With the opening of CommuniCore Hall, Walt Disney World declared the transformation of Epcot to be a done deal. The process, years in the making, has revamped much of the “front” half of the theme park, rearranged its so-called neighborhoods and made construction wall stocks soar. The beginning of changes is tricky to nail down.
The first time the words Epcot and transformation appeared in the same story in the Orlando Sentinel was 2016, followed by executives referring to a “multiyear transformation.” In August 2019, Bob Chapek (then chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products and later CEO) said the upcoming changes at Epcot would be “the biggest transformation of any park that we’ve ever accomplished.” Some announced things never became reality, including a mysterious, not-fully-defined Mary Poppins attraction in World Showcase.
Here are a few of the attractions and changes that did happen. What it is: Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. What used to be there: Innoventions West.
On the plus side: It’s an oasis of sorts, smack in the middle of Future World-ish attractions, and it’s frequently and literally on kids’ levels. Plus, there’s a little old-fashioned Disney magic with the water curtain, motion-activated fun and big green Te Fiti. On the wish list: Maybe a little less stop-and-go traffic flow, but what are you going to do? What it is: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
What used to be there: Ellen’s Energy Adventure. On the plus .