News Big changes coming to EPCOT's Future World?

[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.

 

[999th Happy Haunt]

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.

Have to disagree hard on the central spine having experienced it for the first time last week. It is absolutely incredible how dead the area is even when the park is fairly crowded. Abysmal path flow makes 90% of crowds hug the walls of Connections or take the JoW shortcut path before you even reach the hub. Even if paths did work people into the center, there’s just absolutely nothing to see in there. By far the most disappointing part of the so-called “Epcot Revival” for me (besides what they didn’t do obviously.)

 

[tparris]

I believe @wdwmagic is right, if you look at the rose walk flex space on the new map, there are shade tiles present.

 

[trainplane3]

The spine is nice at night. During the day it kinda....really sucks honestly. I'm not saying I think the tarps were better because they weren't but the whole area is just incredibly boring. I'll beat the same drum everyone else does and say it needs a fountain or movement of some kind.

 

[tparris]

There’s also a kiosk at this currently empty space along the JoW restroom building. They also used the wrong texture for the panels of the building on the map…

 

[DCBaker]

There’s also a kiosk at this currently empty space along the JoW restroom building. They also used the wrong texture for the panels of the building on the map…View attachment 790567

Here’s the merchandise kiosk:

 

[Moth]

With exception to the ones inside the planters at Wonders of Life - yes. Enjoy it now because the walls will be up for Test Track in a week

ITS FUN TO BE FREE (of walls)

TO BE ON THE MOVE (without walls)

 

[Bocabear]

Wow, So they built a hotel convention center in the hub of EPCOT...Not only bland an uninspiring, but literally plain and looking like a temporary fix. Wallpaper graphics galore. It should be sponsored by Epson Digital Printers.
And for the big reveal THAT is the bigi wow show they put together?
Would have been cute as a temporary show in a Colombia themed area for Food and Wine, but the opening show for this 7 years of construction pavilion should be spectacular and memorable... not a sing along cartoon show. No disrespect for the performers that were doing a great job....

 

[aladdin2007]

There’s also a kiosk at this currently empty space along the JoW restroom building. They also used the wrong texture for the panels of the building on the map…View attachment 790567

maybe thats where the Moroccan tiles went......

 

[KDM31091]

I honestly want to cry. After 5 years this is the big reveal? A generic, ugly, bland hall and stage? Lighting and wallpaper don’t cut it for theming. They’re not even trying anymore and it’s a shame. Everything is so phoned in and generic now.

 

[marni1971]

This is being slammed on social media.

 

[DisneyDreamerxyz]

Not a single thing “added” will enhance my guest experience at Epcot, as someone who doesn’t do meet n greets. They basically tore down what they had a re built it poorly.

 

[tparris]

Here’s the merchandise kiosk:

Thanks! I had no idea they already put something there. This area was empty the other day when I was last in the park, so that’s good to know.

 

[KDM31091]

I have no idea what this 5 year overhaul really even accomplished. None of the big projects came to fruition. We still have no new Spaceship Earth, nothing going on at wonders of life, etc.