If you haven’t been to EPCOT in a while, the park is basically unrecognizable these days.

EPCOT

With much of the middle of the park under construction, as well as new additions like Creations Shop, Connections Eatery, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, it definitely doesn’t look the same as it did in say, 2019. But the transformation of EPCOT isn’t complete yet — we’ve still got quite a few projects on the horizon, including the mysterious PLAY! Pavilion.

What is the PLAY! Pavilion?

As part of the historic EPCOT transformation, the former Wonders of Life Pavilion is being turned into what Disney has called the PLAY! Pavilion. This“digital metropolis” will feature interactive experiences, games, entertainment, hands-on activities… AND favorite Disney characters, both virtual and real!

PLAY! Pavilion Concept Art ©Disney

Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley has noted about the PLAY! Pavilion: “This innovative, new pavilion is beyond anything we’ve ever created and is completely unique to Epcot. 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.”

When it opens, it will be part of the World Discovery neighborhood, which is home to older favorites like Mission: SPACE and Test Track, along with popular new spots Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Space 220.

Click Here to Learn More About the EPCOT Neighborhoods!

What Will Be Included in the PLAY! Pavilion?

Like we mentioned above, the pavilion is set to include “interactive experiences, games, entertainment, and hands-on activities.” Disney has shared examples of some activities you can expect to participate in, including helping fashion icon Edna Mode from The Incredibles “on her quest to rid the world of uninspired style.” as well as competing in a water balloon fight hosted by Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby!

EPCOT Experience Play Pavilion Display

Besides those things, you’ll also be able to encounter some of your favorite Disney characters during your visit. They’ll stop by the PLAY! Pavilion both digitally and in-person — we can’t wait to see who will show up!

Click Here to See Everything That Has Been CUT From the EPCOT Transformation!

When Will the PLAY! Pavilion Open?

And finally, let’s talk timeline! This new attraction was set to open in Disney World for the 50th Anniversary, but the pandemic caused some slowdowns with the timeline and construction. Other projects were prioritized when the parks reopened, and Disney hasn’t shared an update on the PLAY! Pavilion in a while — we don’t yet know what the new opening timeline will be.

It’s hard to tell how construction is proceeding since this would mostly be an indoor attraction, and the former Wonders of Life building isn’t easily visible from most guest areas of the park currently. However, it’s possible that work on the pavilion is resuming soon if it hasn’t already.

Play! Pavilion (behind Mission: SPACE gift shop)

On July 14th, 2022, Disney filed a permit with Orange County for a “general contractor package” at the address matching that of the Wonders of Life building. The contractor listed is Balfour Beatty Construction LLC, which has worked on multiple theme park construction projects in the area, including Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando.

PLAY! Pavilion Concept Art ©Disney

On the permit, the “expiration date of notice of commencement” is set as December 31st, 2024. This is the date by which all construction must be completed, so it’s possible that we could see the PLAY! Pavilion open in EPCOT before the end of 2024! We’ll have to wait and see what Disney announces, but that’s what we could glean from the permit itself.

Why EPCOT is the Best Disney World Park — Click Here!

So we’ll continue watching the construction as much as we can, and we’ll be on the lookout for more announcements from Disney. Besides this, there are other EPCOT projects that we’re keeping our eyes on, including the upcoming attraction Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana.

Journey of Water Concept Art © Disney

We’re also eager to see the changes in World Celebration with the addition of new gardens, as well as CommuniCore Plaza and CommuniCore Hall. There’s going to be so much to check out — we can’t wait!

Click Here to Learn More About the EPCOT Transformation!

Are you excited about the upcoming PLAY! Pavilion, or just the other projects? Tell us in the comments!