It’s time for another Disney TRON construction update! If you missed our previous post on the new TRON attraction coming to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, click here to check it out.
The First Vertical Columns Are Going UP!
While construction began on the TRON “coaster” style attraction began more than a year ago, there wasn’t a whole lot of VISIBLE progress. So much has to happen to prepare the ground to support the weight of the attraction, and even more has to happen to support the electrical needs of the attraction and the technology the ride will require. To the casual observer, the early phases of any attraction construction project often look like there’s not a whole lot going on.
Luckily, we’re not casual observers, right? Disney has announced that they have begun installing the steel columns that will support the attraction.
Check out this terrific video that Disney released!
Where IS the TRON Attraction?
TRON is being built in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. It’s going next to Space Mountain, mostly in space that was previously empty.
Disney has modified the Speedway slightly to make room for TRON. They’ve also stopped running the Walt Disney World Railroad for the forseeable future, while construction proceeds on TRON. I don’t know if this means the Railroad is ultimately being rerouted, or if the current track will still be in place once construction on TRON is completed. It’s entirely possible that once it’s safe for the Railroad to resume circling the park and traveling behind Tomorrowland, we’ll be able to tell that nothing changed on the route. However, I suspect that the Railroad track may need to move over a bit to make room for TRON. Too soon to tell.
Regardless, we do have a pretty awesome artist rendering of what the TRON attraction is expected to look like.
Disney Tron Attraction Coming to Magic Kingdom: Artist Rendering
We also got a new picture of the steel column that cast members signed. As we discussed in the previous Disney TRON construction update post, an important milestone of the TRON project was when Disney invited cast members involved in the project to sign one of the steel columns that will become a part of TRON.
TRON Construction Milestone (Photo: Disney Parks)
When Can We Ride?
While there’s no “official” opening date (it’s WAY too soon!), it looks like the expectations are that TRON will be completed in time for the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World in 2021.
Are you excited about this attraction? From the brief glimpse we get in the video above, I think TRON looks like it will be very different from anything else we have at Disney. I’m hoping it will be a ton of fun, and that it will absorb a lot of guests. I’m always a fan of attractions that can swallow up a lot of the crowd.
What do you think? Please like this post, and comment below with your thoughts!
Disney Skyliner testing continues, and appears to be going very well, as we discussed in our last Skyliner update post. In this week’s Disney Skyliner Update, we get an up close and personal look at the gondolas themselves. Disney is now calling the gondolas “guest cabins”, and this week, we get to look inside a Disney Skyliner Guest Cabin!
Up Close with a Skyliner Guest Cabin
Disney Skyliner Guest Cabin Photo Credit: Disney Parks
As I mentioned last week, Disney is now sending a few guest cabins through the Skyliner system uncovered. A few cabins have been seen in the testing without their off-white protective coverings. So far, we haven’t seen any cabins actually decked out with the promised Disney characters out on the lines testing.
This week, Disney has more information about the guest cabins themselves. For the first time, Disney is taking us INSIDE a Skyliner guest cabin and answering some of the questions we’ve all been asking. Here’s what we know now, based on this latest information.
Guest cabins will have a maximum guest capacity of 10 guests per cabin
Cabins feature bench seating for guests, similar to what we’re used to on the monorail, the Walt Disney World Railroad, and other similar transportation options
Guest cabins are wheelchair accessible
Cabins do NOT have in cabin air conditioning or heating
Guest cabins do have small windows that open to let air circulate and provide cross ventilation
All guest cabins will feature Disney characters in specially shaded and reflective graphics to help protect the cabins from direct sunlight
Disney is confident that the cabins will be comfortable, even on very hot Florida days
Guest cabins will be eight different colors
Guest cabins will feature character graphics from all Disney owned properties, including classic Disney favorites, Marvel Studios and LucasFilm, including the Star Wars characters
The Skyliner system is intended to be constantly moving
There will be approximately 300 cabins in the Skyliner system
Look Inside a Disney Skyliner Guest Cabin
Disney has released a video giving you an inside look at the Skyliner guest cabins. Take a tour:
Transit Time on Disney Skyliner System
While of course we don’t have any actual riders in the system yet, we do have some idea on transit times using the Skyliner System.
