It may look like a giant golf ball, but EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth actually represents evolution, progress, and innovation — just like EPCOT itself! Since opening, this park has been through a LOT of changes. Rides like Maelstrom were replaced by Frozen Ever After, and nighttime spectaculars like Illuminations and Harmonious were retired in preparation for a new show.

If you’ve been to EPCOT in the past few years, you’ve probably encountered some of the construction happening around the park. That’s because EPCOT is in the middle of a HUGE transformation! While we wait for new experiences to open, like Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana, we can daydream about some of EPCOT’s other projects that we hope to see someday. Let’s take a look at the concept art for EPCOT’s upcoming attractions.

Before we dive in, we should point out that some Disney concept art may look a little different than the final product. That is the point of concert art, after all — it’s just the first idea! Typically, Disney is pretty secretive about its upcoming projects, and we rarely get a glimpse into the construction progress, so there’s no telling how closely Imagineers are following the original concept art. That said, it’s pretty fun to peek into the minds of Disney creatives to see what they’re thinking!

CommuniCore Hall and Communicore Plaza Festival Area

Now that EPCOT has its seasonal festivals almost year-round, it makes sense for the park to have a dedicated Festival Area. Early concept art and details from Imagineers explained that this new area will serve as the “home base” for EPCOT’s seasonal festivals and live events. According to Disney, CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza in EPCOT’s World Celebration will bring EPCOT International Festivals “to the center of Walt Disney World.” 

So far, we know that CommuniCore Plaza will be an outdoor space for guests to come and relax and experience some special festival events. Concept art shows an area for large-scale concerts or smaller intimate performances that extends out into the gardens nearby. (Over on the left-hand side!)

Additionally, CommuniCore Hall will be located within the plaza area and will be the first flexible, fully-purpose-built structure in festival programming. This hall is being designed to host a variety of experiences with art, food, live music, and more.

Look out for an exhibition and gallery space in the area, as well as a demonstration kitchen and a mixology bar. During Disney’s foodie festivals, the hall should help extend the festival experience past the World Showcase and give chefs new ways to connect and experiment. This space is set to open in late 2023.

Learn more about EPCOT’s upcoming Festival Area HERE!

Dreamers Point

You’ve probably seen the famous Partners Statue in the Magic Kingdom, but soon a new statue of Walt Disney — “Walt the Dreamer” will arrive in EPCOT. Look out for the statue’s debut in late 2023.

Dreamers Point will be located near the exit of Spaceship Earth. Back in September 2022, we got a preview of the statue at the D23 Expo. Doesn’t it look nice?

Dreamers Point will also feature special gardens designed to “pique curiosity”, as well as a wishing tree and a story fountain.

Journey of Water

At this point, we’re getting VERY close to the grand opening of the Journey of Water inspired by Moana immersive walk-through attraction. Here, guests will be able to explore a “lush exploration trail” that allows explorers to “play with magical, living water.”

This nature-focused walk-through attraction is designed to teach guests “about the importance of the natural water cycle.” But this is Disney, so think education…but FUN!

Look out for a HUGE model of Te Fiti in the area, which is said to be around 15 feet tall and will be made of over 3,000 pieces of foliage.

According to Disney, this new attraction will open in the fall of 2023!

Click HERE to learn more about the Journey of Water!

Mary Poppins-inspired Location

Ok, this one is still pretty up-in-the-air, but it’s fun to dream! Disney announced that a Mary Poppins-inspired attraction was planned as an addition to the United Kingdom pavilion. The attraction would allow guests to “step in time down Cherry Tree Lane past Admiral Boom’s house, then enter Number 17, home of the Banks family.”

Since that original announcement, Disney released a statement explaining that the development of the Mary Poppins-themed attraction has been postponed. As of now, the project is officially on hold. We haven’t heard any updates on the status of the project in a while, but we will continue to look out for news!

Mickey and Friends Meet-and-Greet Location

Remember the old Character Spot in EPCOT? Well, it’s time for a reimagined version called  Mickey and Friends! This new place to meet some of your favorite Disney characters will be part of CommuniCore Hall.

Disney still hasn’t shared exactly which friends will be meeting here (besides Mickey), but if it’s like the old Character Spot in Future World, we might see Goofy and Minnie Mouse here, too!

Nighttime Spectacular

Recently, EPCOT Forever returned for a temporary run, starting back on April 3rd. The show replaced Harmonious, which was EPCOT’s 50th Anniversary nighttime spectacular. Currently, the Entertainment team is reportedly “prepping the Lagoon” for a new nighttime show that will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. Look out for the show in late 2023!

Disney explained that the show will invite “everyone to gather around World Showcase Lagoon for a show that will unite us through commonalities of the heart in a dazzling display of fireworks, lasers, music and light. Featuring an original composition along with select songs from the Disney songbook, this new spectacular will remind us that we’re more alike than different, connecting our hearts together as one.”

Click here to learn more about the show!

World Celebration Gardens

Finally, we’ll end with a look at the stunning concept art for the World Celebration Gardens. Throughout the seasons (and seasonal Festivals), the World Celebration hub will be divided into several different gardens, according to Disney. The centerpiece of the garden will feature a planter based on the EPCOT logo. As the seasons change, so will the gardens!

We’re expecting LOTS of nice, cool shade and seating in this area, and each garden will have its own identity, with the ability to change with each festival throughout the year. Then at night, Disney teased that the gardens will “take on a whole new life” with special lighting to immerse guests in a unique evening experience.

While we may not have exact opening dates for all these new experiences and attractions, it’s fun to think about all the possibilities out there, don’t you think? In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more!

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The post Sharing Every Piece of Concept Art for EPCOT’s New Attractions! first appeared on the disney food blog.