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

[RadiatorSpringsRacer]

I get the sense that Disney is going after the Instagram set with this Play! Pavilion. Have you heard of the "Museum of Ice Cream" or the "Museum of 3D Illusions" in San Francisco? These are "museums" of brightly-colored physical sets for people to pose in for photo opportunities. There's really nothing to "do" there other than take pictures of yourself. But these kinds of attractions are popping up all around the world and people are flocking to them.

These "exhibits" are a dream for Disney because they don't require a lot of operations or staffing. Just set the "party" atmosphere with, backgrounds, props, lights, and music and let people take pictures. The Purple Wall was an early test of this concept, and now we see Insta-worthy paint job all around Tomorrowland. The Play! Pavilion would be this but with all the IP. The kiddy stuff (water balloons, etc.) would just serve to keep kids entertained while mom and day snap pics.

The preview in the Odyssey does describe it as "a place to snap and share"...

 

[gustaftp]

Would Wonders of Play killed them?

The Making of Me involved adult play... so why not?

 

[bshah365]

Not sure if it's been talked about on here but this pavillion feels like its basically going to be a cooler version of the Animation building in DCA... basically a big room which acts as a lobby to many different activities/shows. Edna Mode show will clearly be a version of Turtle Talk.

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

I hope its a good show. I know others like her, but I find her annoying.

 

[The Grand Inquisitor]

If anything to do with John Boyega is in this Play pavilion (because IPs are gonna be used in this after all) I will immediately forgive Disney for replacing Body Wars.

Why would John Boyega be in the pavilion?

 

[The Grand Inquisitor]

Star Wars is Disney's IP, yes? And I guess anything Star Wars themed in the Play pavilion would have to do with the new films, right? So if Finn is there, I'm forgiving Disney for replacing Body Wars.

Ok you do not have to be rude. I highly doubt Star Wars is going to be in the play pavilion. It seems like from everything Disney has released that it will feature animated movies such as The Incredibles and Zootopia.

 

[DreamfinderGuy]

In case we need a refresher, only the main dome is being used. Disney gutted Body Wars a few months back and it’s staying as Food and Wine storage. Technically not getting “replaced” at the moment.

 

[MisterPenguin]

In case we need a refresher...

That's still Star Wars IP!

 

[Disney Maddux]

In case we need a refresher, only the main dome is being used. Disney gutted Body Wars a few months back and it’s staying as Food and Wine storage. Technically not getting “replaced” at the moment.

And CC is being sealed off.

 

[WDWtraveler]

Photo update as of Thursday, October 17, 2019. The trees and landscaping have all been removed now from the hill next to the old festival center.

 

[DreamfinderGuy]

Photo update as of Thursday, October 17, 2019. The trees and landscaping have all been removed now from the hill next to the old festival center.

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That dome is so beautiful. Even if I’m not a huge fan of what’s going inside, I’m so glad that I can admire the exterior again

 

[Bocabear]

The dome is great, but how are they going to block the view of the metal pole barns behind it?

 

[WDWFREAK53]

That dome is so beautiful. Even if I’m not a huge fan of what’s going inside, I’m so glad that I can admire the exterior again

Hopefully they can add some "PLAY-ful" water features around the exterior with nice fountains and lighting.

 

[jmuboy]

The dome is great, but how are they going to block the view of the metal pole barns behind it?

I assume new trees - aka SWGE berm - will return.
The old ones had become less manicured over time.

 

[Timothy_Q]

Hopefully they're not planning on removing the trees from the other side as well

They're the only thing hiding GotG from FW East right now

 

[Bocabear]

it looks like Cannery Row behind the berm...lol

 

[peter11435]

it looks like Cannery Row behind the berm...lol

Yep. That’s Mission:Space in black and WDI in blue and white

 

[Bocabear]

Wow with the lack of creativity we have seen in the parks lately it is surprising to see such a big building for WDI...I am assuming it is empty...

 

[Timothy_Q]

Wow with the lack of creativity we have seen in the parks lately it is surprising to see such a big building for WDI...I am assuming it is empty...

 

[DreamfinderGuy]

They can't do the Home Run or even the Grand Slam (if there's minimal use of IP) because Universal owns the theme park rights to the Marvel characters required to do that.

Not Big Hero 6. That’s already at Epcot to begin with