Disney is still doing their very through testing. We could see SOME impact on these transit numbers once they start testing with people. It will be very interesting to see if the system will truly be able to operate continuously, once it starts testing with people.
Disney Skyliner System Testing Photo Credit: Amy Micari
Disney says we can expect transit times of five to fifteen minutes on the Skyliner System, depending on our origin and destination points. The Skyliner Transportation system will transport guests from four Disney Resorts to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The four Disney resorts being served are Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s new Riviera Resort (opening later this year).
Opening Date?
We still don’t have an official opening date for guests for the Disney Skyliner System. Disney will have to complete their current round of system and cabin tests, first. Once this round is over, testing with people will begin. If those tests go as smoothly as anticipated, I believe it won’t be long before we get some official announcements with actual opening dates, at least for some sections of the system.
Officially, we’re still being told “Fall 2019”; however I’ll be surprised if we don’t see at least some kind of soft open by August. I believe Disney will want the Skyliner System fully up and running when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens on August 29.
Disney Skyliner Gondola Graphics featuring characters from Toy Story, Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy and even fan favorites Donald and Daisy!
What do you think? Are you getting excited about the Disney Skyliner System? Please like this post, and comment below with your thoughts about the cabins!
Today’s Construction Update focuses on Tron at Magic Kingdom.
Announced in Summer 2017, there hasn’t been a lot of activity surrounding the Tron coaster-style attraction coming to the Magic Kingdom. I suspect this is partly because Tron doesn’t have the big fanbase that Disney once hoped it would have, and partly because so much attention has been focused on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, opening this summer at Disneyland and Hollywood Studios.
This is probably a positive thing, we haven’t all been driving Disney crazy with the equivalent of “are we there yet?” for THIS attraction…unlike we did for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. (But hey, it worked, so I’m NOT complaining!)
Shanghai Disneyland’s #1 Attraction
The Tron attraction currently under construction at Magic Kingdom is based on TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland. This attraction was an opening day attraction for Shanghai Disneyland. TRON is a giant hit for Shanghai Disneyland.
Shanghai Disneyland’s TRON Lightcycle Power Run
TRON Lightcycle Power Run is a coaster-style attraction that has passengers ride a train of two wheeled Lightcycles for a race through the digital frontier. Just like the movie, I guess. Although both Tron movies kind of confused me…I really liked the original one, though. Did any of you see the original Tron (1982) or it’s sequel, Tron Legacy (2010)?
TRON Lightcycle Power Run is the highest rated attraction at Shanghai Disneyland. I’m guessing that led the powers-that-be to consider if the attraction could be a good fit another park.
Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom
It makes sense right? A popular attraction, already designed and tested. Some changes might be necessary, but basically, the heavy lifting is already done for the attraction. Imagineering already did the design, the creative work, choosing the materials, the budget, the schematics, the plans, even the way the queue works–all that’s been done before. Construction even knows what problems came up during that phase, and how they were solved.
But where to put the new attraction? It make sense in Hollywood Studios, because it’s based on a movie property…but Hollywood Studios is currently getting all the focus for Star Wars, so maybe NOT there. Epcot Future World might be a good fit–the whole digital frontier thing is vaguely futuristic…of course the original movie is almost forty years old at this point. AND there’s already a TON of stuff happening at Epcot (see last week’s post), so maybe it’s not the best choice either.
Disneyland in California is currently using a LOT of space for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, so maybe not there. California Adventure just finished the whole Pixar themed update….so maybe not there.
Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World hasn’t gotten anything new in a LONG time. And we have some room over there next to Space Mountain, on the side… WINNER!
Ok, I have no idea if that’s how the decision making process went AT ALL. But it’s fun to think about, isn’t it? Bottom line, they decided to bring Tron to Magic Kingdom, and they’re making room for it by basically expanding the footprint of the Magic Kingdom. Disney is putting Tron next to Space Mountain, into some unused land between Tomorrowland and Storybook Circus.
Tron Billboard, visible from Storybook Circus
Impact on Nearby Attractions
To accommodate construction on Tron at Magic Kingdom, a few other attractions ARE being affected.
Tomorrowland Speedway: This one is pretty short term. The Tomorrowland Speedway closed in January 2019, and is expected to re-open mid May 2019. Disney is moving and/or re-routing the track to make room for Tron.
