For Spaceship Earth Project Tomorrow refurbishment information click here


17 July 2008:  Nine Dragons Restaurant set to reopen ahead of schedule

The Nine Dragons Restaurant is set to open up a few days ahead of schedule, which is now currently set for November 28 2008.

7 July 2008: Temporary Nine Dragons location opens during refurbishment

During the Nine Dragon restaurant refurbishment, a temporary location with a limited offering has opened up just outside the Chinese Pavilion. The menu includes Mongolian Beef, Shrimp Fried Rice and Honey Sesame Chicken.

28 May 2008: The Land's former Jr Chef area under construction

The former Jr Chef area in the Land Pavilion has now been sealed off with a decorative wall matching the rest of that area. You can however still see parts of the old area lights just behind the wall.

19 May 2008: Nestle leaving The Land pavilion?

All references to Nestle seem to have been removed from park maps. It's not clear if this is a permanent removal, or if Nestle are no longer sponsoring the pavilion. However, the Nestle logos remain in place at the actual pavilion.

19 May 2008: The Fuel for Thought exhibit at Test Track has closed

The Fuel for Thought exhibit at the Test Track post-show has now closed and is walled up. NO information on what may replace the exhibit.

8 April 2008: Nine Dragons restaurant refurbishment dates changed

Nine Dragons restaurant refurbishment has been pushed back. The location now closes on May 29 2008 to Nov 30 2008.

7 April 2008: U.S. Air Force "Thunderbirds" fly over Epcot

The Las Vegas, Nev.-based air demonstration team, celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, took a flight over Walt Disney World Resort following an air show in Punta Gorda, Fla. The Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform April 12-13 at an air show in Lakeland, Fla.

Copyright 2008 THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

19 March 2008: Photos from opening day of this year's Festival

Click to go to our dedicated Flower and Garden Festival section

14 March 2008: Installation of this year's Flower and Garden Festival well underway

Preparations are well underway for this year's Flower and Garden Festival. Several of the main topiaries are now in place around the World Showcase. The photos below show the current progress and some of this year's displays.

14 March 2008: New Soarin' TShirts

These new Soarin' tshirts have just been spotted on sale at Mouse Gear.

11 March 2008: Nine Dragons refurbishment dates and details

The Nine Dragons restaurant in the China pavilion is set to close on April 6 2008 and will reopen on November 30 2008.  The new dining room, will feature a new menu and five cooking stations where guests can interact with chefs from China.

3 March 2008: New vintage Epcot T-shirt

This new vintage T-shirt (in black) is now available at Epcot.

15 February 2008: Year of a Million Dreams banners everywhere in Epcot

Like the Magic Kingdom, Epcot is now getting it's fix of Year of a Million Dream banners. almost every lamppost in the World Showcase has one!

6 February 2008: New Innoventions attraction to teach storm safety

Scheduled to open this summer in Innoventions is StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes, which aims to teach visitors the importance of home safety in a fun, interactive way. more details from WESH Orlando at http://www.wesh.com/entertainment/15232771/detail.html

29 January 2008: Interesting WDI filing with the Orange County Comptroller regarding Imagination

A recent Imagineering filing with the Orange County Comptroller has raised a few eyebrows. The description of the work is simply - "Imagination Demolition". Sometimes these official public record documents can be a bit vague, but if taken in it's most basic sense, this phrase could be very significant for one of the Epcot pavilions that has lost it's way a little in recent years. Click here to view the official papers.

17 January 2008: Fountain of Nations drained for refurbishment

The fountain of nations is currently undergoing some work. The water is totally drained, which gives a great look at some of the hardware that runs the show.

30 November 2007: Club Cool extends operating hours

Club Cool has changed it's operating hours and now closes at 9pm (instead of 7pm). It isn't clear yet if this is just for the upcoming holiday season or a permanent change.

11 November 2007: Epcot Tree and Lights of Winter

There are still a few more weeks to go before Epcot hits full holiday mode, but the tree and lights of winter are very much in position ready for the holidays.

11 November 2007: New gates for Epcot main entrance

The main entrance area is getting some new gates to direct guest flow to the security checks. They are still being worked on, but they are very industrial looking with some nice Epcot logo details (see photo below top left).

2 November 2007: Epcot Christmas tree up and lit

It seems to begin earlier and earlier each year, and today Epcot's holiday decorations are now mostly installed and lit. The tree in the Showcase Plaza area is today up and lit, as is the tree at the American Adventure. Each country also has the majority of it's decorations in place and lit. The Lights of Winter are not yet installed, neither are any of the decorations in the flower beds.

