Disney announces transformed Epcot park entrance, ‘Play Pavilion’ to replace Wonders of Life

Disney dropped major news this morning with the release of new concept art for the transformed Epcot park entrance, as well as news of a brand-new pavilion.

The transformation of Epcot now includes plans for a “play pavilion,” a space devoted to fun that will feature an innovative city that will come to life under the dome of the former Wonders of Life pavilion. The pavilion’s city will be filled with interactive experiences featuring your favorite Disney characters, hands-on activities, and other entertainment when it opens in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary.

“This innovative, new pavilion is beyond anything we’ve ever created and is completely unique to Epcot,” said Zach Riddley, portfolio executive for Walt Disney Imagineering. “Built on the power of play, it introduces an immersive and interactive ‘city’ where you can explore, create, and interact with some of your favorite Disney characters. This is an experience worthy of our bold vision for Epcot – and another signature element of our transformation.”

There will also be major changes to Epcot’s park entrance. The new plaza will welcome guests with new pathways, green spaces, and a newly reimagined fountain. The new design will pay homage to the park’s original entrance with a new take on classic elements.

The Leave A Legacy photos will be moving to a new location, just outside of the park gates. They will also receive enhancements to make them look better than ever. Additional redevelopment will begin between the Spaceship Earth attraction and the World Showcase Promenade, but more details on this portion of Epcot’s transformation will be released at a later date.

A new Experience Center will be coming to Epcot later this year. The Experience Center will be located in the Odyssey Events Pavilion, and feature interactive exhibits to help guests visualize the park’s improvements during this transformation period.

All of these new announcements join the previous revelations on changes coming to Epcot over the next two years, which include a new nighttime show to replace “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” a Guardians of the Galaxy attraction, a new “Ratatouille”-themed attraction in the France pavilion, a space-themed restaurant to be located by Mission: SPACE, a new restaurant in the Japan pavilion, and a new “Beauty and the Beast” sing-along show in the World Showcase.

Stay tuned to our website for more updates and news on Epcot’s major transformation and reimagining.