Hi there, Brad!
Epcot fills me with a sense of nostalgia because it is the first Park that I have vivid memories of visiting with my parents when I was just a wee Mouseketeer. Even though I sometimes long for the Epcot of my 1980's childhood, I must admit that I sat on the edge of my seat as all the
details were announced at the D23 Expo in August. Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman, Bob Chapek, revealed that new neighborhoods, experiences, and attractions are coming to Epcot over the next few yEARS. I'd be happy to share the details for the new shows in the China, Canada, and also the France Pavilions (and I'll throw in some of my speculations, too).
The show replacing "'
O Canada" is "Canada Far and Wide," and it will feature brand new scenes and a new story. It remains to be seen whether my favorite Canadian comedian, Martin Short, will continue to be the narrator, but the film's official debut will be in January 2020. Also coming in January will be the France Pavilion's long-awaited Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along and Awesome Planet, which is a film attraction for The Land Pavilion. Sources have said that Awesome Planet will blend nature photography with in-theater effects and digital space sequences. My guess is that these shows will open sometime in the middle of the month after the holiday decorations have come down.
At D23, Chapek also said that "Wondrous China," which replaces "
Reflections of China," will take guests on a spectacular journey across the country, and it was filmed in a 360-degree digital format. Noticeably absent from this announcement, however, was the debut date; this is when my speculation powers come into play (does anyone have Madame Leota's crystal ball?)! My guess is that the film will open a few months later than the others, probably sometime in June. Stay tuned to the
Disney Parks Blog, where they make Park announcements every day (I've been keeping my eyes peeled for the publication of the Space 220 Restaurant opening date. My finger is getting twitchy waiting to make that dining reservation)!
I hope this information helped, Brad! Please stop back by the Disney Parks Moms Panel again soon!
Eean