 
Above left: The World Showcase Plaza tree
Above right: The American Adventure tree

21 October 2007: Tokyo Dining now accepting reservations

The new Tokyo Dining restaurant at the Japan Pavilion is now accepting reservations.

In Tokyo Dining, Mitsukoshi will proudly present a full line-up of authentic Japanese cuisine and beverages with a sophisticated contemporary presentation in an upscale, elegant environment representative of modern Tokyo.

HOURS:
Lunch - 12:00pm to 3:45pm
Dinner - 4:00pm to varies with park closing

(All menus subject to change without notice)

Appetizers $4.50 - $11.99
Assorted Tempura - Shrimp, Chicken Breast and seasonal Vegetables with a Japanese Dipping Sauce
Edemame - Young Soybean Pods
Shrimp Cocktail - Served with Wasabi Cocktail Sauce
Tofu Salad - Soft Tofu with Mixed Greens

Entrees $14.50 - $25.50
Bento Box - Featuring an assortment of traditional foods and flavors from Japan.
Roppongi Tempura
Sushi Combination - Tuna, Yellowtail, Salmon, Izumi-dai, Shrimp, Masago, 4 pieces of California Roll
Sushi Deluxe - Tuna, Yellowtail, Salmon, Izumi-dai, Shrimp, Conch, Squid, Tamago, Salmon Roe, 3 pieces of California Roll
Sushi Sampler - Tuna, Yellowtail, Shrimp, and 2 pieces of California Roll

Desserts $4.00 - $5.50
Chocolate Ginger Cake
Green Tea Pudding
Soft Serve Ice Cream -Vanilla and Chocolate Flavors

Child's Menu (Guests 3-9) $9.50
Tempura Combo - Shrimp and Chicken Breast Tempura
Teriyaki Chicken - Grilled Chicken Breast with Teriyaki Sauce
Vegetable Croquete - Potatoe and Vewgetable Croquette with Tonkstau Sauce

DISCOUNTS:
Passholders - 10% discount off the regular price of food and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding tax and gratuity) Monday through Friday during lunch hours, for Passholder and up to 3 Guests. Valid thru 12/31/07.

2007 PACKAGES:
Magic Your Way Plus Dining
Magic Your Way Premium Package
Magic Your Way Platinum Package

15 October 2007: Innoventions signs complete

Both sides of Innovations now have completed entry signs.

15 October 2007: Lights of Winter in the Epcot parking lot ready for installation

The Lights of Winter arches have been spotted in a corner of the Epcot parking lot ready for installation.

8 October 2007: Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo now open

The two new reworked dining locations in the Japan pavilion are now open for guests.

If you have been lucky enough to eat there since the reopening, leave your comments on our review system.

2 October 2007: Innoventions sign update

Both side of Innoventions (East and West) now have the new look signs. Work is still ongoing though, with more detail to be added above the signs.

 
Above left: Innoventions West
Above right: Innoventions East

2 October 2007: Seas with Nemo and Friends stroller parking

The new stroller parking area for the popular Seas with Nemo and Friends has now been completed. It is located just behind the Nemo photo opportunity area.

1 October 2007: Happy Birthday Epcot!

For full coverage of Epcot's 25th Anniversary go to http://www.wdwmagic.com/epcot25thanniversary.htm

30 September 2007: Fountain View new color scheme underway

The Fountain View that is currently home to the Edys Ice Cream location is getting a new paint job. The previous peachy/beige is being replaced with a great looking blue.

29 September 2007: New bag search location at Epcot now ready

The new bag search security location at the East side of the park (left side at the entrance) that has been under construction for the last few months is now ready for use.

28 September 2007: New Innoventions sign photos

The new Innoventions signs are currently being installed, and Innoventions East is nearing completion. Along with the new sign, new paint is being applied to the pillars at the entry to the attraction. Photos below show the new sign during day and night.

27 September 2007: Japan without construction walls!

Since the tarp removal a few days ago, all of the remaining construction walls around parts of Japan have been removed.

27 September 2007: Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo nearing opening

The two new restaurants appear very close to opening. A menu has appeared outside giving some details of what diners can expect.

27 September 2007: China refurbishment complete

The exterior refurbishment of the China Pavilion is now complete, and the construction tarp has been removed.

27 September 2007: Innoventions entry area work

Work is still underway on the entry signs to Innoventions.

