EPCOT Quietly Removes This Big Pavilion

Walt Disney had a vision for EPCOT that largely went unrealized. Now, EPCOT has just removed a key promise for EPCOT. What do you think of this change?

EPCOT's Play Pavilion

Back in 2019, Disney made big promises for a new EPCOT expansion. One of these promises was the new Play Pavilion. Thomas Smith, Editorial Content Director for Disney Parks, shared what exactly the Play Pavilion was:

"This new space will be devoted to playful fun and will feature an innovative city that'll come to life under the dome of the unnamed pavilion previously known as Wonders of Life. The pavilion's city will be bursting with interactive experiences, your favorite Disney characters, hands-on activities, and engaging entertainment when it opens."

He noted it would open just in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World (October 1, 2021). However, with so many other Disney projects, progress was halted by the pandemic.

Play Pavilion Forgotten

This Play Pavilion was originally planned to reside in the golden dome near Mission Space. This deserted building is now a glowing reminder of the potential of EPCOT.

Imagineer Zach Riddley shared, "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."

The promise of this new pavilion sounds similar to the original vision Walt Disney planned for the Environmental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.

Play Pavilion Removed

In March 2021, EPCOT added all twelve updated pavilion flags to the park entrance. Recently, we noticed that the Play Pavilion flag has been removed.

EPCOT has now removed reminders of the Play Pavilion.

While we have given up hope for the Play Pavilion over the years, this Play Pavilion flag seems like the final blow to the promise of what EPCOT could have been.

What do you think of the removal of the Play Pavilion? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Donna loved Disney from an early age. As a child, her family would joke that she lived in "Donna Land." As an adult, she enjoys planning and creating magical vacations for her family. She always brings a little faith, trust, and a little bit of Pixie Dust!