THE WALLS ARE GONE! It’s finally happening, people. Stay calm!
OK, we need to back up for a second. Today is a BIG day in Disney World. EPCOT has been in the middle of a massive transformation project for YEARS. Slowly over time, we’ve seen more and more of the new EPCOT come to life. But today, the final stage of the project is complete. We’ve seen new attractions, new decorations, and even a new nighttime show! Wanna see what the park looks like now that ALL the construction walls are down? Let’s GO!
OK, so right in the center of the park (near Spaceship Earth), there’s a large area to relax in the shade and catch a live show. The World Celebration Gardens, complete with a new statue called Walt: The Dreamer, was a BIG part of the transformation.
Walking through the World Celebration Gardens, you’ll come upon CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza, and while both don’t officially open until tomorrow, we’re getting a look around right now!
Hi from EPCOT and the ALL-NEW CommuniCore Hall! Come with us to check out the space this evening! ??#ThisIsMagic #WaltDisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/8FZ8nUYKSJ
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) June 9, 2024
Let’s start with CommuniCore Hall. This is an indoor space described as the first “fully purpose-built structure in festival programming.” It’s got a large exhibition and gallery space, along with a place to host a wide variety of experiences like cooking demonstrations, fine art, and more. There’s even a demonstration kitchen and mixology bar, which Disney explained will give chefs the space to showcase the “global experiment of food.”
This space will constantly change, too! In fact, Disney said it will transform with each festival throughout the year, so keep checking back to see what’s new! When we walked in, we saw that there is signage dedicated to each area of EPCOT — World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery, and World Showcase.
Behind each sign is a TV screen that plays footage of EPCOT!
There’s also a beautiful EPCOT mural that includes the colors of the 4 sections, which is perfect for photos.
And there was a band playing under the World Celebration banner!
How’s this for a kickoff?! ??#ThisIsMagic #WaltDisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/mKIO3wckwN
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) June 9, 2024
And guess what? You can see INTO the kitchen!
Outside at CommuniCore Plaza, the part continues with so much open space to enjoy the band, La Calle, playing! Disney says while the NEW Encanto show that starts June 10th will happen on this stage during the day, there will be bands including La Calle playing in the evenings, so don’t forget to stop by.
¡Celebración Encanto! officially debuts on this stage TOMORROW ? but this will also be home to this band in the evening! ?
Any Selena fans out there? ?#ThisIsMagic #WaltDisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/XyFzgUDAQg
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) June 9, 2024
The stage out here is much larger than the one inside, made for larger concerts. As Sage says, live entertainment is important!
Keep in mind that these tables were just set up for the media event we were attending — this will normally be an open space.
You’ll also find a new permanent booth called Festival Favorites outside, and we’re still waiting for word on exactly what will be served here!
There’s also a large restroom outside — new restrooms right in the middle of the park? Yes, please!
CommuniCore Hall is also home to the new EPCOT character meet and greet called Mickey and Friends!
CommuniCore Hall will now also be the home to meet and greets for Mickey and friends! ? It’s colorful and vibrant and will make for a perfect Disney Photopass opportunity! #ThisIsMagic #WaltDisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/XhXCLe1W3e
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) June 9, 2024
While you’re waiting to head inside, you can check out the gorgeous new mural on the side of the building. It has so many fun hidden details, you’ll want to dedicate a few minutes to taking it all in!
Inside, you’ll find Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy against their own personal backgrounds! A PhotoPass photographer will be available at each location to take your photo.
Then it was time to head back outside and watch the first “¡Celebración Encanto!” show! This show is very similar to the Frozen Sing-Along in Disney’s Hollywood Studios — there are 2 hosts and 4 dancers who involve kids and adults in singing, dancing, and acting parts of the songs!
Mirabel and Bruno make an appearance and join a massive dance party with the audience — ours ended in a Conga line!
Overall, it was a super cute show, and we highly recommend checking it out to have a good time if you’ve got a spare half hour in the park.
Read more about the show right here!
The rest of our night was spent chatting, relaxing, and hanging out with each other as we slowly watch the sun set and the CommuniCore Hall lights turn on — they truly are beautiful!
We’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to AllEars!
Learn more about the EPCOT Transformation here!
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Are you planning a trip to Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
Disclosure: We were invited by Disney World to attend a media preview of CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza. This did not affect our reporting of the event — our opinions are our own.
Lifesaver! Cooling and warming stations with seating in each park are a must! I visited with a Grandmother and young children. We had never experienced humidity.