Changes
/* A Remimagined Epcot (2017-Present) */
On February 21, 2019, Disney announced that a new "play pavilion" would be coming to the former Wonders of Life pavilion <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, 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 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 in a temporary location <ref name= "wdwmagicepcot"/>.
On August 25, 2019, Disney announced that as part of Epcot's overhaul, "Epcot will be unified with four neighborhoods that each speak to important aspects of the world and its people: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery. These neighborhoods will be filled with new experiences rooted in authenticity and innovation that take you to new destinations, where the real is made fantastic in a celebration of curiosity, hands-on wonder and the magic of possibility. <ref name="newepcot"> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/08/new-details-revealed-for-the-historic-transformation-of-epcot-underway-at-walt-disney-world-resort/ </ref>"
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 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 r aWorld World Celebration <ref name="newepcot"/>.
World Nature, the park's second new neighborhood, will include [[The Land]] and [[The Seas with Nemo & Friends]] pavilions, as well as a brand new interactive experience titled Journey of Water, inspired by Disney's Moana<ref name="newepcot"/>. 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.
