News Big changes coming to EPCOT's Future World?

[UNCgolf]

Still don't think Guardians was worth the money and massive building

Not even close.

It's impossible to understand how they spent $500 million on it. It's not remotely at that level of quality from a themed attraction standpoint -- obviously it's a fun/quality coaster, but a coaster like CR that has little story/theming on the actual ride shouldn't cost anywhere near that much. Hagrid's, as a counter example (and which has far more themed content than Cosmic Rewind), supposedly cost "only" $300 million.

 

[mattpeto]

What a colossal failure this entire project was. The only meaningful addition we got was guardians of the Galaxy and I guess you can count Remy's if you want to. Can someone please explain to me what the entire reason was for wanting to do a redo of Epcot in the first place? It never needed any of this. All it really needed was a figment redo and they didn't even do that. This entire project reeks of Chapek and it SHOWS. I'd like to know where the untold millions of dollars went into this project because it certainly doesn't seem like it was millions. Oh and let's also not forget Harmonious was a part of this!

Yeah I don’t agree.

I am good with the finished product, but I admit I don’t have the nostalgia heartstrings that pull so many here. I don’t miss the concrete semi-circles.

Guardians and Remys add serious attraction punch.

JoW, Connections, front of Epcot re-do and Central Park spine/ southwest area look open and inviting. When the lighting is on point, it’s beautiful. The Beacons still drop plenty of chins.

Harmonious tech was an eye sore and Luminous was a wonderful quick pivot.

It took too long and the Guardians show building need to be themed. I don’t love WoL pavilion dormant but maybe something will be better than a Kid Zone.

 

[Starship824]

Awesome planet, Canada, space 220, better USA restaurant, restored main entrance fountains, improved hub with trees and seating, point of light, luminous is far more up to date, restored floor to cieling windows in Communicore East and offers fresh quality foods.

1. I don't think I know anyone who's ever gone to see that.
2. Same as 1
3. It's okay I'll give you that
4. Okay good point
5. The new entrance is way better, you're right
6. They removed the fountain of nations for a planter and broken lights...
7. Points of light are good
8. I like Luminous but lets not pretend it has anything to do with this overhaul.
9. Same as 4
Overall the amount of time, money, and effort put into this "overhaul" was not even remotely worth it in the end.

 

[Centauri Space Station]

1. I don't think I know anyone who's ever gone to see that.
2. Same as 1
.

That’s a shame, they are very edutainment forward and inline with the original park.

 

[Starship824]

That’s a shame, they are very edutainment forward and inline with the original park.

I'm sure they are I've just never gotten a chance to see them.

 

[Horizonsfan]

That’s a shame, they are very edutainment forward and inline with the original park.

Agreed.

Any fan who dislikes the IP mandate/park pivot should be visiting Awesome Planet and Canada Far & Wide every vacation to support the first IP-free investments at WDW in years.

Otherwise, their low attendance will be another (misleading) data point for TDO to argue that only studio IP attractions are worthwhile.

 

[Incomudro]

Yeah I don’t agree.

I am good with the finished product, but I admit I don’t have the nostalgia heartstrings that pull so many here. I don’t miss the concrete semi-circles.

Guardians and Remys add serious attraction punch.

JoW, Connections, front of Epcot re-do and Central Park spine/ southwest area look open and inviting. When the lighting is on point, it’s beautiful. The Beacons still drop plenty of chins.

Harmonious tech was an eye sore and Luminous was a wonderful quick pivot.

It took too long and the Guardians show building need to be themed. I don’t love WoL pavilion dormant but maybe something will be better than a Kid Zone.

Agreed.
This is better in every way than what was before it, except for the unfortunate planter in place of a fountain.

 

[UNCgolf]

Agreed.
This is better in every way than what was before it, except for the unfortunate planter in place of a fountain.

I agree that it's better than what it was just before the work started (although losing the Fountain of Nations is a major downgrade) -- the problem is that it's pretty bland/underwhelming overall, and not remotely what EPCOT actually needed.

If it was a D before, it's now a C. It needed to be an A, or at least a B.

 

[brb1006]

Guess we might finally get updates on the current state of Wonders of Life/Play Pavilion for D23 2024?

 

[DreamfinderGuy]

I'm sure they are I've just never gotten a chance to see them.

Awesome Planet is really good and a major improvement over what was there before. Canada is a downgrade from the former film but it’s still decent. Glad they did another circlevision film instead of doing another dumb IP thing.

Guess we might finally get updates on the current state of Wonders of Life/Play Pavilion for D23 2024?

