Changes

True to previous announcement, on August 13, 2017, the Universe of Energy pavilion closed for the addition of a new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction . <ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/07/guardians-of-the-galaxy-ratatouille-attractions-coming-to-epcot/ </ref>.

On February 21, 2019, Disney announced that a new "play PLAY! pavilion" would be coming to the former Wonders of Life pavilion building <ref name="play"> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/02/first-of-its-kind-play-pavilion-new-park-entrance-part-of-epcots-historic-transformation/ </ref>. Imagineer Zach Riddley noted that the pavilion would be "Built on the power of play, (and) it introduces an immersive and interactive ‘city’ where you can explore, create, and interact with some of your favorite Disney characters. This is an experience worthy of our bold vision for Epcot – and another signature element of our transformation.<ref name="play"/>" Although an official opening date was not given, the pavilion is was expected to open in time for Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary in 2021.

As part of the ongoing transformation of Epcot, in July 2019, Disney gave updated information about the future of Innoventions <ref name="wdwmagicepcot> https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/epcot/news/03jul2019-summary-of-all-the-closures-coming-to-epcots-future-world.htm </ref> . At this time, Disney announced that [[Innoventions East]] and the nearby Fountain of Nations would be permanently closing on September 8, 2019 <ref name= "wdwmagicepcot"/>. Furthermore, it was announced that the [[Electric Umbrella]] and [[Club Cool]] would be closing in the Winter of 2019. Also closing at this time is Innovention's other dining option, the [[FountainView]] and the Mouse Gear store, which are expected to reopen subsequently reopened in a temporary location <ref name= "wdwmagicepcot"/>.

At this time, Disney stated that Epcot's new World Celebration neighborhood would incorporate an updated [[Spaceship Earth]], a new three story festival center, the park's redesigned entrance plaza, and a new view of World Showcase from Dreamers Point <ref name="newepcot"/>. This neighborhood is was also expected to feature a statue of Walt Disney. Although not mentioned by Disney, it appears as if the [[Imagination!]] pavilion will also be a part of was incorporated into World Celebration <ref name="newepcot"/>. Furthermore, as part of the construction of World Celebration a version of EPCOT Center's original entrance fountain was re-installed in front of [[Spaceship Earth]]. The new fountain debuted on December 22, 2020 <ref> https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/epcot/news/22dec2020-photos---construction-walls-down-at-epcot-reveal-new-main-entrance-fountain.htm M </ref>.

World Nature, the park's second new neighborhood, will include was inititialy made up of [[The Land]] and [[The Seas with Nemo & Friends]] pavilions. As part of the new neighborhood announcement, as well as Disney stated their plants to bring a brand new interactive experience titled Journey of Water, inspired by Disney's Moana<ref name="newepcot"/>to the area. On this lush exploration trail, guests will get to meet and play with magical water, while also learning about the importance of the natural water cycle.

The final new neighborhood coming to come to Epcot is was World Discovery. This area will will be is composed of [[Test Track]], [[Mission: Space]], [[Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind]] and the new Space 220 Restaurant<ref name="newepcot"/>. Due to these changes, the Future World label that had been a staple of Epcot since it opened will not longer be usedwas phased out of use.

On September 30, 2019, ImmuniNations: Reflections of Earth was performed for the final time <ref> https://insidethemagic.net/2019/04/illuminations-closing-date-epcot/ </ref>. The following night, October 1, 2019, Epcot Forever made its debut. This new nighttime spectacular allows allowed guests to "celebrate the past, present and future of Epcot through this dazzling fireworks and special-effects spectacular". Epcot Forever was initallly concived as a temporary show, which would be performed until Harmonious debuted on October 1, 2012.

Also on October 1, 2019, the EPCOT Experience opened in the former Odyssey Restaurant location <ref> https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201910/7037/M/</ref>. Inside the EPCOT Experience, guests can could see a stylized model of Epcot's future, as well as a 12 minute 360 degree film that celebrates celebrated the park's past while giving , and gave guests a glimpse at its future. In addition to this look ahead, the Preview Center also features featured artifacts from Epcot's past history and merchandise locations.

On October 1, 2021, EPCOT officially dropped the Future World name. Instead, the park was officially re-zoned into the four neighborhoods- World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature and World Showcase <ref>https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/epcot/news/27sep2021-epcot-will-officially-drop-the-future-world-name-from-october-1-as-the-park-become-comprised-of-four-neighborhoods.htm </ref>.