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10. Space-themed restaurant (TBA 2020)

Image: Disney

Back in 2017 during the D23 Expo Disney surprised guests by announcing a new space-themed restaurant that would be constructed in Future World. No name or menu details were provided at the time, but Disney did specify that this establishment would have special "windows" that simulate views of the galaxy as diners “travel high above the earth” during their meal.

And though it has been awhile since this initial announcement was made, construction on the brand new building that will house this upcoming restaurant, which will be built in a newly developed area between Mission: Space and Test Track, began last year. 

According to a job posting for this new restaurant, dining room will seat more than 350, and that guests will access the dining room by “two fully functioning elevators with large digital screens to simulate the trip to the space station.” Upon exiting the elevators, guests will enter the restaurant which will be connected to the rear of the existing lounge. 

11. New table service restaurant coming to Japan (TBA 2020)

And speaking of new dining establishments, it was confirmed last year that a new signature dining experience will be coming soon to Epcot's Japan pavilion. Operated by Mitsukoshi, which also runs the pavilion's other restaurants and retail areas, the restaurant will draw inspiration from nature. Though it is well hidden, construction walls have appeared on the far side of the 

12. Unnamed Guardians of the Galaxy Ride (TBA 2021)

Image: Disney

It has been almost two years since Disney confirmed during the 2017 D23 Expo in Anaheim that a Guardians of the Galaxy-inspired attraction would be added to Epcot's Future World, and in this time we've only gotten a few little updates here and there about what we can expect from this somehow still-unnamed attraction. However, one thing we do know is this attraction is going to be massive, with the building that will house this ride capable of holding FOUR Spaceship Earth attractions inside it, a truly staggering statistic.  

Disney has developed a new ride system for this attraction that will feature elevated roller coaster trains that conceal track underneath, and can also move independently, spinning around to face screens or setpieces, similar to the roller coaster trains used by Universal's Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts attraction. You can see the prototype for the new ride vehicles above. 

13. "Play" Pavilion (TBA 2021)

Image: Disney

After more than a decade being used as a Festival Center, it looks like the Wonders of Life pavilion is finally being turned into attraction space once again, and is being re-designed and re-branded as Future World's new "Play" pavilion (we're not quite sure if this is the official name or not). This updated space will be designed to look like an innovative indoor city that’ll come to life with interactive experiences, including ones that will include Disney characters. Though no specific IPs or attractions have been confirmed for this new pavilion, the concept art above features Mickey Mouse, as well as characters from Inside Out, Zootopia, the Aristocats, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan and Frozen, which is certainly exciting for Disney character fans!

Though no specific opening date was given for this area, Disney did confirm that this new pavilion will open just in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021. Zach Riddley, portfolio executive, Walt Disney Imagineering had this to say about this new "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.”

 
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