EPCOT Updates: Breakdown of the New Park Layout

In my honest opinion, EPCOT is extremely underrated when it comes to talking about Disney World. Hear me out. I didn’t say EPCOT isn’t well known and loved. However, I just don’t think it gets the recognition it deserves in comparison to Disney World’s other three parks, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom. I personally love EPCOT because it gives you the Disney experience but also allows you to experience an around-the-world adventure without ever having to leave the country.

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entrance to EPCOT with the sphere and a Mickey flower sculpture among brooms sweeping in multi-color flowers

The year 2022 is bringing a lot of changes, additions, and improvements for EPCOT. There has been ongoing construction and changes made to the park for the past couple of years. So, it will be exciting for the day when the transformation is finally complete!

As that day inches closer, Disney keeps releasing more EPCOT updates and information with the most recent being the brand new map of the EPCOT park. This map features changes such as updates to neighborhood names, layouts, and additions to the park. These park additions include both renovated and brand-new attractions and experiences. My guide breaks down what you can expect in 2022 when visiting the new and improved EPCOT theme park.

EPCOT Updates: What Has Changed?

a panorama of water with green plants and blue skies with clouds and the monorail track on the right at EPCOT

Let’s start with the changes that Disney has made to EPCOT’s existing attractions and experiences. If you have been to any Disney theme park you know that all Disney parks are broken up into what is commonly referred to as neighborhoods or “lands”.

For example, in Magic Kingdom, the park features six different “lands” including Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Adventureland, Liberty Square, and Main Street, U.S.A. Previously at EPCOT, the park was separated into two distinct areas known simply as World Showcase and Future World.

Today, Disney has eliminated Future World entirely and has split the area formerly known as Future World into three separate neighborhoods. These neighborhoods feature World Discovery, World Celebration, and World Nature. The three in combination with the existing World Showcase make up the four neighborhoods of EPCOT.

EPCOT Updates: New Attractions and Experiences

With all of the construction and renovations to the park, Disney has introduced several new attractions and experiences. While some of these attractions are already up and running, others are in the works with the intention of a release very soon! These attractions and experiences include:

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

This attraction is a ride featured in France at World Showcase. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure opened at the start of the 50^th Anniversary Celebration on October 1, 2021, and has been a hit amongst travelers throughout the park.

statue of Remy from Ratatouille in France at EPCOT

Photo Credit: VIAVAL | Depositphotos.com

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

A brand new story rollercoaster featured in World Discovery was recently debuted at EPCOT on May 27, 2022, just in time for those coming in to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend. At this time, there is only a virtual queue available for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and no standby queue is in place.

Moana: Journey of Water

Probably the biggest feature of EPCOT’s new World Nature will be the release of Moana: Journey of Water. This attraction is a water maze that will allow guests to experience and interact with magical water. Features include waterfalls and dancing fountains with a setting inspired by the Disney animated movie, Moana. The experience is set to debut sometime in 2022.

PLAY! Pavilion

Another planned part of World Discovery includes EPCOT’s PLAY! Pavilion. Replacing the Wonders of Life Pavilion, PLAY! will provide an interactive experience allowing guests to participate in games and activities that feature their favorite Disney and Pixar characters both in person and virtually. The Pavilion is set to debut in 2022 but there has not been a confirmed month or date.

Harmonious Nighttime Spectacular

Featured at the closing of EPCOT each night, Harmonious is the brand new nighttime spectacular comprised of music and visual arts medleys. The show debuted on October 1, 2021, as part of the kick-off of the 50^th Anniversary Celebration.

fireworks behind the Japanese torii gate at EPCOT

Photo Credit: VIAVAL | Depositphotos.com

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EPCOT Updates: The New Neighborhoods

Now that we have talked about what changes and additions visitors can expect to see at EPCOT in 2022, let’s discuss the breakdown of the four Worlds within EPCOT. As mentioned, World Showcase is the only “world” that was previously a part of EPCOT and remains a part of the park today.

Future World, the other former world within EPCOT has now been broken into three separate areas. These are known today as World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature. Here is what parkgoers can expect to see and experience in each of the four worlds.

World Showcase

Let’s begin with the remaining part of the original EPCOT layout, World Showcase. World Showcase celebrates the different cultures, cuisine, and traditions of various countries around the world. Here visitors can experience 11 different countries where they can enjoy architecture, food, and shops inspired by those countries.

a flower sculpture of Kermit the Frog on a bicycle with colorful flowers at EPCOT

Heather from Trimm Travels posing at a sign pointing to the different countries at EPCOT

And, the coolest part in my opinion? Disney makes an effort to staff each of the countries with actual citizens from that country to make it a more authentic experience. The countries at EPCOT include Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

World Celebration

Blue hour shot of water and the sphere at EPCOT

Photo Credit: VIAVAL | Depositphotos.com

World Celebration is the entrance of the park featuring Spaceship Earth, the most well-known attraction at EPCOT. Spaceship Earth has been updated and renovated to include a custom lighting package, making it quite a sight to see at night.

Photo Credit: Jshanebutt | Depositphotos.com

Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful park entrance fountain along with a variety of dining options featuring Connections Café and Eatery, the brand-new quick-service dining experience. Additionally, find your favorite merchandise and souvenirs at a variety of shops including Creations Shop, formerly known as MouseGear.

World Discovery

loading area of Test Track ride at EPCOT

Getting ready to board Test Track!

The name says it all. World Discovery is probably the crowd’s favorite world within EPCOT because of all the fun experiences it has to offer. Attractions and experiences include Mission: Space, Test Track, and the ALL NEW Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. World Discovery is also the future home of PLAY! Pavilion.

World Nature

World Nature is where you can truly enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. This world features attractions associated with nature including Soarin’ Around the World, Living with the Land, and Awesome Planet. And, World Nature is the future home of Moana: Journey of Water.

Heather from Trimm Travels blowing a kiss to the camera in front of multi-colored flowers in EPCOT

And there you have it. One thing I love about Disney World is that they do a great job of continually updating the parks with new attractions and improved experiences. This allows you to enjoy the classic films of Disney but also celebrate the new additions!

PIN IT!

pinterest graphic with title of post and various photos of EPCOT

As you can see, there are plenty of changes and exciting things happening at EPCOT this year. It really has been a game-changer. I hope that this guide provided you with the knowledge needed to visit or plan a trip to EPCOT.

Have you visited since the EPCOT updates? If so, what was your favorite experience? If you haven’t, which attraction are you looking forward to most? As always, I love hearing from you so please drop me a line below!

‘Til next time…

Trimm Travels,