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

[tissandtully]

I see Nick Wilde on the right

 

[AJDMB05]

Any insiders know if the current "plans" utilize the Cranium Command and Body Wars section of this building or are these areas left untouched for potential future rides/shows?

Similarly interested in this. Obviously both places have been urbex'd to death in the last few years, so it will be curious to see what happens next whether they're used or not. It's so much space that's basically been storage for the last 12 years. It'd be weird to lop them off the building like an appendix, but if we're not getting any true "attractions", that's what that space was designed for.

I'm also curious if they just don't have a Festival Center anymore going forward for F&G/F&W; if they use Odyssey, World Showplace, or something entirely different.

 

[Spash007]

When I first read this I was actually pretty excited, because it makes me think of Old Epcot - Communicore/Innoventions, actual pavilions and not just attractions etc. I have to admit I'm glad that this seems to not just be my way of thinking after reading this thread.

From a logical standpoint this makes a lot of sense too. With Guardians, MS and Test Track aimed towards the older crowd, this is going to be a place for young kids to go and play. Last year with my 3 yo we just skipped this whole side of Epcot because she couldn't do anything

 

[Sped2424]

And, it looks like Rocket Raccoon on the right under the Hotel sign

That's Nick from zootopia!

 

[PJBuckeye]

There's an Olaf and Cinderella in there too

 

[Rowlet]

I recognize the character icons from Disney Emoji Blitz. Could something along those lines be part of the "digital interactions?"

 

[Coaster Lover]

Hmm... they have an area marked "Cinema"... any chance they move the movie previews/Pixar Shorts from the theater in Imagination over here clearing up that theater for whatever they plan to do to Imagination?

 

[Dutch Inn '76]

Boy - this place will be PACKED on rainy days.

So glad to see them finally using WoL. I had assumed that it would remain "seasonal" space. Maybe this means they will actually pay attention to every part of Epcot...

 

[Demarke]

That's Nick from zootopia!

Thanks, that makes more sense with the hint from Martin, I need to get my glasses checked, haha!

 

[ThatMouse]

" your favorite Disney characters " is where they lost me. I always liked EPCOT because it wasn't a "kids" park and didn't have all the characters.

 

[networkpro]

Is that what's her name from Aristocats? The white kitty that meets (or used to) at the front of MK sometimes.

That would be Marie

 

[ToTBellHop]

Happy that for all intents and purposes, this will be an expansion for park guests. This is far better than, say, replacing Imagination with this.

 

[iowamomof4]

That would be Marie

View attachment 351560View attachment 351560

Thank you! I can never remember her name. Not sure I've ever seen the movie, come to think of it.

 

[Nickels5]

Sounds like good news to me, seeing wonders being used again is long overdo. Hopefully we can get a quality show in this space.

 

[Disney Maddux]

I would post Celebrate and Best Day Ever, but I'm on my phone. So instead...

YAS!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Bender123]

Based on the concept and art, I...actually like this plan.

Epcot really needs a "kid" friendly time sink that has been missing since the death of Innoventions and Image Works. Hopefully they execute the plan as well as they describe it.

 

[Disney Maddux]

Now it’s “out”....

The interior will be one huge IP driven playground. I’m aware of three core IPs. If all goes to plan one forum member in particular will be happy. Don’t think attractions as such. More like environments. Expect F&B to be added too. And digital interaction. Work should begin before the fall.

Happy is an understatement right now.

 

[tirian]

This looks pretty cool, but I wish there was an actual attraction in it other than interactive experiences.

Now to watch the Disney Fanbase to trash this because "it's IP."

No reason to complain. It’s going to be well done and gets the characters out of random, awkward locations scattered throughout the park. Epcot in its current state has less for kids than when it opened. At least none of the attractions had minimum height requirements before Body Wars.

This is a good use of the space.

 

[Coaster Lover]

So, with all of today's announcements, is it finally time for an Epcot redevelopment subforum, @wdwmagic ?

 

[JohnD]

New Play Pavilion to replace Epcot's Wonder of Life

Disney has announced details of a new pavilion to open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort

www.wdwmagic.com

Sounds like moving the concept of Communicore/Innoventions here then they can tear out most of the central buildings, leaving perhaps Mouse Gear and Starbucks.

 

[ToTBellHop]

So, with all of today's announcements, is it finally time for an Epcot redevelopment subforum, @wdwmagic ?

Wait til the Spine announcement.