The EPCOT transformation is almost complete!
The HUGE overhaul to EPCOT completely changed EVERYTHING. We got new neighborhoods, a fancy new fountain at the entrance, a new ride, a walkthrough attraction, a new restaurant, and so much more. But one EPCOT attraction remains abandoned even in the middle of all this NEW stuff.
When Disney World announced the EPCOT transformation, it also announced the PLAY! Pavilion, which would be a digital metropolis with interactive games and experiences where you could interact with Disney characters virtually AND in real life. Sounds amazing, right? The concept art was even more impressive.
This experience was going to be built in the former Wonders of Life building. Well, the building is still there, but it’s apparently empty (save for the memories we still have of Body Wars and Cranium Command). The building is just sitting there, waiting for SOMETHING.
What’s really interesting is that we’ve seen work being done on that building, making us think that the PLAY! Pavilion was still on the way. But we’ve heard nothing about it, and nothing interesting has happened since.
In early 2023, the PLAY! Pavilion was also removed from the EPCOT map — it was previously listed as “Coming Soon.” Now, we guess it’s coming NEVER. So as far as we know, the PLAY! Pavilion is just going to be added to the list of things promised with the EPCOT transformation that didn’t happen, like the Mary Poppins ride that got postponed indefinitely.
Interestingly enough, though, the upcoming CommuniCore Hall, which IS being built in EPCOT, is set to have a Mickey and Friends experience of some kind, and we can’t help but wonder if this is from the character concept originally tied to PLAY! Pavilion.
Disney has not made any announcements about the final status of the PLAY! Pavilion, but as the building is still there, maybe they’ll decide to use it for something in the future. We’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for updates.
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What do you think will happen to the PLAY! Pavilion building? Let us know in the comments!
Honestly? I’d keep it as a Wonders Of Life Pavilion, with an IP upgrade: Give Cranium Command to Inside Out, for example. Maybe give Body Wars to Dr Strange, Ant Man, and maybe even Dr Reed Richards (assuming they can secure the rights)!