EPCOT New Play Pavilion to replace Epcot's Wonders of Life

[Mickeynerd17]

They're building a new ramp shifted over slightly to the right, but I have to say I find it incredibly funny the way that those trees are positioned with the old ramp yet to be removed.

Ah, I figured that's what they were doing.

I do find it strange though that even towards the Mission Space side of that pathway there's still a curb.

 

[tomast]

Play Pavilion will just become the DisneyQuest of the 2020's, but included with theme park admission now.

Cool at first, but dated in about...... 7 to 8 years. Maybe sooner.

I guess 5 years.
In tecnology time moves faster nowadays.
DisneyQuest was something new and original when it opens.
Play pavilion is unknown but I can imagine some interactive games that could be play in the Disney Play app.

 

[HauntedPirate]

If they wanted to wait until a more permanent replacement were ready, they'd probably just leave this empty. Another good example is the Star Wars Launch Bay. This will be around a long time and any new additions/changes will happen elsewhere in the park.

I do think the fact they said Guardians is the "first" otherworld pavilion means that eventually, there could more more otherworld pavilions. I'd guess all of World Discover could eventually become "otherworld pavilions" if that is the long term vision.

“Epcot will never be completed as long as there are Marvel properties not included in the Universal contract that we can exploit and shoehorn into the park.” - Walt Disney

 

[MisterPenguin]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like they're planting trees in front of the pathway to Play.

View attachment 591825

Do you think they'll shift the entrance walkway over, or are they trying to cover the building up? I think the former but interesting nevertheless.

Here's what it used to be....

And here's a very recent aerial...

It looks like they could still keep the old configuration, or change it.

Don't forget that the walkway is uphill, and the switchbacks are to lessen the slope for wheelchairs, I believe.

 

[Sir_Cliff]

One of the key fails of this celebration imo. I come to disney to forget my life for a hot second and step into the disney magic. What do you mean the magic is me? I want the magic youve got

 

[Chester&Hester Enthusiast]

“Epcot will never be completed as long as there are Marvel properties not included in the Universal contract that we can exploit and shoehorn into the park.” - Walt Disney

See my avatar.

 

[SoFloMagic]

Anyone else find it odd they announced guardians opens 2022, but no date for this yet? I wonder if the failure of the play app is making them question the pavilion based on it?

 

[nickys]

Anyone else find it odd they announced guardians opens 2022, but no date for this yet? I wonder if the failure of the play app is making them question the pavilion based on it?

I think they simply don’t know when it’ll open.

As others have said, they won’t want to open this until they feel it’s safe for small children to be touching everything in sight and generally doing what small kids do.

 

[SoFloMagic]

I think they simply don’t know when it’ll open.

As others have said, they won’t want to open this until they feel it’s safe for small children to be touching everything in sight and generally doing what small kids do.

Fair. Not a good look until after vaccine is available for 2+. I guess it makes sense to slow walk this one

 

[Casper Gutman]

Fair. Not a good look until after vaccine is available for 2+. I guess it makes sense to slow walk this one

I’m not sure that explanation works. We know now that the risk of catching Covid via touching things is minimal. The far greater risk is something like GotG, with multiple travel parties sitting in close proximity and screaming, even if masked (which they would be in Play as well).

 

[SoFloMagic]

I’m not sure that explanation works. We know now that the risk of catching Covid via touching things is minimal. The far greater risk is something like GotG, with multiple travel parties sitting in close proximity and screaming, even if masked (which they would be in Play as well).

Yeah, I meant the densely packed indoor space more. Isnt this a meet and greet and playground center? I'd think that could be worse than a 90 second ride on a coaster.

 

[nickys]

I’m not sure that explanation works. We know now that the risk of catching Covid via touching things is minimal. The far greater risk is something like GotG, with multiple travel parties sitting in close proximity and screaming, even if masked (which they would be in Play as well).

The risk for adults catching it through touching things may be minimal. Kids have a habit of touching things before & after sticking fingers in their mouths & noses, as well as other dubious practices. It just adds to the risk overall to them, in a place where the whole premise is to play and interact. Just seems like an added risk Disney won’t want to take right now.

 

[Bocabear]

I would be happy if they just cancelled Play! and put the money into Mary Poppins or a Coco Overlay for Mexico...Until a more creative team can be assembled to put something amazing (not place-holding) for that beautiful building.
It is hard to fathom that after 40 years EPCOT would have fewer attractions than 30 years ago and would begin tearing down buildings rather than fill them with fresh content...

 

[M:SpilotISTC12]

I would be happy if they just cancelled Play! and put the money into Mary Poppins or a Coco Overlay for Mexico...Until a more creative team can be assembled to put something amazing (not place-holding) for that beautiful building.
It is hard to fathom that after 40 years EPCOT would have fewer attractions than 30 years ago and would begin tearing down buildings rather than fill them with fresh content...

Maybe they can make it a new festival pavilion! Could use another one!

 

[matt9112]

Maybe they can make it a new festival pavilion! Could use another one!

This is satire right? Since thats already what it is? The play pavilion idea was a sad shot in the dark anyway. Sadly at this point i think its time to bulldoze and reimagine...

Wonder of imagineering are even capable of a concept that dosen't have a Disney movie attached to it.

 

[cookiee_munster]

Wonder of imagineering are even capable of a concept that dosen't have a Disney movie attached to it.

they certainly are! are management? no, not at all...

 

[M:SpilotISTC12]

This is satire right? Since thats already what it is? The play pavilion idea was a sad shot in the dark anyway. Sadly at this point i think its time to bulldoze and reimagine...

Wonder of imagineering are even capable of a concept that dosen't have a Disney movie attached to it.

It was most definitely sarcasm.

 

[Bocabear]

So much could be done with that pavilion without having to tear it down...And something meaningful too. ..not a placeholder Wii showroom and selfie spot. It needs to be the headliner pavilion with a major attraction that it once was.

 

[cookiee_munster]

So much could be done with that pavilion without having to tear it down...And something meaningful too. ..not a placeholder Wii showroom and selfie spot. It needs to be the headliner pavilion with a major attraction that it once was.

Exactly. Rather than going through the rigmarole of spending ages tearing something down to then spend ages building something totally new, they just need to find something better to go into that space. What they have in-store does seem awfully none permanent, so maybe there's something else in the works for that area some time down the line....

 

[Brer Oswald]

I would be happy if they just cancelled Play! and put the money into Mary Poppins or a Coco Overlay for Mexico...Until a more creative team can be assembled to put something amazing (not place-holding) for that beautiful building.
It is hard to fathom that after 40 years EPCOT would have fewer attractions than 30 years ago and would begin tearing down buildings rather than fill them with fresh content...

Would a Coco overlay add capacity? Surely, it could be a more fitting addition to the park. But as is, the Three Cabs ride is an adequate use of space, while the large empty gold dome is not.

But you are right. The Play concept is very unlikely to amount to anything that is significantly unique or worthwhile. It sounds like borderline filler. Meet and greets, play areas, intereactive video mini games? I would be more open to this if it was coming with a main attraction.