The current state? It’s empty lol. I would not get your hopes up to hear any more about it for a little while yet.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

So, where not gonna bring the Space Elephant in the room and find out they haven't updated the obscure cloudy view of Communicore in the Stellarvator at Space 220 as of yet?

 

[ChrisFL]

what about the ending of Soarin'? Is it still the old hub?

 

[Haymarket2008]

A: I’m reading some slander about Awesome Planet and I will not have it!

Genuinely one of the best additions to EPCOT in maybe 20 years. It’s not perfect, but it is exactly the content a modern EPCOT should be producing. I think it’s wonderful.

B: I have been a defender of the aesthetic changes to the park as well as the old CommuniCore buildings’ new inhabitants, but the interior of the new CommuniCore Hall is a big ol yikes. Yuck.

 

[BrianLo]

Not even close.

It's impossible to understand how they spent $500 million on it. It's not remotely at that level of quality from a themed attraction standpoint -- obviously it's a fun/quality coaster, but a coaster like CR that has little story/theming on the actual ride shouldn't cost anywhere near that much. Hagrid's, as a counter example (and which has far more themed content than Cosmic Rewind), supposedly cost "only" $300 million.

Hagrid's (which I also like very much) is largely an outdoor coaster than hugs terrain. It can't be stated how much it costs to house such a massive coaster indoors. Cosmic Rewinds is even longer than Hagrid's in terms of track length. The money was spent simply on such a massive indoor ride.

I get the sentiment about tastes though. If they are going to spend all the money - you and many others would probably rather a largely outdoor coaster with copious rock work.

Though in terms of whether it was 'worth it'? For Disney the answer is a resounding yes. There's nothing on the docket for Epcot anytime soon and Cosmic Rewind will slowly pay itself off on the back of ILL and that's what they were after. That's the final indictment of the ride, did they deliver something big enough to be seen as a mega headliner that people will pay a la carte for years for? Yes. Does the public think it's a good enough attraction to pay a la carte for? Also yes.

Though I also 100 percent appreciate Hagrid's would achieve the same thing. But again, that's largely outdoors.

 

[marni1971]

Why?

Seriously?

Looks like a collection of industrial units designed in 2 minutes by a 5 year old... ”Pretend it has those pointy like things like on spaceship earth so it looks like its an Epcot thing”

This whole spine project has been a lacklustre mess. Removing the tombstones was the best part.

 

[Centauri Space Station]

Seriously?

Looks like a collection of industrial units designed in 2 minutes by a 5 year old... ”Pretend it has those pointy like things like on spaceship earth so it looks like its an Epcot thing”

This whole spine project has been a lacklustre mess. Removing the tombstones was the best part.

i hadn’t gotten a good look before more pics came out

 

[DCBaker]

Here are updated descriptions for CommuniCore Hall and Plaza:

CommuniCore Hall
Take a moment to enjoy the offerings at this comfortable retreat. Designed to celebrate the architectural legacy of EPCOT, CommuniCore Hall features a façade of geodesic triangles, expressed in innovative materials and configurations—bringing energy and dynamism to the entire area throughout the day and into the night

Highlights

• Make magical memories at Mickey & Friends, a dedicated Character-greeting location!
• Unwind in a relaxing indoor space—complete with tables and chairs so you can bring in food from nearby locations.
• Enjoy seasonal experiences throughout the year in flexible gathering and event spaces—including art exhibitions, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and more.

CommuniCore Plaza
Rejuvenate in this outdoor gathering space, filled with flavor and fun. During the day, stroll through the picturesque gardens that surround the plaza. And at night, take in the beautiful, playful lighting that complements the entire World Celebration neighborhood.

Highlights

• Enjoy seasonal live entertainment—all year round.
• Delight in wonderful daytime and nighttime entertainment that varies throughout the year.
• For a limited time, join other Guests for a fun-filled fiesta, ¡Celebración Encanto!—where the whole family can play trivia, dance and sing along to some favorite of your favorite songs from the beloved Disney film Encanto!
• Savor taste sensations from Festival Favorites, which has a menu that changes during the year, featuring seasonal dishes from popular festival offerings.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/epcot/communicore-hall-plaza/

 

[ToTBellHop]

When they started this project I was in Middle School, now I am halfway done with college. That is just plain sad.

I don’t think it’s sad. Good job staying in school!

Maybe by the time you graduate from Med School, they’ll fix the floor lights.

 

[Epcot82Guy]

I don’t think it’s sad. Good job staying in school!

Maybe by the time you graduate from Med School, they’ll fix the floor lights.

I think that's kinda rude... It shouldn't take someone 20 years to finish med school...

 

[DCBaker]

The Walt Disney World digital map has been updated to fill out the remaining section of World Celebration, which includes CommuniCore Hall and Plaza.