27 September 2007: Italy Isola bridge nears completion

The new bridge for wheelchair accessibility is almost ready on the Italy Isola. This is a popular location for private events and dessert parties.

27 September 2007: National Treasures gallery now open

The National Treasures Gallery opened today inside the American Adventure.

The exhibition feature more than 40 spectacular and unique artifacts on loan to Epcot from a variety of prestigious institutions and private lenders: Hildene (the Lincoln family home), The Mark Twain House & Museum, The Henry Ford, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Keeper of the Word Foundation, Gregory J. Reed Esq., Sen. Daniel K. Inouye and Commander John B. Herrington. To avoid risking damage to the originals, some documents are reproductions and labelled as such. See the 18 September 2007 update below for more information.

 
Above: The entrance to the Gallery

 
Above: The Abraham Lincoln display

 
Above: The Rosa Parks display

 
Above: The NASA display

 
Above right: A piece of lunar rock from the Apollo program

 
Above: Edison inventions

25 September 2007: Food and Wine Festival main entrance decorations

The Food and Wine Festival main entrance planter is now getting decorated for the event. It is Ratatouille themed, presented by Vanity Fair. There is a HUGE piece of cheese backstage that is expected to fill the remainder of the main entrance planter.

25 September 2007: Photos of the new Tutto Italia Ristorante

The newly opened Tutto Italia Ristorante. You can see the menu here.

22 September 2007: Details of new dining experiences at Epcot

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- When Epcot debuted in 1982, the World Showcase pavilions pioneered the idea of global cuisine as a theme park attraction in itself, and expanded fine dining in Central Florida.

Now for the park's 25th birthday, Epcot is unwrapping the biggest makeover in World Showcase history, with grand new dining experiences that truly raise the bar with exciting restaurants, diverse menus and redesigned settings to wow guests with something fresh and different.

Here's what's on the front burner:

• Patina Group's Tutto Italia Ristorante just opened in the Italy pavilion. Another new restaurant in the same space is planned for late 2008.
• In October, the Japan pavilion debuts Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo, a dramatic redevelopment of their dining rooms.
• China's Nine Dragons Restaurant closes in early 2008 to create a new dining room with five cooking stations, reopening in late 2008.
• By summer 2008, a new tequila bar opens adjacent to San Angel Inn Restaurante in the Mexico pavilion, and the outdoor Cantina de San Angel expands, with more seating and a new menu.

Collaborating with chefs and restaurateurs from around the world, such as France's celebrated trio of Paul Bocuse, Roger Verger and Gaston Lenôtre at Chefs de France, and Joachim Splichal's just-opened Tutto Italia Ristorante, the Epcot restaurants are premiere attractions at Walt Disney World Resort. From a spirited mariachi band and mole poblano in Mexico to belly dancing and spicy bastilla in Morocco, World Showcase offers gustatory globe-trotting -- all in easy walking distance.

"There's not another theme park in the world with such diverse dining adventures," said Rilous Carter, general manager of Epcot Food & Beverage. "The idea is to immerse our guests in traditional cultures, but with contemporary experiences."

As Epcot celebrates its silver anniversary, the Walt Disney World culinary team is unwrapping all-new dining concepts, and expanding and renovating longtime favorites. And menus are being rewritten with lighter, fresher, more healthful cuisine.

"World Showcase is timeless, and continually evolving with more interactive experiences," said Dieter Hannig, vice president of Food & Beverage New Concepts. "As our world grows smaller, Epcot grows more exciting, more authentic. The dreams and ideas are endless."

Explore Italy's Cuisine at Tutto Italia Ristorante

In the Italy pavilion, Tutto Italia ("everything Italian") Ristorante is the newest restaurant for California-based Patina Group. Showcasing cuisine from different regions of Italy, the newly outfitted restaurant features a bustling open-kitchen kitchen and a menu with freshly made breads and pastries, handmade mozzarella and pasta and an array of Italian wines.

"My inspiration for Tutto Italia was the incredible variety of cuisines that I have enjoyed during my visits to Italy," said Chef Joachim Splichal. "I wanted to distill that experience and create a restaurant with some of my favorite dishes."

Meals start with a complimentary starter, or assaggini, that includes vegetables, bruschetta, crostini and olives served with bread. Special features include the "Abbondanza Family Table" with family-style platters for sharing at lunch and dinner. Tutto Italia also has an outdoor kiosk and a gelati cart.

Tutto Italia Ristorante is the latest addition to Patina Group's portfolio of nearly 30 restaurants and its first in Florida, with plans to open another restaurant in the same space at Epcot by late 2008.