Walt Disney World Railroad: This is painful one. The Walt Disney World Railroad is closed for at least the next year, possibly longer. To soften the blow, Disney plans to park the train at the Main Street station, and allow guest to explore the train and take pictures with it. But the lovely and relaxing (one of my FAVORITE ways to take a break) ride around the circumference of the park is not possible for the foreseeable future. They haven’t officially said, but I believe some track has to be re-routed and they don’t want the trains coming through the construction areas. Sigh. I’m excited about a new attraction, but very bummed about no train for a long period of time.
UNOFFICIAL: I haven’t been there to verify this, but there is a walking path between Storybook Circus and Tomorrowland that I suspect may be impacted by Tron construction as well. This area is often inundated with smokers, so it’s not the quiet restful path it once was. It’s always been a pretty good “cut-through” or short-cut. However, the path runs right next to the train tracks for a bit, and then along the Tomorrowland Speedway track as it approaches Space Mountain. I have a hard time believing this area has been left untouched and accessible, but I will confirm for you first chance I get.
Progress Update
Tron at Magic Kingdom: Milestone Reached
This week, the first steel support columns were put in place for the new attraction. Prior to the columns being put in place, cast members and team members working on bringing Tron at Magic Kingdom to reality celebrated a major milestone. They were invited to sign their names on one of the columns, making their “permanent mark” on the attraction. Wouldn’t that be cool? To know forever that a tiny piece of you, your signature, was part of that attraction? I think that would be pretty thrilling!
Disney hasn’t been too committal on when we can expect to take our first ride on Tron at Magic Kingdom. However, Disney is promising that the new Tomorrowland attraction WILL be open in time for the 50th Anniversary celebration in 2021.
I’m happy to see that Disney continues to invest in new attractions and expansions to our favorite parks. As crowds continue to grow, I think it’s more important than ever that new attractions arrive to absorb more people.
How do you feel about Tron at Magic Kingdom? Is this an attraction that you’re excited to check out? Were you a fan of the Tron movies?
Please comment below and let me know if you’ll be eager to check this one out when it comes on line!
This is really big news all my lovely Disney trip planners and dreamers!!! Just moments ago, Disney announced Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge OPENING DATES at BOTH Disneyland and Hollywood Studios!!!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open, AHEAD OF SCHEDULE, on May 31 at Disneyland in California. At Hollywood Studios in Florida, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open AUGUST 29–this is MONTHS before we’d anticipated!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Artist’s Rendering
This is so exciting, I am freaking out right now. However, this isn’t ALL rainbows and roses.
Disney has decided to open ahead of schedule in response to the overwhelming response and interest from guests that want to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which is terrific. BUT the reality is that everything will not really be ready by these earlier than projected dates. So Disney has decided to open Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Phases.
Phase One, Opening Day
On opening day, guests will be able to get into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. You’ll explore merchant shops and talk to the people living and working on Black Spire Outpost. You’ll taste galactic food and beverages unlike anything you’ve tried before.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon- Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)
Perhaps most importantly, you’ll be able to experience the first attraction of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. You’re going to be able to get on board the Millennium Falcon, and take the controls and have your own adventure aboard the ship that has starred in so many of our beloved movies and our dreams for so long….
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon – Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)
Phase Two, Later This Year
Later this year, the second attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, will open. This attraction has been touted as the most ambitions, immersive and advanced attraction ever imagined. It’s going to put you in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and First Order.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance (Photo: Disney Parks)
Disney released this video earlier today:
What We Can Expect: Limited Capacity
Guests planning to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland between opening day (May 31) and June 23, 2019 will need valid Disneyland park admission and they will be required to make a no-cost reservation, subject to availability, to access Galaxy’s Edge. Disney has not released information yet on how to make these no-cost reservations; I will update you as soon as I know more!
Guests staying at one of the three Disneyland Resort hotels during this period (May 31-June 23) will received a reservation to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay (one reservation per registered guest); Disneyland Park admission is still required.
Capacity will be limited for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for both Disneyland and Hollywood Studios. Currently, Disney says no reservations will be required to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios. Also, Disney says Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be open during Extra Magic Hours for resort guests. More details will be released soon (and as soon as they are, I will share!).
