We recently visited EPCOT for an updated look at the new World Celebration area being constructed, with its adjoining CommuniCore spaces. Let’s take a closer look.
The New CommuniCore at EPCOT
When World Celebration is complete, it will serve as primary hub for the entire park, with new nighttime lights, exhibition spaces, music venues and room for food kiosks intended to expand festival opportunities at EPCOT and promote an ethos of community. Spaceship Earth and Journey into Imagination with Figment are considered part of this new area, but the large space between the two attractions has been closed off for its re-envisioning over a span of several years now.
From Figment’s home, we can see progress on the CommuniCore space across the lagoon. This will be split between CommuniCore Hall, a flexible indoor space, and CommuniCore Plaza — an outdoor event space. A new Mickey & Friends character meet-and-greet is also set to debut.
Up close, scaffolding is still up, though the exterior seems to be nearing completion.
An outer metal frame is being covered with wall sheathing, suggesting the structure itself is almost done with its basic needs and ready for decorative work.
World Celebration Kicking Off Soon
Originaly, CommuniCore was an opening day experience, and both the conceptual and geographical heart of EPCOT. It tied various themes explored in the pavilions around the park together, and invited guests to interact with exhibits conveying the hope and promise of the future.
Various points of interest included the Fountain of Information, Computer Central, and a counter that would keep track of the United States population in real time. This “Community Core” occupied an East and West Pavilion, until the whole experience was replaced with Innoventions in 1994.
The former site of CommuniCore East is now home to the Creations Shop, Connections Eatery, and Club Cool. CommuniCore West is where this original pavilion’s spiritual successor will be brought to life.
World Celebration is the last major swath of space closed off for the park’s re-invigoration (aside from Journey of Water Inspired by Moana).
The official Disney Parks Blog offers added detail:
World Celebration will offer a beautiful hub divided into several different gardens, with a central planter based on the five-ring EPCOT logo. Filled with ample seating and shade, you’ll be invited to connect with one another and the nature around you in this lush new area. Each of these gardens will have their own identities, and they’ll change along with the festivals throughout the year.
Amid continuing speculation and various delayed or cancelled projects, CEO Bob Iger has confirmed that, for the time being, these are the final elements of the EPCOT expansion.
What are you most excited to see in this newly re-imagined EPCOT hub? Let us know in the comments.
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