Show #182: Epcot Resort Changes in the Air
The landscape of Walt Disney World is about to change! Leading up to the Walt Disney Worlds 50th Anniversary (October 1st, 2021) Disney has confirmed a number of construction projects.
What do they all mean? Join Sam and Charlotte as they put the pieces together this week on the Disney Nerds Podcast. Be sure to check the show notes for additional details. Thanks for listening!
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Show Notes:
February 16, 2017: Disney Parks Blog announced the expansion of Coronado Springs: The focus of the blog is the 500 room 15 story addition to Coronado, along with a new restaurant with views of nearby fireworks.
This is what caught my attention in the announcement:
Also during this exciting time, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be reimagined with new additions to the resort’s current marketplace, Centertown, including new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas. This centralized location will offer the resort’s guests more convenient access to services, amenities and dining.
Speculation – Could “Centertown” become a new destination, similar to the Boardwalk? Could this be the beginning of the long rumored DVC expansion at Caribbean?
April 18th, 2017: Orlando Sentinel reported that they had uncovered documents and work permits filed by Reedy Creek for a gondola system. The system would connect parks and hotels. This would be an additional transportation option between Hollywood Studios and Epcot, in addition to the Friendship Boats. The new system appears to connect Epcot International Gateway, to Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation and Hollywood Studios. Important to note, Disney Parks & Resorts has made no comment on this system, only Reedy Creek who filed the permits.
This is what caught my attention in the Sentinel report:
Both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are getting overhauls. A Star Wars land will open in 2019 at Hollywood Studios, and a Toy Story area is in the works too. Disney executives have not revealed what the changes to Epcot will be.
We all know about Toy Story and Star Wars, both announced at the D23 conference in 2015. “Changes in Epcot?” Could this be the Future World East project? (Ellen’s Energy Adventure – and that entire corner of the park?)
Once thing is for sure, D23 2017 is going to include some big announcements, all leading to the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. Four years will fly by!
Below is a map that shows all of the confirmed expansion, rumors and speculation, anyway you look at it. The Epcot Resort area is going to change drastically!
Below is a list of destinations currently available at the Epcot Resort Area. (It’s slightly dated, as a few things have changed). Can this be the blue print for changes planed for “CenterTown” at the Caribbean?
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