Walt Disney World has officially opened the next part of Epcots evolution with the opening of CommuniCore Hall and Plaza. We have know that it was coming for the past few years and was teased in Summer 2024. However, today the new area has officially opened. This has been an ambitious project as part of the transformation. It has been years in the making with lots of concept art having been released.
During the last update, progress had continued on CommuniCore Hall and Plaza amidst EPCOT’s ongoing Flower & Garden Festival. Although the World Celebration Gardens are open, CommuniCore Hall and Plaza had been scheduled to debut today, June 10, 2024. Moreover, this opening will be celebrated with a new limited-time show, “¡Celebración Encanto!” featuring Mirabel and Bruno. This will be performed multiple times daily on the CommuniCore Plaza stage.
Originally there was anticipation for an unannounced EPCOT Summer Festival, but this was not to be. This year will remain the International Flower and Garden Festival and the Food and Wine Festival. It is unclear how the CommuniCore Hall and World Celebration will be integrated into the festivals moving forward.
What to Expect at CommuniCore Hall and Plaza
CommuniCore Hall and Plaza looks like it will blend serene views and engaging experiences. This will include:
- Mickey & Friends Meet & Greet: This new character spot will offer a Genie+ Lightning Lane, allowing guests to meet Mickey Mouse and his friends.
- Demonstration Kitchen and Mixology Bar: These features will extend festival programming, enabling Disney chefs to showcase their culinary creations.
- Outdoor Stage: Located in CommuniCore Plaza, the stage will host concerts and performances, integral to EPCOT’s festival atmosphere.
The centerpiece of CommuniCore Plaza will be a large central planter inspired by the five-ring logo of EPCOT, surrounded by themed gardens that change with each festival. At night, dynamic lighting will enhance the seasonal events, complemented by the Beacons of Magic on Spaceship Earth.
How does it compare to the concept art?
The vision for CommuniCore Hall has evolved significantly since its initial announcement. The original concept art from the 2019 D23 Expo depicted a multi-level festival pavilion with a plaza level, a middle expo level, and a park on the top level, offering stunning views of the entire park. However, Disney later announced a “different approach,” resulting in a less vertical, more practical design. It was an ambitious project from the start but now is toned down to something that is likely more practical.
The new CommuniCore Hall is a purpose-built, multi-use facility for international festivals, featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces. This design, while less grandiose than the original plan, promises to enhance the EPCOT experience by providing a dedicated space for festival activities and character interactions.
Conclusion
The opening of World Celebration and the debut of CommuniCore Hall and Plaza signify a major milestone in EPCOT’s ongoing transformation of the neighborhoods. While the new designs may not match the original ambitious plans, it is a significant upgrade from the long-standing construction zone and promises to bring exciting new experiences to the park. It will interesting the full utilization of the Communicore Hall with the festivals moving forward.
Was the CommuniCore Hall and Plaza something you were looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below
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