All-New Dining at Japan

Just unveiled on the top floor of the Japan pavilion is the all-new Tokyo Dining, and beautifully redesigned teppanyaki dining rooms, renamed Teppan Edo.

"This is not a renovation, but a complete redevelopment," said Yutaro Iwamura, director of business for Mitsukoshi USA. With sleek interiors and stylish new costuming for chefs and servers, both restaurants infuse authentic Japanese hospitality with a dash of hipness.

The popular teppanyaki rooms feature show-style cooking and upscale cuisine such as Wagyu and Kobe beef, along with traditional teppan dishes. Tokyo Dining (formerly the tempura bar and adjoining lounge) is a 140-seat dining room with a centerpiece "show stage" where diners can watch the sushi chefs in action. Nearly 50 varieties of sushi and sashimi and six varieties of sake are on the menu, along with tempura and grilled steaks and seafood.

Japan is one of several operating partners at Epcot who make the dining experience magical.

"These operating participants bring expertise and authenticity to Walt Disney World," said Keith Bradford, vice president of Operating Participants. "Particularly in World Showcase, these professional restaurateurs bring a diverse perspective to the park experience."

China's New Exhibition Kitchen

In China, a new Joy of Tea outdoor cart features hot and cold teas, trendy frozen green tea concoctions and alcoholic drinks such as plum wine and wine green tea slush. The pavilion's Lotus Blossom Café has been renovated and features a new menu that includes Beijing barbecue chicken, sesame chicken salad and rou jia mo, a popular Chinese sandwich made with sliced beef stuffed in toasted wheat-flour flatbread.

China's Nine Dragons table-service restaurant will close in early 2008 to make way for an innovative dining room that will feature five cooking stations where guests can interact with chefs from China. Scheduled opening is fall 2008.

Changes All Around World Showcase

In the Mexico pavilion, a 50- to 60-seat tequila bar, including a history of the beverage, replaces a retail shop adjacent to the restaurant, opening in summer 2008. Also in summer 2008, the pavilion's waterfront Cantina de San Angel is expanding with more seating with optimal views of World Showcase, and will offer a new menu.

Plans are under way to expand outdoor seating at the popular Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room, with covered waterfront dining that's optimal for viewing the nightly "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" fireworks show.

The expanding roster of international chefs joining the Epcot culinary team includes Chef Damien Besson, who comes from Chef Paul Bocuse's L'abbaye de Collonge in Lyon, France. And Artur Bukalo, a native of Berlin, Germany, is the new chef at Germany's Biergarten Restaurant.

While restaurant menus are redesigned to reflect tastes and trends, there's special emphasis on fresh, seasonal creations, said Epcot Executive Chef Christine Weissman. And like the rest of Walt Disney World Resort, trans fats and partially hydrogenated oils are being phased out of all restaurants.

"Our guests know more than ever about food and wine," said Weissman. "They are health-conscious and looking for new taste sensations -- our fun challenge is to exceed their expectations."

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Adding even more diversity to the mix for dining experiences is the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, in its 12th year. The six-week-long festival adds more than 25 international marketplaces with tapas-sized tastes of food from around the world, from the Dominican Republic to Turkey.

The Epcot festival has grown dramatically, attracting a diverse audience of more than 1 million guests each fall, from wine connoisseurs and epicures to neophytes primed to boost their wine IQs. Beer aficionados can raise their steins at several tasting locations.

"There's no other festival environment in the world like ours," said festival manager Nora Carey. "From the picturesque World Showcase Lagoon to the authentic architecture that showcases many cultures, it's an ideal backdrop for the exceptional culinary and wine-related talent of Walt Disney World Resort and for the great celebrity chefs and wine connoisseurs who join us each year."

21 September 2007: Japan Pavilion exterior refurbishment tarps removed and other minor refurbishments

What seems like one of the longest exterior refurbishments in Epcot history seems to be now complete. The covers over the exterior of parts of the facades have now been fully removed showing off the results of years of refurbishment work.

 
Above left: The refurbished Japan pavilion

 
Above left: The bridge between the UK and France is undergoing some work.
Above right: The pathway by the left side of the American Adventure is currently being repaved.

21 September 2007: Preparations for Food and Wine Festival

Preparations are well underway now for this years Food and Wine Festival beginning September 28th 2007. The photos below show most of the temporary buildings that have been built for the show.

