Back in November, Disney officials hinted at a major transformation for Epcot, the park Walt Disney envisioned as a utopian city of tomorrow that never quite fulfilled that dream.
Now the rumor mill is filled with what the makeover will mean to the park that opened in 1982 as an acronym for the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.
“It will be even more relevant than it is today. …” Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts announced last November at the Destination D fan event. “And, at the same time, it will stay true to our original vision.
Disney, of course, remains mum on its plans but local bloggers speculate the renovation will include new infrastructure, an updated entrance and new rides and attractions.
Robert Niles, author of the Theme Park Insider blog, reported that Disney has plans for new franchise-themed attractions to both Future World and World Showcase.
The Universe of Energy is up for major renovations. It’s an original from the 1982 opening and was updated to house Ellen’s Energy Adventure in 1996. The attraction will be replaced by a roller coaster that will run both inside and outside the building, like the TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland, according to Niles. The new coaster will be built with a Guardians of the Galaxy theme.
At World Showcase, Niles’ reports that insiders claim Disney’s plans call for the installation of a Ratatouille-themed ride in the France pavilion. The ride could be a clone of similar ride at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris or a modified version.
Epcot’s transformation may have to wait until Disney completes construction on two new lands at Hollywood Studios. Star Wars land opens in 2019 and Disney is expected to announce the opening date for Toy Story Land at its D23 Expo in Anaheim July 14.