Photo by Erin Heaton

It’s been a strange week for Disney leading up to the big D23 Expo in Anaheim. Between losing access to Spider-Man, reports of possibly inflated revenue, and strange accusations of influencing the fan community, they are ready for some better news. Bring on new announcements for the parks! On Sunday morning, Bob Chapek will take the stage to promote changes and expansions on the way. Some revelations should please fans, while others may draw a few boos.

Major changes to Epcot will be a key part of Chapek’s presentation as Disney looks to transform the park. I don’t expect huge bombshells at the D23 Expo, but there is always a chance that Disney will surprise us. This could be a double-edged sword for EPCOT Center fans that loved the original theme of Future World. I want Disney to build a cohesive theme for Epcot, but I don’t entirely trust the current leadership. Do they have a bold vision that goes beyond just adding Disney characters?

My five hopes for Epcot stick to reality and what might actually happen. While I would love to hear about a return of Horizons or removing Nemo from The Seas, that is just a fun dream. There are ways that Disney could both maintain the spirit of Epcot and also serve the brand. These are not mutually exclusive concepts. It just takes imagination (no pun intended) and a willingness to avoid the obvious moves. I’m going to stay optimistic at least until we learn more from Chapek on Sunday.

Update: We’ve already learned more about Epcot, though not much from this list. The big one is the Moana-inspired Journey of Water walkthrough that intrigues me despite the IP connection. I suspect we’ll learn more even before Sunday’s big presentation.

© Disney

1. Concrete Details on Plans for the Entrance and Hub of Future World

This idea seems most likely to happen given all the construction that’s already happening in the middle of Future World. Innoventions, Club Cool, Starbucks, and more are closing on September 8, so it’s the perfect time for Disney to unveil their plans. We have received concept art for the entrance, but there is limited news about the area behind Spaceship Earth. Rumors abound of a beer garden and festival center, but it is just speculation right now. Disney should include more than quick glimpses at concept art in the D23 presentation. How does everything fit together?

I suspect the changes will improve the ambience and make this area more comfortable. I’m intrigued by rumors of a water maze near the Seas, which could liven up that space. The question is whether these edits will flow together well. Future World should be a lot more inviting, and removing the Leave a Legacy stones was a great start. I would like to see concrete details from Disney with clear images outlining the plans for this significant upgrade to Epcot’s center.

Photo by Erin Heaton

2. Inspiring Plans for the Next Version of Spaceship Earth

Last year, rumors appeared about a two-year overhaul of Spaceship Earth. Many fans talk like Disney has already released information about the change. It remains speculation at this point, but I expect that to change at the D23 Expo. If Disney is going to update Epcot’s flagship attraction, they should do it while other work happens for the entrance. I wonder if the rumored timeframe is right, however. Having Spaceship Earth closed during the 50th Anniversary celebration would be surprising.

Disney probably won’t go into much detail about the change; my focus is the overall direction of the update. Spaceship Earth should not be connected to a specific brand; it is the symbol of Epcot and deserves to stand on its own. My hope is that the descent will receive close attention, with physical sets added for a stronger conclusion. The finale needs improvement, and fixing it would make Spaceship Earth a complete attraction once again.

3. How the Guardians of the Galaxy Attraction and New Nighttime Show Fit with Epcot’s Theme

Back in 2017, Disney announced the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction at the D23 Expo and included a thin story about Peter Quill visiting EPCOT Center. While I doubt we will hear anything more on that front this time, we need a better understanding of how they fit in Future World. Let’s get creative, Disney! This presentation is the perfect spot to help fans understand why this coaster is going into Epcot. I am not expecting anything mind-blowing on this front, though.

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is closing at the end of September and being replaced by a temporary show. We have learned some details on Epcot Forever but know little about the permanent replacement. Disney released concept art that included characters in a format similar to World of Color. I hope this isn’t another show focused on water screens, but that would not surprise me. I hope that Disney provides a better understanding at the D23 Expo about the ultimate theme and story for this nighttime spectacular.

4. Timeline and Background for New Films at Canada, China, and The Land

I am excited by updates coming to the Circle-Vision films in China and Canada. They connect back to the early days of EPCOT Center and deserve new versions to keep them relevant. Disney announced the new China film in 2017 at the D23 Expo, but we haven’t learned much since. It would be great to learn when the movies will open in the parks. I’m also curious about how the split between Impressions de France and the Beauty and the Beast singalong will work.

It is also interesting to see Disney opening the film Awesome Planet at The Land pavilion in place of Circle of Life. It doesn’t appear to have a direct connection to Disney characters, which is rare. My hope is that Chapek will confirm that fact and provide more background on this attraction. While will not draw huge crowds, it is refreshing to see Disney investing in something that connects more to Epcot’s original format.

Photo by Erin Heaton

5. Initial Concepts for Updates to the Imagination Attraction and Theater

This is the biggest long shot in this list, but it doesn’t feel outlandish. Disney needs to update the Imagination pavilion and take better advantage of the space. At a minimum, the theater should not be showing Disney and Pixar short films. The Image Works needs help, and the attraction pales in comparison to the original version. The entire pavilion could use an update that brings everything together under a cohesive theme.

I do not expect any proposed changes to happen in the near future, but I like the idea of receiving glimpses of a future update. A redesigned Imagination pavilion is a perfect candidate to help celebrate Epcot’s 40th anniversary in 2022. Disney could give limited details to get fans excited and then unveil more specific plans at the D23 Expo in 2021. I also hope the new version would still include Figment and bring Dreamfinder back into the mix. They are still popular characters and could boost the merchandising opportunities for Disney with a better attraction.

© Disney

What I Don’t Want to Hear at the D23 Expo

I have fewer concerns about specific announcements this time given how much we already know from the 2017 event. Disney is already adding two major attractions to Epcot, so I doubt we will hear of a third one here. What I hope Disney avoids is jumping through so many hoops trying to connect everything to the original vision of the park. This may sound like a strange request coming from someone who loves EPCOT Center. It just feels awkward for Chapek to try and sell a move like the Guardians coaster as being part of the initial concepts.

Disney keeps talking about how they are transforming Epcot, so they need to own this new vision. I may not agree with all of the updates, but I would rather see a bold presentation that isn’t defensive. Chapek also sometimes falls into corporate speak, and that is not a great look for a Parks presentation. If he needs to bring out Imagineers like Joe Rohde to help, it can only help. This is a celebration for Disney fans, and it should not feel like a shareholders presentation.

Photo by Erin Heaton

Unlimited Potential

I didn’t even mention possible announcements of a new Brazil pavilion in World Showcase, an attraction in the United Kingdom, or even the Play Pavilion going into Wonders of Life. It reminds me that Epcot could have a bright future if Disney is willing to make the effort. My biggest concern is that each park has its own identity, and that consideration should be part of any proposed change. There have been some questionable choices for Epcot in the past, but it still has the chance to succeed once again. Will Disney make the daring and creative moves to make this happen? We’ll know a lot more on Sunday.

What would you like to hear Disney announce about Epcot at the D23 Expo?

Photo by Erin Heaton

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Related Articles – D23 Expo and Epcot

Ranking All the Upcoming Changes to Epcot (April 21, 2019)

Five Small Moves: Future World East at Epcot (November 29, 2018)

We Go On: The Illuminations Finale and Inspiration (September 21, 2018)