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance (Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)
So…Who’s Going to Be There Opening Day?
I cannot begin to tell you guys how excited I am about this news! I honestly believed Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge would open in late June at Disneyland, and most likely would open at Hollywood Studios in mid December. This is CRAZY to me that they are this close to being ready to open, even in Phases!!! I will keep scouring all my Disney sources for more news, and will update you as soon as I know more!
How excited are you by this news? I’m about to BURST! Are you currently checking your calendar and rearranging your life to see if you can be there for opening day?
Happy Dreaming!
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!
P.S. Don’t forget, if you’d like to book a Disneyland or Walt Disney World vacation, I’d love to help! Using me to book your reservation ensures you get the best availability and rates Disney has to offer, and booking with me doesn’t cost you anything–Disney pays me! AND, if any discounts come out that could save you money before your trip, I’ll apply those discounts in the Disney system to save you money! Contact me today at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com!
P.P.S If you missed last week’s article on cast member costumes for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you can check it out here.
This week, I have EPCOT News! There are lots of changes coming to Epcot over the next three years. Some things you may have already heard about, some things you may have heard rumored before, and some things are brand new updates. Read on for all the latest Epcot News updates!
Former Wonders of Life Pavilion FINALLY Gets a New Lease on Life
Disney has announced that the domed pavilion that was once the Wonders of Life Pavilion, and that has served as the Festival Pavilion a few times for various festivals, is finally getting re-purposed. This new plan sounds tailor made for Epcot’s original theming and vision. Remember the original name? EPCOT: Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.
The as-yet untitled pavilion will be a “play” pavilion. It will house an innovative city that will feature interactive experiences and hands on activities. Disney promises the new space will be “devoted to playful fun” and will include favorite Disney characters and lots of entertainment.
Epcot: New Unnamed “Play” Pavilion – Artist’s Rendering
I’m fascinated by the city under the dome idea. It sounds like Imagineering is trying to capture at least a little of the spirit of Walt Disney’s original vision for a “prototype community”. It should be fun to see what they come up with! Disney also promises the newly redesigned pavilion will open in time for the 50th Anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.
Entering Epcot: Revamped & Redesigned
This bit of Epcot News has been a long time coming. Epcot’s entrance area, between the gates and Spaceship Earth is going to be revamped and redesigned. Basically, they’re moving the giant monolithic creepy “Leave a Legacy” stones from this area to an area outside the main entrance. They will be adding a fountain, more green space and pathways. But the main idea? To make the main gateway to the park look a little less like a graveyard.
I’m sure “graveyard” was not the intent when the original designers came up with the Leave a Legacy* stone idea. However, the end result (as professed by thousands of Epcot guests over the years) is, at best, cold and industrial, and, at worst, creepy and gravestone-like. Neither image is the first impression Disney wanted to leave with their guests as they enter the park, so changes are being made. Here’s an artist’s drawing of the new entrance way:
Artist’s Rendering of Planned Redesigned Main Entrance for EPCOT
*For those of you that have pictures on the giant Leave a Legacy stones, please do not interpret this change, or my celebration of it, as a negative commentary on your pictures or your investment. I think it’s a lovely idea, and I think having a piece of your family forever a part of Disney history is a beautiful thing. I desperately want a brick on the Magic Kingdom walkway, so I totally understand! I’m just not a fan of this particular presentation. I don’t think the way they set it up is visually as attractive as it could be. I also think because they didn’t sell as many as they expected and there are so many empty spaces, it just feels a bit cold. This is my opinion, your mileage may vary.
For those of you that aren’t familiar with the Leave a Legacy stones, here are a couple of pictures. (Both Photos Courtesy of Disney):
Epcot Leave a LegacyEpcot Leave a Legacy
The giant stones will still be a part of the Epcot landscape. The stones just won’t be located inside the main entrance as the first thing visitors see. So many guests just don’t understand what they are, or why they are there. I think moving them to a garden in a different part of Epcot, or creating a special area for them outside of the entrance with a plaque that explains what they are a little better would do them more justice.
