee and delicious food options. It’s the perfect spot to recharge before continuing your EPCOT adventure.
A new highlight of World Celebration is “Dreamers Point,” a statue of Walt Disney himself. This tribute celebrates the visionary who dreamed up EPCOT and continues to inspire with his legacy.
Don’t miss classic attractions like Journey Into Imagination With Figment and the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, which remain integral to the World Celebration neighborhood.
World Discovery: Thrills and Galactic Adventures
Turning left from Spaceship Earth, you’ll enter World Discovery, a neighborhood packed with thrilling experiences and cutting-edge attractions. The highlight here is the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which opened in May 2022 to rave reviews. This “story coaster” is a groundbreaking addition, featuring a 360-degree rotating ride vehicle and Disney’s first-ever reverse launch.
Prepare for an intergalactic adventure as you join the Guardians on a high-energy chase through space and time. The Galaxarium, a planetarium-like exhibition within the attraction, explores the mysteries of the galaxy and sets the stage for your cosmic journey.
In addition to Cosmic Rewind, World Discovery offers the Space 220 Restaurant, where you can dine as if you’re 220 miles above Earth. This immersive dining experience includes breathtaking views of Earth from space, making it a standout experience for guests.
Attractions like Mission: SPACE and Test Track (currently being reimagined) continue to offer heart-pounding thrills and are mainstays in this neighborhood. Whether you’re exploring space or testing the limits of a futuristic car, World Discovery has something for every thrill-seeker.
World Showcase: A Timeless Celebration of Culture
As you make your way to World Showcase, you’ll encounter the park’s beloved pavilions, each representing a different country and culture. World Showcase remains a cherished part of EPCOT, and there are several exciting updates to enhance your visit.
One of the most recent additions is the expanded France Pavilion, now home to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Inspired by Disney Pixar’s film Ratatouille (2007), this charming ride invites you to join Chef Remy on a culinary escapade through Gusteau’s restaurant. The experience is both immersive and delightful, perfect for fans of the film.
La Crêperie de Paris is a new dining option within the France Pavilion, offering both quick and table service options. Indulge in delicious crêpes and other French culinary delights while enjoying the pavilion’s ambiance. Additionally, the pavilion’s theater features a Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, alternating with the classic Impressions de France film.
In the American Adventure Pavilion, Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue serves up mouthwatering American barbecue. This casual dining spot is perfect for enjoying a hearty meal while taking in the park’s American-themed ambiance.
Unfortunately, while Disney initially released plans for a Mary Poppins-themed attraction and street in the United Kingdom Pavilion, the company has since pulled back on this addition with no further news regarding the announcement. This addition would be a magical complement to the existing offerings, but it’s looking like it’s one that may never come to fruition.
As night falls, EPCOT comes alive with “Luminous The Symphony of Us,” the park’s grand nighttime spectacular that replaced EPCOT’s Harmonious. This dazzling show lights up the World Showcase Lagoon with a breathtaking display of music and visuals, providing a perfect end to your park day.
World Nature: Celebrating Earth’s Wonders
Finally, we arrive at World Nature, a neighborhood dedicated to celebrating the beauty and importance of our planet.
In The Land Pavilion, you can enjoy fan-favorite attractions like Soarin’ Around the World, Living With the Land, and the educational show “Awesome Planet.” These experiences offer a deep dive into the wonders of our world, from breathtaking aerial views to fascinating insights into sustainable agriculture.
The Seas Pavilion continues to be a highlight, featuring attractions such as The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Turtle Talk with Crush, and a massive aquarium that’s perfect for ocean enthusiasts of all ages.
The grand jewel in this neighborhood, however, is the newer experience known as Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. This immersive experience allows guests to explore a lush trail and interact with magical, living water, much like Moana’s adventures with the ocean. Pro tip – try experiencing this one at night. It’s stunning!
Embracing the Magic of EPCOT’s Transformation
As you explore EPCOT’s new neighborhoods, you may encounter some construction areas as Disney continues to work its magic. However, the park’s transformation is offering an even more enchanting experience for visitors. With a sprinkle of pixie dust and a touch of Disney magic, EPCOT’s new look is a spectacular addition to your Disney adventures.
So, as you plan your next visit to EPCOT, embrace the excitement of discovering these neighborhoods and the unforgettable experiences they offer. From thrilling rides to cultural explorations, EPCOT’s transformation creates magical memories for years to come.
Which of the four EPCOT neighborhoods is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
