Permits were filed today to remove all of the fixtures inside Epcot’s Wonders of Life pavillion. The permits are not to remove the two attractions inside the pavillion, just all of the exhibits in the middle. Starting in September the space will be used to host some exhibits of the 2007 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. After that, the future of the pavillion remains unknown.
The Epcot Wand has now lost the image of Mickey’s Arm on the side facing World Showcase. The arm facing the park entrance is still standing, but should be down by early on Thursday. In other news, I have recieved notice that by the end of 2008, every Epcot dining location will have either been refurbished or recieved a new menu. The idea of the project is to make Epcot more diverse than the other parks as far as Dining options and draw in a diverse crowd.
I was informed today that a ceremony rededicating Epcot on October 1st, 2007, is most certainly happening. The Orlando Sentinel has picked up the story and Epcot’s 25th will be officially recognized by the Walt Disney Company. There is still no chance of a few month long celebration of the anniversary, but at least something is happening. It is a nice change to see Disney recognize such a meaningful anniversary after the snub Walt Disney World’s 35th anniversary recieved last year.
I don’t think Disney can any longer deny the big changes coming to the O Canada show at Epcot. The attractions original 5 day refurbishment has expanded to most of the month of August. The show is now closed from August 6th until August 31st. During this time, a new film featuring Martin Short as the host will be added as well as some cosmetic upgrades. An official announcement of the changes should be coming any day now.
A unofficial source has leaked that Epcot will be holding a special rededication ceremony on October 1st, 2007 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the park. Rumors have risen that on this day, Disney may announce the upcoming projects at Epcot such as a refurbishment for the Imagination pavilion, a new fireworks show, or the future of such dated pavilions such as the Universe of Energy and the Wonders of Life.
First off, as most of you know, Patina Group Restaurants will be taken over Alfredo’s in Italy at the world showcase under the name Tutto Italia for a few months. After that, Patina will completely rmodel the restaurant and open under a new name in fall 2008. In the Japan pavilion at Epcot, two new dining locations are opening entitled Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo. In the Mexico pavillion, a bar will be opening in place of a small merchandise area in the middle of the large indoor market. Also at Mexico, the outdoor eatery Catina De San Angel will e undergoing expansion and menu changes that will be completed by Summer 2008.
The Epcot wand continues to shrink, as it losses more of height everyday. The wand is fading fast into Yesterland and may be the most welcome loss in the history of WDW.
The Epcot wand has now lost all its signage and is really nothing more than the wand with a metal beam coming out of it. The process is happening very fast and I expect the process to be done by the first day of September.
As most of you are probably aware already, the Soarin’ standby queue has recieved some motion sensored screens on which large groups of guests can play games together and against other groups of guests. Games include piloting a bird, growing grass, and other activities. The motion sensor technology used here is unlike anything I have ever seen and is certainly a welcome addition to a queue that often has waits over an Hour or two.
The big news this week is the removal of the infamous Epcot wand and the refurbishment of the Spaceship Earth attraction that both began today at Epcot. Expect the entire finale of the Spaceship Earth attraction to be completely different from it’s current form when it re-opens in mid-November 2007.