Epcot News Update: Guardians of the Galaxy Themed Roller Coaster in Future World
At this point, the Guardians of the Galaxy themed roller coaster coming to Future World in 2021 is old news for many. Already under construction for more than a year, the new roller coaster will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters when it’s complete. According to Disney, this attraction will also be ready in time for the 50th Anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort. But since not everyone keeps up with Disney news, I thought I would give you all an update on this “coming soon” attraction. (Soon being relative in the land of Disney construction projects!)
What we know so far:
The queue for the attraction will be in the former Universe of Energy building. Ellen and the Dinosaurs have been moved into storage somewhere backstage. Fans of the Science-themed attraction have hopes that someday, we may see them pop up in another attraction somewhere. You never know! (However, it’s more likely they will pop up in John Stamos’ living room, or that of another Disneyphile!)
The attraction will be completed sometime in 2021.
The roller-coaster will be one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world when it’s finished.
The show building that will house the new coaster will be so big, we are told that FOUR Spaceship Earths could fit inside it! (Now THAT’s a BIG Building!).
This is not going to be a “typical roller coaster. Imagineers have promised that there is a heavy storytelling element to this attraction.
The coaster will feature an innovative ride system, with unique ride vehicles that will be capable of moving in different ways and directions to focus the riders’ attention to the story happening around them.
Guardian’s of the Galaxy Roller Coaster Proposed Ride Vehicle – Artist’s Rendering
Epcot: France Gets TWO New Attractions
Announced in 2017, two new attractions coming to France are finally starting to look like they are within reach.
First: Coming “soon” to the same theatre where the long running film Impressions de France plays multiple times each day will be a new “sing a long” version of Beauty and the Beast. This new film is not replacing Impressions de France; it is playing in the same theatre, but the two films will play at different times. Most likely to draw new audiences to France, and to perhaps encourage them to then stay and watch Impressions de France, I think this is a great way to capitalize on the popularity of Beauty and the Beast, while still preserving the integrity of the France pavilion.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
A new dark ride, themed to the popular Pixar film, Ratatouille, is set to open in Epcot’s France pavilion in Spring 2020. This ride, rumored to be an English language version of the very popular L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy at Disneyland Paris, is a trackless adventure where the riders are shrunk down to the size of Remy and his Rat friends, and embark on a crazy chase through the kitchen.
Image provided by Disney/Pixar. Remy/Ratatouille
We don’t have much concrete information on this attraction yet. BUT, I’ve heard the original is a favorite at Disneyland Paris. Therefore, I’ve decided to be optimistic that we will be happy with this new addition. As we’ve discussed, Disney crowds get larger every year, so the more attractions we have that can absorb crowds, the better, right?
I think that adding a few dark rides in World Showcase is a good direction for Epcot to go. As long as they (Disney) choose rides that stay at least loosely connected to the country’s theming. (And no, I don’t think Frozen is a good fit in Norway! Arendelle isn’t a REAL place!!! That attraction should be in Hollywood Studios! But I digress….).
Ratatouille is a fun Pixar movie set in Paris, and the city is definitely a character in the film. Putting this attraction in France at least makes SOME sense. (And yes, I recognize I’m reaching a bit…). The purpose of World Showcase is to educate and excite people about countries around the world they may never have visited. Rides were never necessarily part of that vision. Films, shops, shows, restaurants, streetmosphere players…of course. But actual rides? Not necessarily.
However, as Walt Disney World crowds swell, and repeat visitors increase year over year, I understand the need for change. I’m not always great with change, but I do accept the necessity. Adding themed attractions to World Showcase is a change that makes sense to me. Certainly Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure might make more sense at Hollywood Studios as it is a movie-themed attraction (LIKE FROZEN). However, it also makes sense in France, as this particular film takes place in France, and it definitely focuses on France and Paris in particular, during many moments of the movie.
More World Showcase Updates
China is getting its own Circle-Vision 360 degree cultural movie experience. I don’t have a date yet, but it’s coming. Canada’s Circle-Vision movie is getting updated, and we’ll soon be seeing the updated version when we visit Canada in World Showcase.
Japan is getting a new signature restaurant. Actually, this was announced early last year, but recently it appears that construction finally began. We don’t know much about it, other than it’s “inspired by the natural beauty of Japan”. Given that construction has begun, I’m hopeful we will see this open sometime this fall.
