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Numerous EPCOT Pavilions May Not Survive The Next Decade

EPCOT has never been a park that sits still. From its roots as a showcase of futuristic ideas and global culture to today’s balance of IP-driven attractions and festivals, it’s always been the place Disney experiments. The park just wrapped up its multi-year overhaul in 2024, but fans are already asking the next big question: which parts of EPCOT are built to last, and which could vanish sooner than you think?

The main entrance to EPCOT
Credit: Michael Gray, Flickr

Safe and Sound

Brand-new additions like CommuniCore Hall and Plaza aren’t going anywhere. Disney spent years building them, and they’ve become the heart of EPCOT’s year-round festivals. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind also lands firmly in the safe category. As one of Disney’s most advanced coasters, and a top draw since opening in 2022, it’s practically bulletproof.

Communicore Hall
Credit: Disney

World Showcase itself is also a fortress. Dining, entertainment, and cultural connections keep its 11 pavilions relevant, even if new attractions or restaurants get added along the way.

On Shaky Ground

Not everything enjoys that same security. The Play! Pavilion—originally set to revive the former Wonders of Life building—has gone dark. Disney officially pulled the plug in 2023, leaving the structure as one of EPCOT’s most glaring dead zones. Without a replacement plan, this pavilion feels doomed to linger as wasted real estate.

Animatronic figures of Donald Duck, a rooster in a sombrero, and a green parrot performing on stage with maracas, a staff, and a guitar, in front of purple curtains and an orange arch.
Credit: Wally Gobetz, Flickr

The Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico is another ride in the danger zone. Rumors have long swirled about a Coco re-theme, and Disney has shown a clear preference for sliding in IPs that can guarantee merchandise and music tie-ins. Guests still love the Three Caballeros, but nostalgia might not be enough to save them.

Iconic But Untouchable

Spaceship Earth is a different story. Disney teased a reimagining, then delayed it, but the ride itself isn’t at risk of extinction. It’s too iconic to EPCOT’s image. Similarly, pavilions like France and Norway—with hit rides like Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure—are moneymakers, which means they’re safe bets for another decade.

Spaceship Earth glowing at nighttime in the background of World Celebration Gardens at Disney World.
Credit: Disney

The Bottom Line

EPCOT may feel steadier now than it did five years ago, but some attractions are hanging by a thread. The safest advice? Ride Gran Fiesta Tour and enjoy the quirky energy of that empty dome while you still can—because Disney has made it clear: nothing in EPCOT is ever fully safe.

Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

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