CommuniCore Hall Opens in EPCOT

On June 10, the last construction wall finally came down at EPCOT, completing the park’s years-long extensive reimagining. At long last, you can now stroll through the fully transformed EPCOT, including the new CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza, which is now open! 

Disney dramatically changed the scope of EPCOT’s former Future World beginning in 2019. Three areas were created to replace the front part of the park: World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature. New attractions, an overhaul of Spaceship Earth, and a complete redo of Future World were all planned. Unfortunately, March 2020 brought the global pandemic, resulting in a historic four-month closure of Walt Disney World. Not surprisingly, construction was halted, and any hope of completing the project by EPCOT’s 40th anniversary in 2022 was dashed. Some projects were scrapped entirely, including a Mary Poppins-themed attraction that would have been in the U.K. Pavilion and the aforementioned reimagining of Spaceship Earth. Yet little by little, things moved ahead: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure opened in 2021, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in 2022, and Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, and Dreamers Point, both of which debuted in December last year. Dreamers Point (the home of the new “Walt the Dreamer” statue) is at the heart of World Celebration Garden, a refreshing outdoor space in World Celebration featuring beautiful greenery and peaceful areas to recharge. (Literally! Charging stations are available for your mobile devices, and comfy chairs can be found throughout the area, providing a peaceful place to sit and recharge your batteries). The two final pieces of the big transformation were CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza.

CommuniCore Hall is a breathtaking new structure that will host a variety of experiences all year round, featuring food (of course), art, live music, and more. The Hall will also feature a demonstration kitchen, mixology bar, and art exhibits. There is also a new character meet and greet adjacent to CommuniCore Hall, appropriately named Mickey & Friends. Minnie, Mickey, and their pals are now together in one location to share hugs and smiles with Guests, all in an air-conditioned space that will be more than welcome on those hot summer afternoons. 

The new building also features a colorful outside mural showcasing moments from EPCOT past and present, as well as a beautiful geometric design inspired by the iconic tiles of Spaceship Earth.

CommuniCore Plaza, the final piece of EPCOT’s transformation, began welcoming Guests on June 10. This outdoor entertainment area infuses EPCOT with stunning vibrance, offering up food, beverage, and entertainment. The venue is also home to a brand-new show that premiered on June 10 to kick off the revelry! ¡Celebración Encanto! will have you singing along to some of your favorite music from Encanto while you watch Mirabel and Bruno perform on the Plaza stage. Be certain to catch it this summer since it only runs until September 6.

With the last piece of the puzzle now in place, you can enjoy the relaxing, vibrant spaces of the newly reimagined EPCOT. But even though the new plaza features all sorts of new details and new technologies (which, let’s not forget, was always a vision for EPCOT – to be a “never-ending Worlds Fair of new innovations and ideas), there are plenty of nostalgic touches to keep those classic Disney Connections alive. Not the least of which is getting the chance to get your photo taken next to the statue of the Greatest Dreamer of All, Walt Disney himself!

Thank you to Kristin Bonsangue, who contributed extensively to this piece! You can read her full wrap-up of all of the Summer Excitement coming to Walt Disney World in the current issue of Celebrations Disney Magazine!

Catch up on Summer Fun in Walt Disney World with the new Summer issue of Celebrations Disney Magazine!

Immerse yourself in the magic of Disney with features and pictorials on:
• Summer Fun at Walt Disney World
• The BoardWalk and BoardWalk Inn Resort
• Disney Parades Throughout the Years
• Percy Jackson
• Wayback Machine: The World of Motion
• Top Ten Facts About the Dreamfinder

• and Much More!!