Odyssey Pavilion Re-purposed
Epcot’s Odyssey Pavilion (Photo/Disney Parks)
The Odyssey Pavilion is that odd building that has been mostly closed for the last 20 years or so. It lives on the World Showcase Lagoon between Mexico and Test Track. This Pavilion originally opened in 1982 and started its life as a restaurant. It is a REALLY big space, and I can’t even remember the last time it was actually opened for regular use.
It’s most often used for special events. Presentations, conference events, sometimes festival events, Odyssey has served many purposes over the years. It’s even been used as a backup venue for outdoor wedding receptions in the event of bad weather.
However, last year, it got a remodel and opened again over New Year’s to offer an additional quick service food station for crowd flow. It was also used during the International Festival of the Arts to host several events.
Disney tells us that later this year, the Odyssey, or at least a portion of it, will be reclassified as The Experience Center. The Experience Center will feature interactive exhibits of upcoming park projects. The goal is to to help park guests visualize (and get excited about!) all the different park transformation projects happening over the next few years, leading up to the 50th Anniversary.
Space Themed Restaurant Coming to Epcot…Eventually?
Announced early last year, the building is finally in place in Epcot for the space themed restaurant coming at some point in the future. Well, it is Future World, so I guess that’s par for the course.
Space Themed Restaurant Coming to Epcot (Photo: Disney Parks)
The restaurant is going to be located between Mission Space and Test Track. It looks like it will be pretty big, based on the size of the building. Of course, these show buildings can be misleading. It IS expected to have some special effects.
In my opinion, this will be a very welcome addition to Future World. Currently, the only table service restaurant in Future World is Coral Reef. For a long time, I’ve thought more table service options were needed. I believe that going space themed, and setting it in Future World makes sense. The location is perfect, especially with the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster under construction in that same area.
The restaurant will be owned and operated by the Patina Group; they already operate a number of successful and popular restaurants at Disney Springs, Downtown Disney and Epcot. Patina restaurants include Via Napoli, Tutto Italia Ristorante, Morimoto Asia, Enzo’s Hideaway and many more–not to mention many restaurants in New York, New Jersey, California and JAPAN!!
Good-Bye Illuminations: Reflections of Earth
We’ve discussed before on this blog that Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, the spectacular long running nighttime show at Epcot is coming to a close later this year. While we haven’t been given an exact “end” date for Illuminations, expectations are that it will end sometime in the summer or early fall.
Imagineers are of course working on the replacement nighttime extravaganza. I’m sure this will be bigger and include more technology and special effects than ever before. Disney tells us that construction is already underway in the World Showcase Lagoon for the new show. The new show will include custom designed LED panels, pyrotechnics, “massive” floating set pieces, moving fountains, lasers, and an amazing soundtrack, no doubt. The new show will not make it’s debut until sometime next year, however.
Between the sun setting on Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, and the sun rising on the 2020 new nighttime extravaganza, there will be a limited time nighttime experience presented at Epcot, called Epcot Forever. I have a feeling this one is guaranteed to tear at your heartstrings if you are a longtime Epcot visitor. It promises to feature a soundtrack of favorite Epcot songs, and will include lighting, lasers, fireworks, music and special effects. I’m really hoping to make it down there to check this one out later this year. I suspect it is going to really be something special.
Epcot Forever Limited Nighttime Experience Concept Art, Artist Rendering (Source: Disney Parks)
Believe it or not, they still have MORE to come!!
As you can tell by the length of this post, there are a LOT of updates coming to Epcot over the next one to three years. What is even more mind boggling is that most of these are considered Phase 1 updates. Phase 1 updates will be in place by the 50th Anniversary Walt Disney World Celebration. However, there are LOTS more updates planned for Phase 2, although much of that is still early planning stages. Everything is subject to change as the world around us changes. Suffice it to say that Disney is investing a LOT of money into Epcot, now and well into the future. I’m loving all these Epcot News updates, and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
One word of advice…if you love Spaceship Earth, you may want to try and ride it a lot over the next year or so. I suspect it’s going to come up on the refurbishment list fairly soon. Once it goes down, it will be down for YEARS. Two years at least, possibly more.
What Epcot News update are you MOST excited about? What are you LEAST excited about? Does anything have you worried? Please comment below, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
