Disney World confirms the cancellation of several proposed rides and attractions

An image showing an artistic rendering of a dynamic theme park reminiscent of EPCOT. The left side features charming buildings and a street with pink flowering trees and visitors. The right side shows an animated merry-go-round with smiling people, colorful cars, and a whimsical background.

Credit: Disney (Edit ITM)

Disney has finally wrapped up a years-long project in Florida, confirming that several planned rides and attractions have been canceled indefinitely.

Night view of CommuniCore Hall, an illuminated building featuring a geometric facade with luminous green and blue triangular patterns. Large, bold white letters indicate "COMMUNICATIONS ROOM" above the entrance. Palm trees are visible on the right. — Credit: Disney

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In a recent Disney Parks blog post, EPCOT Vice President Kartika Rodriguez discussed the completion of EPCOT’s new CommuniCore Hall area. Along with this statement, Rodriguez considered EPCOT’s years-long transformation project complete.

“It’s a very exciting time to be at EPCOT,” Rodriguez said. “After years of creative vision, innovation and dedicated work, I am thrilled to announce that the historic transformation of our park is complete.”

Rodriguez revealed that CommuniCore Hall, CommuniCore Plaza and Mickey & Friends are now open to all guests.

Three people walk side by side, holding hands, in front of the CommuniCore room. Two wear Disney-themed clothing with mouse ears, while the other wears a colorful shirt. The building features modern architecture with geometric patterns. Trees are visible in the background. — Credit: Disney

“These beautiful new spaces speak to the heart of the World Celebration district, which focuses on experiences that bring communities together. As you gather with family and friends to explore these new areas, here are a few things I’m most excited for you all to see.

This marks a historic day for EPCOT at Walt Disney World, but it also reminds fans of other projects that have seemingly gotten lost over the years.

Concept art for an update to Spaceship Earth, a Walt Disney World ride — Credit: Disney

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Part of EPCOT’s initial overhaul plan included a variety of new attractions and experiences. Spaceship Earth was about to receive a massive upgrade and was on the verge of closing its doors before COVID-19 forced Walt Disney World and other Disney locations to close their doors.

With the declaration that the EPCOT transformation is “complete,” it appears that the Spaceship Earth redesign has been canceled indefinitely.

A Mary Poppins attraction has been announced for the UK section of EPCOT’s World Showcase area, which is also now canceled indefinitely.

Other new and exciting projects have also been announced for EPCOT, such as upgrading the park’s abandoned Wonders of Life Pavilion.

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EPCOT’s Wonders of Life Pavilion officially closed in 2007 and has sat empty ever since, although Disney has attempted to bring the area back to life. In 2019, Disney revealed that it was transforming the Wonders of Life Pavilion into a new space called the PLAY Pavilion, which would offer guests new and innovative hands-on activities, ranging from exciting video games to virtual reality experiences.

EPCOT’s PLAY Pavilion was scheduled to open in 2021, but, like other future EPCOT projects, the announcement of this pavilion came and went and is now also canceled indefinitely.

It’s possible that some or all of these upgrades are still planned, but with today’s new statement, it appears Disney is heading down a slightly different path for EPCOT than originally planned.

That’s not to say that EPCOT hasn’t benefited from quality improvements in recent years, with the park opening several new rides and attractions in recent years.

In 2022, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opened at EPCOT, becoming the park’s first-ever roller coaster. EPCOT is also home to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Journey of Water, inspired by Moana.

The new upgrades don’t stop at EPCOT, with Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios all receiving several quality upgrades over the past few years.

Most notable is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which is set to open this summer at the Magic Kingdom. This new attraction officially opens its doors in June.

Do you like visiting EPCOT?