EPCOT turns 40 next month, and Disney just announced some big developments coming during its big anniversary and beyond. At the Disney Parks and Experiences Panel, Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro gave several updates on what we can expect at EPCOT next year.
Some announcements were expected, such as an update on the World Celebration transformation and the Journey of Moana attraction. However, we heard a couple of surprising announcements, such as a major attraction closing much sooner than expected.
World Celebration and Moana Journey of Water Opening in Late 2023
Construction in the center of EPCOT continues, and it will not be completed anytime soon. When it is completed, World Celebration will feature a green space, a new statue of Walt Disney, Communicore Hall, and Communicore Plaza. The latter two will act as a center for EPCOT’s many festivals. You can get a rundown of EPCOT’s overhaul here.
Adjacent to the World Celebration green space is a new walkthrough attraction in World Nature: Moana – Journey of Water. This “exploration trail” will share the story of the role water plays on Earth. Disney shared a preview of a massive Te Fiti statue that will be part of the attraction at D23.
Both World Celebration and Moana – Journey of Water will be open in “late 2023.”
Figment Meet and Greet Coming to EPCOT
Everyone’s favorite purple dragon is a lovable fellow. So it’s no surprise that one of the Disney Parks Panel’s biggest crowd pleasing moments is the announcement that Figment will be coming to EPCOT as a meet and greet character in 2023.
Harmonious to be replaced in 2023
In my opinion, the most shocking announcement at D23 was that Harmonious will be closing next year. Yes, EPCOT’s much hyped “permanent” replacement for IllumiNations will be glowing away less than two years after it debuted. No details were shared on the new show, except that it will somehow tie into Disney’s 100 Years of Wonder anniversary celebration.
We want to hear from you!
What do you think about these EPCOT announcements from D23? Are you excited to meet Figment? Will you miss Harmonious? Let me know in the comments below!
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