18 September 2007: National Treasures exhibit opening at the American Adventure September 28

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- One of the most amazing collections of real-life Americana ever assembled -- National Treasures -- arrives Sept. 28. It's located inside the landmark Epcot attraction at the center of World Showcase, a place where Walt Disney World guests can become completely immersed in the astonishing authenticity and culture of eleven great nations.

"These are the jewels of museums and foundations all over the country, all gathered in one place," said Jim Clark, Walt Disney Imagineering Ambassador Representative and one of the team members designing National Treasures. "You'll see one of Abraham Lincoln's actual stovepipe hats, which has never been publicly exhibited outside of the Lincoln family home in Manchester, Vt. "We're also presenting many of Lincoln's personal items, like the book of Lord Byron poetry that inspired his second inaugural address and his dressing room mirror -- where he probably took his last glimpse of himself before he went off to Ford's Theatre."

The National Treasures collection will also be continually changed, so guests never know when they'll see something new. They'll see pieces of history that actually changed the world.

Some are well-known artifacts; others are the little things that played huge roles in making major breakthroughs. One of the most inspiring examples of this is one of the microscopes George Washington Carver used to help revolutionize American agriculture.

In addition to Dr. Carver, Americans from diverse backgrounds will be celebrated, including items from the lives of Rosa Parks and Jackie Robinson. An entire section devoted to the space program will feature the flight vest of Native American Commander John Herrington. The actual Purple Heart medal awarded to Japanese-American World War II hero Sen. Daniel Inouye can also be seen.

A number of Thomas Edison's original inventions will also be on display -- inventions that affect the way we live today. They include one of the last surviving original Tin Foil Cylinder Players that were created to demonstrate recorded sound to people who had never imagined it before. An innovation that leads all the way to today's MP3 players. The Edison portion is also one of the largest in the National Treasures exhibit because of the sheer size of some of the inventions. According to Clark, "The motion picture projector is so gigantic, it will barely fit it in the case."

The exhibition will feature more than 40 spectacular and unique artifacts on loan to Epcot from a variety of prestigious institutions and private lenders: Hildene (the Lincoln family home), The Mark Twain House & Museum, The Henry Ford, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Keeper of the Word Foundation, Gregory J. Reed Esq., Sen. Daniel K. Inouye and Commander John B. Herrington. To avoid risking damage to the originals, some documents are reproductions and labelled as such.

11 September 2007: NASA Space Day video

Video from the Plaque dedication and media interviews
(Right click the link above, and select SAVE TARGET AS..)
(WDWMAGICPass Required)
High Resolution widescreen, WMV, 14mins duration, 148MB.

10 September 2007: NASA Space Day photo report

Today the entire crew of NASA space shuttle mission STS-118 were at Epcot to meet park guests and the press following their recent mission to the International Space Station. As well as the meet and greet, they were also at Mission: SPACE to dedicate a new plaque at the attractions Planetary Plaza.

 
Above: The media gather for the dedication of the plaque at Mission: SPACE.

 
Above: The plaque is located in the queue area, close to the FASTPASS distribution area.

 
Above left: Prior to the dedication, the plaque is covered in a Mission: SPACE logo.

 
Above left: A closeup of the plaque, ready to be unveiled.
Above right: Epcot Vice President Jim MacPhee introduces the dedication ceromony.

 
Above right: Astronaut Barbara Morgan gives a speech during the dedication.

 
Above: Special smoke effects simulated a launch, as the plaque was unveiled.

 
Above: More smoke and confetti led to the unveiling of the plaque.

 
Above: The unveiled plaque.

Above: Astronaut Barbara Morgan with the new plaque.
Copyright 2007 THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

Above: The interview area for the astonauts.

 
Above: The shuttle crew enter the interview area, led by Shuttle Commander Scott Kelly.

 
Above: TV news stations interview park guests.

Above: The general view of the interview area around Mission: SPACE.

Above: After the appearances at Epcot, the entire Endeavour crew parade along Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom.
Copyright 2007 THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

10 September 2007: NASA Space Day to be broadcast on the official Disney World website.

NASA Space Day to be broadcast on the official Disney World website. http://www.disneyworld.com/nasa

View a special one-hour webcast of the crew of NASA space shuttle mission STS-118 during their visit to the Epcot® attraction Mission: SPACE®.

