Rumours for Phase II of Epcot Reimagining: Update 4/9/19

[Figment!]

4/9/19

Although still lacking any official announcement or additional construction permits, some new Rumours have begun to circulate regarding further changes as part of the Phase II of Epcot's reimagining.

Here are the highlights:



Extension of the new garden area from the Park Entrance into Innoventions Plaza; replacing the Fountain of Nations and all area kiosks.
New Festival Center and year-round Craft Beer Marketplace to be constructed.
New Starbucks Cafe to be constructed (after temporary location noted below).
New Epcot Character Spot to be constructed.
New Fountain / Water Play Area to be constructed (located on part of the former Innoventions West footprint).


Still no reports or rumours on a new Club Cool location. With most (if not all) of the flavors now available for purchase between the Coca-Cola Store in Disney Springs and Disney's Animal Kingdom; it appears likely the location may not be replaced.


3/5/19

Near the conclusion of the "Phase I" announcement for Epcot's Reimagining project (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?218205-New-Play-Pavilion-Coming-to-Epcot-as-Part-of-Historic-Multi-Year-Transformation!), the Walt Disney Company teased that a second phase for changes in the area behind Space Ship Earth would be announced soon.

While the official announcement is still pending, Cast and other internal sources have begun to share rumours and construction plans for what 'Phase II' may include.

Here are the highlights:



Closure and Demolition of Club Cool, Epcot Character Spot, and Fountain View Cafe. (ie the Innoventions West pavilion)
Multi-Month Refurbishment for MouseGear to unveil a new retail experience in late 2020 or early 2021.
A new Epcot Starbucks location inside the reimagined Odyssey Pavilion (tentatively the Epcot Experience Center).
Additional portals added to ImageWorks in the Imagination Pavilion to replace some of the Character experiences from the Epcot Character Spot.


Neither a new location for Club Cool nor the fate of the Fountain of Nations have been reported on at this time.

[PopPhan]

Just seems weird to me that they would demolish one side, but not the other. This would really unbalance the look and feel of Future World. AND drive OCD people nutz!!! LOL I guess it would depend on what they decide to replace it with. (Balance MUST be maintained!!!)

Moving the Starbucks location (FountainView) is a positive. Better flow and out of the "main" travel paths. Club Cool could/should/would have a better, larger, area. The one drawback is/was that it took absolutely nothing to become elbow-to-elbow in there....And the 3-steps-down/3-steps-up to get in and out is/was just silly in my opinion.

They could, honestly, change the entirety of the Imagination Pavilion to Meet & Greets and I would not cry one tear. Sorry, but the Figment ride is way out of date and, as much as I like Figment, I don't think he/she/it is used effectively. Do everyone a favor and add a Figment/DreamFinder Meet & Greet as a "portal."

[Tekneek]

Better than an empty building, but only slightly. I get the impression I am on the minority side with the announced changes, but almost all of it encourages me to stay away.

[baldburke]

Maybe there is a phase III planned too?

[Sylvia]

Sincerely hoping that the fountain remains. Too many of our favorites have disappeared; the fountain shouldn't be allowed to become just another fond memory.

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

Do everyone a favor and add a Figment/DreamFinder Meet & Greet as a "portal."

Yes!! A Figgy meet!

I'm at the point where I don't quite trust Disney to do it well, but anything is better than the vast empty space at Epcot at the moment.

[Park Hopper]

Better than an empty building, but only slightly. I get the impression I am on the minority side with the announced changes, but almost all of it encourages me to stay away.

I don't think you are in the minority at all. I read this as, 'We are closing/demolishing some stuff, moving Starbucks, and renovating a retail store." I also agree that that they will need something to balance the Innoventions East building. This, by itself, is hardly exciting - hopefully, there will be new attractions announced in this phase.

[Park Hopper]

I forgot to mention - hopefully, they will not remove the Innoventions area music, as it is probably my favorite background music at Disney World (yes, I am a nerd in that I listen to the background music).

[Tekneek]

I forgot to mention - hopefully, they will not remove the Innoventions area music, as it is probably my favorite background music at Disney World (yes, I am a nerd in that I listen to the background music).

I made a custom ringtone from part of the background music in the Innoventions area. Just sitting there, in the late afternoon, taking in the music and atmosphere was one of my favorite things to do at Epcot.

[Park Hopper]

I made a custom ringtone from part of the background music in the Innoventions area. Just sitting there, in the late afternoon, taking in the music and atmosphere was one of my favorite things to do at Epcot.

I agree. I may have to see if I can imitate your ringtone idea!

[DizneyFreak2002]

Sincerely hoping that the fountain remains. Too many of our favorites have disappeared; the fountain shouldn't be allowed to become just another fond memory.

The entrance and Future World spine work includes everything up to the World Showcase plaza entrance where the twin merchandise stores are... Fountain is included with the make over... To what extent, no idea... I too hope it stays (I think it will), and they just update it...

[Figment!]

**Update**

[Cinderelley]

4/9/19

Extension of the new garden area from the Park Entrance into Innoventions Plaza; replacing the Fountain of Nations and all area kiosks.



Next to losing Illuminations, this makes me the most sad.

[Crow]

but where will the Beverly be.....mmmmmmm beer

[WDW1985]

I'm still trying to figure out why the changes are so drastic. I know FW needs to be updated, but wow these changes are big. The changes to my beloved SE sound fairly drastic. They say SE will be closed early 2020 for 2 and 1/2 years! Is that true and when is it closing? I'm going in February and would love to get in one last time. Hopefully they won't change the great golf ball into anything having to do with Marvel. (said with great sarcasm :beat:)

:mickey: