There was a lot to digest when Disney executives took the D23 stage recently to announce all the big changes coming to the world of Disney theme parks. From new attractions to new lands, new themes, re-themes, and so much more, it was, well, "Dizzying."
Despite the excitement of hearing officially that a new ENCANTO and Indiana Jones theme is coming to Animal Kingdom, a new Monsters, Inc. land is coming to Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom getting a new Villainsland, EPCOT was largely left out of the discussion and that is a shame because there were three things fans have been wanting to hear about.
Mary Poppins Ride
A new attraction on the grounds of the U.K. Pavilion has been swriling for years and fans were expecting to hear something about the Mary Poppins theme but it was neither confirmed nor denied at the bid Disney event. The attraction, rumored to be a carousel of sorts, isn't on the agenda for now and that isn't a bad thing.
Currently, the pavilion has a wonderful live concert area at the end of the road leading back between the buildings and if there is no new ride going into that area, the live music can continue and so can the peaceful serenity of the area when the music is playing. It's a great place to sit and have a cold Guinness or eat your fish and chips.
Spaceship Earth
Before COVID sprouted and took over the world and shut down Disney parks, Spaceship Earth, the big ball, was supposed to get a makeover and redone. The idea was to reimagine the entire ride and theme, but that was shuttered after COVID-19. Since then, it has continued to be a popular rumor that something will eventually happen, but so far, it hasn't.
No new information regarding the project was released. Even if the ride isn't re-imagined, it needs an upgrade. The introduction of the time of man, a giant movie screen depiction of men hunting the wooly mammoth, is so washed out that you can hardly see it anymore.
A new World Showcase pavilion
It has been decades since a new pavilion was introduced in the World Showcase despite continued speculation that one would be added. The popular choice has always been Brazil. As Brazilian visitors to the park continue to rise, it would make sense to bring their traditions to the park. So far, again, nothing.
There is enough space in World Showcase to have two new countries introduced to the WS. Part of the issue may be getting funding from other countries. In the past, the countries represented paid part of the construction costs to have representation. It is unclear if that is part of this holdup or if Disney simply doesn't see a need for it.
Disney put a lot of money into EPCOT already.
There is no question that Disney has put a lot of money into the park. The new Communicore Hall has opened, Moana: Journey of Water, opened. Test Track is currently shut down as it get renovated. There is a new concert venue and more around the park, including a new bronze statue of Walt Disney himself in the gardens that opened last year.
Putting more money into EPCOT probably wasn't a priority for Disney at this time but two of those items would have made sense. A new pavilion and a renovation to Spaceship Earth.