• Experience this historic event and celebrate the inspirational accomplishments of the Endeavour crew — Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charles Hobaugh and mission specialists Tracy Caldwell, Richard Mastracchio, Dave Williams, Barbara Morgan and Alvin Drew Jr.
• Share the moments of NASA Space Day, observed on September, 10, 2007, including a special dedication to teacher-turned-astronaut Barbara Morgan.
• The webcast presents highlights of Barbara Morgan's recognition ceremony and plaque dedication at the Mission: SPACE attraction; an engaging NASA education session focusing on STS-118 crew experiments; and a Q&A session with the entire Endeavour shuttle crew and local school children.
  The NASA Space Day webcast will premiere live on September 10th from 11:15am - 12:15am ET.

9 September 2007: NASA Space Day at Epcot

September 10th is NASA Space Day at Walt Disney World. Besides the appearance of the Endeavour shuttle crew, there is a new exhibit at Epcot showcasing the new Aries rocket, and NASA's education program.

 
Above left: Signs in the park
Above right: The entry to the exhibit

 
Above: A 1:15 scale model of the new Aries vehicle.

 
Above left: The new Orion crew exploration vehicle

 
Above: Signs and displays around the exhibit

 
Above: Models of the new vehicle

 
Above: The new plaque to be dedicated tomorrow by astronaut Barbara Morgan. It is located near to the FASTPASS machines.

5 September 2007: Endeavour astronauts to make appearance at Epcot on September 10th

The seven space shuttle Endeavour astronauts who returned to Earth Aug. 21 will be honored in a day of ceremonies at Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on Sept. 10.

The Endeavour crew will be available for local and satellite interviews from Walt Disney World beginning at 6 a.m. EDT.

6-9:45 a.m. - Media interviews with the crew members
10-10:15 a.m. - Plaque Dedication - Mission: SPACE, Epcot
10:30-11 a.m. - Media interview opportunity, Mission: SPACE, Epcot
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. - Education session, Base21 Siemens VIP Center, Epcot
1:30-2:15 p.m. - Astronauts answer questions from park guests, Mission: SPACE, Epcot
2:45-3:15 p.m. - Crew members serve as honorary grand marshals of the Magic Kingdom's afternoon parade, Main Street, U.S.A., Magic Kingdom.

2 September 2007: O Canada reopens

O Canada opened yesterday as expected. The new 14 minute show takes place in the same location as before. The only changes are a very welcome update to the film. The preshow area, theater and queue remain unchanged. See the 17th August update below for full details of the new show.

24 August 2007: Fountain View becomes Edy's Ice Cream shop

The Fountain View has finally reopened as an Edy's Ice Cream shop. The interior remains largely the same as before. See the photos below for the signage and menu.

24 August 2007: Minor changes in the Test Track queue

Some of the video that plays in the Test Track queue area has been updated to include new Saturn vehicles.

17 August 2007: Show details for the new O Canada!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- In September, Walt Disney World guests can glimpse today's Canada in a 14-minute motion picture presented in CircleVision 360 as a major feature of the Canada pavilion in Epcot World Showcase. Titled "O Canada!" the updated film includes new scenes highlighting Canada's natural beauty, cosmopolitan cities and diverse populace.

In addition, the film is now hosted by Canadian actor Martin Short, whose charm, warmth and wit add a distinct and authentic flair. Walt Disney Imagineers collaborated with the Canadian Tourism Commission to update the film, including new orchestration and images, and Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila singing the music of "O Canada!"

The motion picture takes guests from the far northeastern shores of Newfoundland's Bay of Fundy by railroad to the southwestern beauty and tranquility of Buchart Gardens in British Columbia. Canada's natural beauty is majestically displayed -- from the 800-year-old redwood trees of Cathedral Grove to the astounding splendor of Horseshoe Falls to the snowy mountains of Kananaskis Valley.

The film includes the nation's capital, Ottawa, with its Parliament buildings and Rideau Canal; the sophistication of Toronto, with its nightlife and film festivals; and Quebec City, the cradle of French civilization in Canada. Also mentioned: the not-so-famous but artfully named small towns of Moose Jaw and Medicine Hat. The people of Canada are featured in outdoor activities including skiing, whitewater rafting and hockey.

15 August 2007: Preparations for the Food and Wine Festival well underway

Lots of construction walls have begun to appear all around Epcot in preparation for the Food and Wine Festival. The largest of the walls (pictured below) is around the Rose Garden area between Future World and the World Showcase.

9 August 2007: Space Shuttle Endeavour STS-118 launch over Epcot

Yesterday afternoon saw a spectacular launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Fittingly, the shuttle could be seen heading to space right over the top of the Mission: SPACE pavilion. For more information on STS-118 see http://www.nasa.gov/.

