The 10 Biggest Changes Coming To Epcot

Disney recently held the D23 Expo, at which it spilled all sorts of details about the new things coming to its theme parks. While it was revealed that all the parks in Disney World Resort have lots of fresh updates heading their way, Epcot is getting the largest overhaul in the next few years.

Epcot currently has two parts to its park: Future World and the World Showcase. However, Future World is getting split off into three unique lands filled with new attractions. Meanwhile, the world showcase is getting unique updates of its own.

While we won't be able to look at every single thing being added to Epcot, we're here to cover all the highlights. Here's a shout-out to the updated Spaceship Earth attraction, new restaurants, powered-up entrance, and every other cool thing we won't have time to cover. With that said, here are the even bigger Epcot additions that will be transforming the park soon.

10 Ratatouille Ride

It was confirmed that the France pavilion in Epcot will be receiving a Ratatouille ride by 2021, just in time for Disney World’s 50th anniversary. This dark ride will shrink guests down to the size of Remy and his friends, and then sweep them through a trackless course themed after Paris’ top kitchen.

While more details are yet to be released, the ride is likely to borrow elements from the Ratatouille ride in Disneyland Paris. We’re excited to see what modifications, if any, will be made.

9 Beauty And The Beast Sing-A-Long

France is receiving more than one update. The second comes in the form of a Beauty and the Beast sing-a-long. Rather than replacing the Impressions de France film, this attraction will be joining it.

The show is being curated by Don Hahn, who produced both the live-action and animated versions of Beauty and the Beast. While the sing-a-long was announced last year, we have been graced with an opening date: January 2020.

It's also worth noting that France will receive a new restaurant, La Crêperie de Paris.

8 Canada Film

Right now, guests who enter the Canada pavilion at Epcot will be treated to a comedic Circle-Vision 360-degree short film narrated by Martin Short about the country he comes from. However, this film, which was last updated in 2007, will be getting replaced by Canada Far and Wide.

The new short film will feature a fresh story, updated music, and varied scenes, though the exact details are to-be-released. It is set to open in January 2020.

7 Moana Attraction

Disney’s 2016 film, Moana, is finally getting its own attraction. Entitled Journey of Water, this experience will let guests interact with water inside a movie-themed setting.

While we don’t have many details outside of the concept art at this time, we do know that the experience will have guests journeying down a magical trail while connecting with earth’s most abundant liquid.

6 China Film

Canada isn’t the only country to be receiving a new film. China is also replacing its current Reflections of China video with a new short movie, Wondrous China.

This attraction will let guests experience this beautiful Asian country through stunning shots and updated music, all presented in a seamless 360-degree format.

Though the description sounds very similar to the current film in China, it is sure to look much brighter and clearer than the one currently playing. Technology has come a long way since 2003.

5 Mary Poppins Attraction

Dick Van Dyke fittingly announced that Mary Poppins will be getting her own attraction for the first time in Disney history. However, it was implied that this new experience will be based on Mary Poppins Returns, rather than the original film.

Very few details on this expansion have been released, outside of the fact that the experience (whatever it is) will begin at the Banks family home on Cherry Tree Lane. This location will be added to the soon-to-be renovated U.K. pavilion.

4 HarmonioUS

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth was the Epcot nighttime firework spectacular that began operating in 1999. However, on Sept. 30 it will show for the last time ever as it is soon to be replaced by a new limited-run experience, Epcot Forever. Then in summer 2020, Disney will debut its most ambitious nighttime experience to date: HarmonioUS.

The new firework spectacular will bring together artists from around the globe to put their own interpretations of famous Disney songs. Choreographed fountains, fireworks, lights, pyrotechnics, LED panels, and floating set pieces will be just some of the amazing features used in the new show. We’re excited to see the spectacular bring the park to life!

3 Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster

A few years ago, Disney announced that Epcot would be getting a fast-paced Guardians of the Galaxy themed ride at the place of the former Universe of Energy building that housed Ellen’s Energy Adventure. Thankfully, a lot of progress has been made, and the ride is set for a 2021 opening date.

The attraction will feature unique spinning roller coaster cars and will start by launching guests backward. These vehicles will allow riders to watch the coaster’s story unfold in front of them.

If the progress photos indicate anything, it’s that this ride will probably be one of the most intense ventures Disney World has seen to date.

2 Awesome Planet

Earlier this year, Disney announced that The Land pavilion would be receiving a new film. A show entitled Awesome Planet will explore the beautiful and diverse world we live in.

The film with feature brilliant nature photography and special theater effects will immerse viewers in the world around them and leave them with a new perspective. This story is set to arrive in January 2020.

1 PLAY!

The Wonders of Life pavilion closed in 2007 and was transformed into what is known as the Festival Center. However, this location is being changed into a special city that lets guests interact with Disney’s coolest characters.

Though plans are subject to change, the PLAY! pavilion is likely to include Animation Academy, an experience that lets guests draw their favorite characters with a little help from Edna Mode, Hotel Heist, a game that will be led by Nick and Judy from Zootopia and an arcade that will be positioned near Wreck-It Ralph meet-and-greets.

It’s also rumored that Joy, Sadness, and Baymax could be getting permanent meet-and-greets at this location. Come fast, 2021.

NEXT: Disney World: 5 Epcot Rides That Are Actually Worth Waiting In Line For (& 5 That Aren't)