Time for another Epcot construction update. The big news is that Walt Disney World has begun to open the France pavilion expansion in World Showcase.
The new Remy's Ratatouille Adventure trackless dark ride is not yet open, but visitors can walk around some of the new Paris streets leading up to the ride's entrance.
Walt Disney Imagineering's Zach Riddley shared some photos on Instagram today, writing that "textures and materials play an important role here in creating a sense of place that feels authentically Parisian with its own stories to tell. Historically accurate lampposts line a hardscape designed to look like decomposed granite, with cast-iron benches sitting adjacent to ornate wrought iron railings- each revealing subtle hints of Chef Remy in their design."
Elsewhere, another Harmonious platform has moved into place on the World Showcase lagoon, in preparation for an eventual opening for that new nighttime spectacular.
A new Gelato stand is coming to the Italy pavilion.
And demolition continues on Innoventions, as Disney prepares for the upcoming Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana walk-through.
Finally, here's a look at the facade for the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind indoor roller coaster, which is coming to the former Universe of Energy site.
No opening dates yet on anything, though Disney has committed to opening Ratatouille this year. We love getting trip reports and updates from visitors to the Orlando theme parks. Post to our Discussion Forum or email us at the Contact link at the bottom of the page.
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The expanded pavilion is gorgeous. And when Harmonious drops World Showcase is gonna blow up. Post-pandemic EPCOT is going to be packed.
The new facades look beautiful but from what I've seen so far they seem to be a little "cartoony" rather than authentic ripped-from-real-life replications we see elsewhere in Epcot. I could be wrong.
@Stevenz apparently the somewhat cartoony look was a conscious design choice by the Imagineers, hinting at the romantic Paris from the movie yet still fitting in with the rest of the pavilion
Great addition! Now it would be fantastic if Epcot would add Cherry Tree Lane/Mary Poppins to UK, an Inside Out/Soul combo pavilion to replace Imagination, and a Coco E-ticket attraction to Mexico. That along with Guardians of the Galaxy, the Play pavilion and a possible refresh of The Seas pavilion with Finding Dory would be amazing!
What a fantastic news! I have always been fascinated with this kind of news.
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I wandered down the new “street” on Tuesday after park hopping to Epcot. I’d been to MK in the morning. It’s OK, but nothing special right now. Pretty and clean with a nice new restroom at the end of the dead-end street is about it. Great view of the skyliner though.
For me the most exciting continuing development is the new Mouse Gear rising from the rubble of the obliterated old building. By far and away my favorite Disney store.
The new entrance is a welcome relief as well, but large areas at the front of the park remain walled off. Fortunately Epcot remains very quiet mid-week, so it’s been nice to wander round and admire the artwork on show. There’s some very talented people, that’s for sure.