6 August 2007: Signs and icon removed from Wonders of Life

All of the exterior signage at the Wonders of Life Pavilion has just been removed. Even the pavilions iconic large double-helix has been taken down. There is still no reliable information about the future of this pavilion.

5 July 2007: Mickey Wand to be removed

It has today been officially announced that the giant Mickey wand that was assembled over Spaceship Earth to celebrate the Millennium will be removed. The removal begins on July 9th and will be complete by mid September 2007.

5 July 2007: New names for Epcot restaurants

Disney have announced the names of some of the new World Showcase restaurants.

The interim name for the Italy Pavilion restaurant is Tutto Italia. Once the restaurant undergoes its complete refurbishment from Spring 2008 to fall 2008, it will reopen with a new name, which is yet to be determined.

The new Japan Pavilion restaurants will be Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining. These are expected to open early October 2007.

20 June 2007: Epcot July 4 entertainment schedule

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" spectacle of lights, music and fireworks (10 p.m.). Park hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

15 June 2007: American Adventure refurbishment dates

The American Adventure will be closed for refurbishment June 18th to 21st, 2007. Speculation is that some modifications and updates will be made to the film in the finale of the attraction.

21 May 2007: Epcot Character Spot

The new Epcot Character Spot near Innoventions is now in operation, giving guests a permanent location for character meet and greets.

21 May 2007: Japan refurbishments

The refurbishment is still in full swing at Japan. However, the work on the roof at the rear of the pavilion is now showing signs of progress. The tops of the buildings are now visible, and they look wonderful.

A new construction wall has appeared inside the Mitsukoshi department store. Now word of what is being added here, if anything. It may be related to the refurbishment of the restaurant area directly above.

21 May 2007: Maelstrom now closed for refurbishment

The Maelstrom is now closed for a refurbishment. The photo below shows the current state of the entry area.

2 May 2007: Japan restaurant refurbishments

The Tempura Kiku and the Matsunoma Lounge at the Japan pavilion are now closed, and are currently being totally refurbished. The new location is expected to open in late August 2007. During this closed period, temporary Japanese food locations have been set up in booths on the walkway.

 
Above left: The closed restaurant and refurbishment walls

 
Above left: The temporary food locations

25 March 2007: Spaceship Earth Project Tomorrow post show area now open

The new Spaceship Earth Project Tomorrow post show area has opened today, with three of the new exhibits being open. Photos at http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=174645&page=4

• An illuminated globe measuring 20 feet in diameter that will offer an ever-changing collage of inspirational images that invite guests to imagine the wonders of tomorrow.
• Body Builder, a 3-D game that enables users to assemble a digital human body, simulating the Siemens technology developed to perform remote surgeries.
• Super Driver, a driving simulation video game that showcases motor vehicle accident and avoidance systems developed by Siemens.

19 April 2007: New Italy pavilion restaurant detail

Further to the 9 March 2007 update below, the contract with L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante for the operation of the restaurant in the Italy pavilion will reach its conclusion on August 31, 2007. Patina Restaurant Group will become the new operator for the restaurant from September 1, 2007, and they will open a brand new restaurant concept in Fall 2008. The new restaurant opening in Fall 2008 will feature signature dishes, interactive experience, and a variety of wines, and will also participate in the Dining Plan.

The Patina group also runs the Naples Restaurant at the Disneyland Resort.

13 April 2007: Photos from the Spaceship Earth Project Tomorrow post show area

 
Above left: A close-up of the new external entry area to the post show, and the new Project Tomorrow sign
Above right: The construction wall at the external entry to the post show

 
Above left: The Project Tomorrow sign at the exit of the ride
Above right: One of the new post-show exhibits called Super Driver, which will be based on Siemens automobile systems

 
Above left: What seems to be the new Siemens Spaceship Earth logo, found in the post show area
Above right: A construction wall at the post show exit area.

12 April 2007: Major enhancements coming to Spaceship Earth

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 11, 2007) -- Inside the Epcot icon, remarkable changes will be taking place over the next several months. A re-imagined Spaceship Earth presented by Siemens will combine the magic of the iconic attraction's time-travel adventure into the past with a new finale which provides guests the opportunity to imagine their futures.

On a trip through time inside the Spaceship Earth attraction, guests discover how each generation of mankind has invented the future for the next generation, and how the spirit of innovation has moved people from the caves to the cosmos.

Enhancements to the time-travel attraction will encompass changes to each of the ride scenes. New show scenes will be added to the attraction's story along with new lighting effects, costumes, set decoration, narration and musical score.

