The new entrance of Epcot is part of multi-phase remodel of Epcot that plans to bring the park into the 21st centuary. Photo courtesy of Disney. Graphic by The Signal Online Editor, Alyssa Shotwell, and The Signal Executive Editor, Emily Wolfe.

BLOG: Epcot illuminates the D23’s dark day three

By Emily Nichelle Wolfe On Sep 29, 2019 110 0

Everytime I try to write down my thoughts about the D23 Expo’s parks presentation, it just comes out extremely negative. Even though I was super excited about multiple aspects of the presentation, it is simply a complete let down compared to what was announced at the last D23 Expo in 2017; especially with what was rumored to be announced. Additionally, it lacked any kind of updates fans and guests expect are coming.

IMAGE: An artist rendering of the new fireworks show, HarmoniUS. Image courtesy of Disney. — The new HarmonioUS firework show will illuminate how Disney music can bring people all around the world together. Image courtesy of Disney.

So, in order to not just rant non-stop, I thought I would discuss my feelings about the Epcot announcements since that is all that really happened and I do not have to discuss the Target part.

Personally, Epcot has always been my least favorite of the theme parks offered at Walt Disney World, mainly because I was just generally confused until I got to World Showcase, even though I am a former cast member. The non-World Showcase part was supposed to represent the future but always felt like it was the future as the 1980s thought it would be and also Soarin’ was there. Epcot is finally getting the treatment it desperately needs and I am really looking forward to some of the remodeling and additions.

An area by any other name…

Like I said earlier, I am thrilled Epcot is finally getting a makeover and some much-needed upgrades. It is supposed to represent the future but somehow is currently split into three sections: World Showcase, Future World East and Future World West (which includes the Land and the Sea areas). It was rumored Epcot would be getting some general theming updates, but Disney decided to just rename and rezone these areas into: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery. I understand wanting to connect everything together, but maybe Disney should have focused on making the theme of Epcot be consistent and not creating general confusion for years to come. Just imagine trying to rename Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland or Liberty Square. It just would not happen.

IMAGE: An artist rendition of how the overview of the new Epcot remodel will look. Image courtesy of Disney. — By renaming and rezoning the different areas of Epcot, Disney hopes to create more o a unified atmosphere. Image courtesy of Disney.

Honestly, this is the most negative aspect of the remodel, because I do feel like the renaming is completely unnecessary and a total waste of funds that could have put to better use.

Speaking as a former cast member, I can only imagine what is going to happen when these names are formally enforced.

- Guest: Where’s the Chris Pratt ride?
- Cast Member: In World Discovery.
- Guest: Huh?
- Cast Member: It’s to the left of Spaceship Earth.
- Guest: In Future World?
- Cast Member: Yes. In World Discovery.

Brace yourself. Attractions are coming.

Before the 2017 D23 Expo (where they announced a “Guardians of the Galaxy” coaster and a “Ratatouille” ride) Epcot had very few rides that were worth a wait longer than 20 minutes and a four nation-themed films that varied from “terribly boring’ to “not a complete waste of time.” New attractions were desperately needed as the only real reason to go to Epcot was the wide section of tasty treats and alcohol options.

During the 2019 D23 Expo, two brand new attractions were announced: Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” and a Cherry Tree Lane attraction themed around Mary Poppins.

IMAGE: Am artist rendition of how the entrance to Cherry Tree Lane will look. Image courtesy of Disney. — The entrance to Cherry Tree Lane will begin once guests enter into the home of the Banks family. Image courtesy of Disney.

The Mary Poppins ride has extremely little information, except that Cherry Tree Lane will be an add-on neighborhood to the United Kingdom pavilion, so I am guessing there will be a new merchandise and food areas.

Journey of Water will be an exploration trail where guests can interact with water, very little is known, but I am predicting it will help bridge the Land and the Sea pavilions as part of the World Nature remodel.

Of course, these attractions join new films in China and Canada, the previously announced PLAY! pavilion, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Also announced at the D23 Expo was an overhaul of Spaceship Earth, HarmonioUS firework show, “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along” in France and “Awesome Planet” film in the Land pavilion, I mean, World Nature.

I am thrilled Epcot is finally getting attractions that will help offset Magic Kingdom’s 50th anniversary crowds, and can finally bring Epcot into the 21st century.

Monotone teacher voice: Brazil? Brazil? Brazil?:

There is room in World Showcase for a new pavilion.

Guests are begging for a new pavilion.

There are so many rumors that Brazil will be the new pavilion.

IMAGE: An artist's rendition of the new Play Pavilion coming to Epcot. Image courtesy of Disney. — The Play Pavilion, an immersive and interactive city, will open in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th celebration. Image courtesy of Disney.

In all honesty, it may seem needy that guests are begging for a new pavilion when so many new attractions are coming, but the issue is that guests have been asking for a new one since Norway was added in 1988.

Since Epcot is at its best during festivals, which take place mostly in the World Showcase, it seems like a new pavilion is long overdue. The new fireworks show, like all of Epcot’s fireworks shows, is centered around World Showcase. This is the area that is most well-known by guests and allows for the best variety of food, drinks and merchandise in the resort.

Each pavilion allows the guests to be transported to a new country, a new culture and a new world. The brilliance of this is that every single aspect is highly thought out and it is one of the best parts of going to Walt Disney World.

Most fans, including myself, would rather have a new pavilion and a couple of attractions instead of 10 new attractions.