The Next Generation of EPCOT Just Started
Remember how Imagineers wanted to reinvent EPCOT for a new generation? Then, the pandemic struck, and many of those plans suffered delays.
Well, we have finally reached a point where some of this stuff has either opened or will debut soon.
Yes, the next generation of EPCOT just began. So let’s talk about what’s new.
The Creations Shop
Some habits are hard to break. For example, longtime DVC members must get used to calling some stuff by new names.
For instance, Future World technically isn’t a thing anymore. Instead, Disney has replaced the former themed land with three new ones.
One of these new areas, World Celebration, includes the spot we once knew as Mouse Gear. Now, EPCOT still technically has a Mouse Gear. It’s in the wrong place, though.
Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog
The spot near Spaceship Earth had closed for renovations. But, this week, it has reopened as a bright, new store called Creations Shop.
This place reaaaaally leans into the Spaceship Earth connection, too. Some of the merchandise celebrates the triangular shapes that comprise that unique building.
You can look at some of it in the first 30 seconds of this clip.
The rest highlights all the spectacular new gear on sale here. It also shows the space of the place.
Somehow, Creations Shop strikes me as smaller but more open-spaced. Do you agree or disagree?
Of course, the arrival of Creations Shop leads to the ending of Mouse Gear. Unfortunately, the temporary spot has already closed for good and removed its sign!
We now live in a world without Mouse Gear in it. That breaks my heart.
Return of The Beverly
Don’t let the sadness of Mouse Gear bum you out, though. Everything old is new again at EPCOT.
Disney chose to save a place that we’d once worried had gone forever. Park officials reclaimed the previous space for Club Cool.
However, they thoughtfully brought the place back in a new form right beside Creations Shop!
Club Cool reopened on the same day, and crowds lined up to get in. Of course, we’ve all missed the Beverly, that horrific Italian concoction from The Coca-Cola Company.
Courtesy of the Disney Tourist Blog
Thankfully, Club Cool still gives away cups of the Beverly. It’s the left-side tap on the eight-drink menu.
The other options are:
- Bon Bon Anglais – Madagascar
- Country Club Merengue – Dominican Republic
- Minute Maid Joy Apple Lychee – Korea
- Royal Wattamelon (sic) – Philippines
- Sour Plum Tea — China
- Sprite Cucumber – Rusia
- Viva Raspberry — Moldova
If you’re anything like me, you probably made the sign of the cross a few times while reading this list.
Sour Plum Tea is actually older than King Arthur tales. So, that one at least makes sense.
Sprite Cucumber sounds like a factory accident drink, not something someone willingly created.
Obviously, you can grab plenty of Coca-Cola merchandise at Club Cool in between sips of evil.
More importantly, you can go back to pranking friends into trying the Beverly again.
The former Club Cool closed two years and one week ago. So, it’s been a while since you had that option.
Here’s a video of Club Cool and Creations Shop if you want to see more of either/both:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMbw7-ZpspM
Other EPCOT Updates
EPCOT really advanced the plot this week. Park officials confirmed several other details, at least one of which will absolutely thrill you.
I am ecstatic to report that the Candlelight Processional WILL return this year!!!
Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog
Disney will alter the composition of the chorus for everyone’s safety. It won’t invite school choirs or community members this time.
Instead, cast members will spread out and fill the entire stage. Since Disney will have the worker vaccine mandate in place by then, everyone should be totally safe.
The dates for this year’s Candlelight Processional are November 26th through December 30th. So, we’re actually only a bit over two months away from its return!
Disney also revealed new details about Space 220 in anticipation of its opening on September 20th.
This one’s a bit of a surprise, at least to me. The new outer space-themed restaurant will include a Prix Fixe menu for lunch and dinner. It ain’t cheap, either.
Lunch will cost $55 per adult and $29 per child nine years old or younger. After that, the price spikes to $79 per adult at dinner but is still just $29 for children.
The meal will include an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Disney has themed the names to call them Lift-Off (apps), Star (entrees), and Supernova (dessert).
You can read the entire menu details at the Parks Blog.
As a reminder, the Patina Restaurant Group will operate Space 220. So, they’ve decided on the pricing and meal service options here.
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