When Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park opened in 1982, it served as a merely educational offering geared toward teaching children and adults about science and technology, and even about farming and global cultures. Despite several enhancements over the past 35 years, Epcot has remained more stoic and nuanced than other Disney parks like Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom, which offer the traditional fast-paced rides and family fun. However, all of that is about to change.

Disney’s D23 Expo in July saw the announcement of greater plans for Epcot to bring the park into the 21st century. While classic Epcot attractions like Mission: Space and Frozen Ever After will remain for travelers’ to enjoy, Disney’s plans for the park will involve introducing new elements, rides, and scenery to improve the guest experience.

What’s Coming to Epcot

After upgrading Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, Disney is turning their eyes to Epcot. New attractions include a ride inspired by the Pixar film Ratatouille, renovations to the Future World section of the park, a space-themed restaurant located next to Mission: Space, and an all-new attraction based on the Guardians of the Galaxy film franchise. Disney hopes to complete all renovations to the park in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021.

The main goal for Epcot’s transformation is to bring it in line with other Disney parks. Robert Niles, founder and editor of Theme Park Insider, sites the dated mission of the original EPCOT Center as the impetus for the change. “What Disney’s announced is a change of direction for the Epcot theme park, but I think it’s a smart one because it helps to bring Epcot more in line with what Disney is today, which is a franchise-driven company.” He continued, “it’s not so much into the modernist futuristic kind of technologically idealistic company that it was back in the ‘70s when Epcot was designed and early ‘80s.”

After acquiring several Hollywood juggernauts over the years like Pixar, Marvel Comics, and Lucasfilms’ hold on the Star Wars franchise, the need for Walt Disney World to produce more exciting, more family-friendly and kid-friendly attractions is paramount. While older, well-loved attractions like Ellen’s Energy Adventure will be replaced (the Norwegian-themed Maelstrom boat ride has already been transformed into a Frozen attraction), the park, which is the sixth-most visited theme park in the world, stands to appeal to more visitors and shape Walt Disney World’s image.

Find Your Walt Disney World Vacation

With so much excitement surrounding the brand-new improvements to Walt Disney World parks like Epcot, the time is ripe for a Disney adventure! As the park’s 50th anniversary approaches and with Disney adding greater and newer rides, finding a hotel that’s affordable can be a challenge. However, you can find high-quality accommodations right here on SellMyTimeshareNow at low-costs! Rent a Disney Vacation Club timeshare for an exhilarating one-time vacation, or if you’re looking to return each year to the park, you can purchase a DVC resale to enjoy endless Disney vacations!