Epcot's new era: See inside the park's historic transformation
When it opened in 1982, Epcot's attractions were meant to give guests an exciting peek into what the future might look like. But as time passed, that future looked more and more like the past.
For the past several years, Disney has been reimagining Epoct and its missive to "entertain, inform and inspire." Admittedly, the full-park refurbishment (especially one this large) was not without its growing pains. Epcot was, for a time, riddled with construction walls. Navigating the park was confusing even to frequent visitors, and with its lack of new attractions, it was the most obvious choice to skip if your time at Disney World was limited.
As of June 10, Epcot's transformation is finally complete after five years of construction. Every last wall has been removed, revealing new attractions, experiences, entertainment and even fresh restaurants. The recent additions showcase what Epcot does best: sharing emerging technologies and innovations, inspiring curiosity and fostering togetherness. And since today's vision of the future looks a little different from how it was imagined four decades ago, Epcot looks drastically different.
Now that the park is no longer a construction site, here's a look at what's new at Epcot.
Related: Why Epcot is now Disney World’s must-do park
New attractions, established ethos
Epcot is now defined by four neighborhoods: World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery and World Showcase. Each neighborhood is home to attractions and experiences that align with its theme.
In World Nature, for example, you can visit preexisting Epcot attractions like The Seas with Nemo & Friends and Living with the Land, along with the park's newest attraction: Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana.
If I let my kids have their way, they would spend hours playing with the Journey of Water's interactive water features. But what they don't realize is that Epcot has made the new "Moana" attraction educational as well: As they play, the Journey of Water teaches young visitors about the water cycle. Since Epcot first opened, education has been one of the park's core tenants, and the park can now execute that principle in new, innovative ways that weren't possible 42 years ago.
The same is true of Epcot's first (and only) roller coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in World Discovery. While the coaster experience offers pure adrenaline-fueled thrills, its innovative ride system makes it Epcot-worthy. Not only is it one of the longest enclosed coasters in the world, but it is also Disney's first "OmniCoaster." Each ride vehicle rotates to point riders toward the excitement, keeping you fully immersed in the story.
Related: 30 best Disney World rides
Entertainment that inspires
At Epcot's World Showcase, there are 11 pavilions that each represent a country from around the globe, including the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, China, Mexico, Norway, Germany, Italy, Japan, Morocco and France. The pavilions introduce guests to the traditions and customs that make each culture unique while also focusing on themes that are similar across all cultures.
Epcot's newest nighttime spectacular, "Luminous: The Symphony of Us" (which is held nightly at the World Showcase Lagoon), has a similar mission and highlights the shared experiences that connect humanity across race.
Epcot's newest entertainment offering is "Celebracion Encanto." The high-energy, interactive show celebrates family with the soundtrack of Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Encanto" and takes place multiple times per day at the newly opened CommuniCore Plaza stage in World Celebration.
Next to CommuniCore Plaza, you'll find CommuniCore Hall — Epcot's new meet-and-greet location for Mickey, Minnie and Goofy. I stopped in twice during my most recent visit and had some of the best character interactions I've ever experienced at Disney. Each character took the time to make every visitor feel special, no matter how many people were waiting in line.
New spaces to gather
CommuniCore Hall and Plaza provide Epcot visitors with an indoor-outdoor space to gather, eat, rest and recharge. You could step indoors for a welcome blast of air conditioning, shelter from Orlando's frequent storms or enjoy Epcot's beautiful views outside.
At CommuniCore Hall's food booth, you can sample a rotating menu of festival favorites. During my visit, the venue served cheese-stuffed arepas, coconut tres leches and a selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. During Epcot's annual food festivals, Disney says that this multiuse area will be used for things like "art exhibitions, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and more."
In Epcot's World Celebration neighborhood, you can stroll through World Celebration Gardens. This open-air space has shade, seating and gorgeous scenery — it's the perfect place for guests to relax and enjoy their time together with friends and family at Disney World. At night, colorful garden lights change in synchrony with Spaceship Earth.
Nearby at Dreamers Point, a statue of Walt Disney inspires guests to never stop dreaming. Walt's vision for Epcot was that of a futuristic "city of tomorrow." He didn't live long enough to see that dream come to fruition, but with the new Walt the Dreamer statue, he can look out over the park he so heavily inspired.
Bottom line
Walt Disney once said that Epcot would "always be in a state of becoming," and though he is gone, his sentiments are still true today. The future changes every day, and so must a park that aims to embody what the future may look like while also hoping to inspire the next generation of dreamers and doers.
Related reading:
- 12 reasons to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort property
- Tips for visiting Disney World: 19 ways to save money and have more fun
- A magical guide for how to plan a trip to Disney World this year
- The 17 best Disney World hotels for your next stay
- Save big bucks on Disney World tickets, hotel stays and dining with these discounts
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.