This adventure through time leads ultimately to the very top of Spaceship Earth's geodesic dome, where guests arrive at the present. The time travel adventure will be enhanced through new, interactive touch screens installed aboard each "time machine" that will enable guests to create their own visions of the future and see themselves in that future.

As guests disembark the time travel experience, they are invited to visit "Project Tomorrow: Inventing the World of Tomorrow," where interactive exhibits bring to life the ideas and technologies Siemens is developing to help make the world a better place for the future.

The space is filled with fun, interactive games and displays that showcase innovative technologies. Here guests step into the world of tomorrow and glimpse the future of medicine, transportation and responsible energy management across the globe.

Opening to Epcot guests later this month, the first completed phases of Project Tomorrow will include:

• An illuminated globe measuring 20 feet in diameter that will offer an ever-changing collage of inspirational images that invite guests to imagine the wonders of tomorrow.
• Body Builder, a 3-D game that enables users to assemble a digital human body, simulating the Siemens technology developed to perform remote surgeries.
• Super Driver, a driving simulation video game that showcases motor vehicle accident and avoidance systems developed by Siemens.

With phased renovations occurring through the year, Spaceship Earth's makeover is scheduled to be fully completed in early 2008.

10 April 2007: Spaceship Earth post show name unveiled

The sign for the new Spaceship Earth post show has now been installed at the exit of the ride. The name of the new post show is "Project Tomorrow: Inventing the World of Tomorrow. Presented by Siemens".

1  April 2007: Balzac cart replaced

The long standing Balzac (giant inflatable balls) has been removed from the Futureworld West breezeway, and replaced with a Crocs footwear cart. The Balzac has been a resident at Epcot for over 10 years. Fortunately, they are still available, and still being thrown around to passing guests at the Futureworld East breezeway (for now at least).

1 April 2007: Electric Umbrella restaurant changes

Following it's brief rehab, the Electric Umbrella has unveiled a few changes. Most notable, the topping bar has been removed, and in it's place are self service drink fountains. These however are not yet operational, are are walled off. They can be seen, ready for action, in the photo below. Regular condiments are still available, but toppings are now provided with the food purchased. Also of note, is that the beef sandwich has now been removed from the menu, and replaced with a chicken sandwich.

1 April 2007: Spaceship Earth post-show progress

These photos show the latest progress on the new Spaceship Earth post-show. While work is being carried out on the main post-show area, the guest exit is being routed around the old hub area. A construction wall has also appeared on the outside of the building.

1 April 2007: Second Reflections of Earth performance during EMH

During Extra Magic Hours in April 2007, there will be two performances of Reflections of Earth. One at the regular 9pm slot, and the second for EMH guests at 11:30pm.

9 March 2007: L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante closing

L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante is currently set to close on August 31, 2007, and will be replaced by a new Italian restaurant. No details are yet available on the replacement.

5 March 2007: Siemens at Spaceship Earth update

Siemens, the new sponsors of Spaceship Earth recently revealed a few bits of information about the changes to the attraction. The new post-show, which is currently under construction, will include 9000-square feet of interactive exhibits based on Siemens technology. The new corporate lounge at Spacehip Earth will be called Nexus 21. It will be exclusively for the use of Siemens employees and customers. The center serves as a hospitality and briefing center showcasing the company’s story of innovation and technology.
 

23 February 2007: Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros replaces El Rio Del Tiempo.

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros replaces El Rio Del Tiempo.

13 February 2007: Hidden Treasures of World Showcase tour to be discontinued

The Hidden Treasures of World Showcase tour is currently scheduled to be discontinued from April 27th 2007. See our Tour section for information on the tour.

10 January 2007: Record breaking plant at the Land pavilion

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Land pavilion at Epcot is now home to a record-setting plant. A single tomato vine -- known unofficially as a "tomato tree" for the unique way the vine grows -- was recently recognized as an official "Guinness World Record Holder," with a one-year harvest of more than 32,000 tomatoes and a total weight of 1,151.84 pounds.

Epcot Manager of Agricultural Science Yong Huang discovered the unique plant variety several years ago while on vacation in Beijing, China. After meeting with scientists responsible for that plant, Huang brought its seeds to Epcot and created a specialized greenhouse for the fruit to grow. The single vine grows golf ball-sized tomatoes that are harvested and served at restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort. The Epcot "tomato tree" can currently be seen by guests on the pavilion's Living with the Land boat ride attraction.

For Past Epcot News and Archives, Click Here

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