The latest announcements from Disney regarding the Disney100 celebrations at EPCOT seemingly indicate CommuniCore Hall, CommuniCore Plaza, Dreamers Point, and the new 100th anniversary nighttime spectacular won’t be ready by September 22.
Upcoming EPCOT Projects
The first three projects are under construction at the center of World Celebration, while the nighttime spectacular will replace “Harmonious” and “EPCOT Forever.” They are all set to open later this year, during the 100 Years of Wonder celebration, but weren’t mentioned in today’s Disney Parks Blog post.
Disney100 offerings will begin at EPCOT on September 22. At that time, Mickey and Minnie will be meeting at the Imagination! Pavilion — despite the fact that CommuniCore Hall is set to have a more permanent Mickey & Friends meet-and-greet space. The building will also have a demo kitchen, mixology bar, and gallery space.
CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza are named after the precursor to Innoventions, CommuniCore, which were two opening-day pavilions at EPCOT.
The Walt the Dreamer statue will be on a set of steps right behind Spaceship Earth. Many Disney Parks around the world feature statues of Walt Disney, but this one will be unique because he’s not accompanied by Mickey Mouse. Although the statue debuted at D23 Expo last year, and construction of the steps wouldn’t be too difficult, Dreamers Point likely won’t open until the rest of World Celebration is complete.
The new 100 Years of Wonder nighttime spectacular was announced in September of last year, and “Harmonious” came to an end in April. “EPCOT Forever” is running until the new fireworks show is ready. Few details have been released about the new show, but we recently saw piling underway in World Showcase lagoon.
Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana,” is also set to open this year, but looks much closer to completion than these other projects, and could potentially open before September 22.
Disney 100 Years of Wonder
Disney’s 100 Years of Wonder (or Disney100 for short) is being celebrated across the world at Disney Parks and Resorts.
The 100 Years of Wonder celebration began at Disneyland Resort, where guests can enjoy “Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland and “World of Color – ONE” at Disney California Adventure. There is a platinum Mickey statue (which had to be fixed because the Walt Disney quote on the base was incorrect) and a platinum Minnie statue.
Disneyland Resort is offering the “Celebrating Disney100 at the Disneyland Resort” guided tour, including a walk through both parks, the drawing experience at Animation Academy, a digital download of a photo taken in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, a Disney100 snack, reserved viewing for the Magic Happens parade, and a limited-edition pin. Read our review of the tour.
Disney debuted a new short to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Walt Disney Animation Studios at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. The studio brought more than 40 voice actors in to reprise their roles and pulled from the archives to use dialogue from past actors like Robin Williams as the Genie. “Once Upon a Studio” combines 2D and 3D animation alongside live action to create a tribute to the studio’s century-long legacy. The short will be attached to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish” upon its release later this year on November 22.
Check out our full list with locations of Disney100 pressed pennies at Walt Disney World. Other souvenirs include Disney100 silver medallions, gift cards, light-up balloons, and refillable mugs.
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