Below is our Epcot rumor roundup for July 2016...
Ellen's Energy Adventure: Guardians of the Galaxy to rumored to take over Ellen's Energy Adventure in phase one of a two phase project. Nothing has been officially approved by Disney, but rumor has it that the ride will close within the next 6-8 months, before re-opening as a Guardians ride in 2017/2018. A phase 2 for this project may include the use of the Wonders of Life pavilion which has been rarely used for many years. This rumor from Blog Mickey and WDWMagic.
Innoventions: Overhaul of Innoventions as Sum of All Thrills expected to lose its Ratheon sponsorship. Sum of All Thrill's ride replay is no longer available on the Ratheon website from 30th June, and a WDWMagic use is reporting that further changes are expected inside the Innoventions pavilion.
Journey into Imagination: It is rumored that the Imagination pavilion may undergo some significant changes within the coming years. The ride is rather outdated, and the theater is only temporarily being used for the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival. The original rumor was that the Muppets would take over the pavilion, but this seems more unlikely now with the addition of the Muppets themed restaurant over at Hollywood Studios. We may see something based on Inside Out come to the pavilion over the next couple of years. Disney is considering a huge refurbishment of the Figment attraction, but is waiting for a sponsor first.
IllumiNations Reflections of Earth: Rumor has been swirling for years that a new nighttime fireworks show would replace IllumiNations in the coming years. The existing show has been in place for many years now, and it well overdue a change. No official announcement has been made, but it is expected that a new show would make use of drone technology which Disney patented in 2015. Some say the new show will debut within the next couple of years, whereas others suggest that the show may not debut until 2021 as the resort celebrates its 50th anniversary.
World Showcase: This has been a rumor for a long while now, but new rides are expected to make their way to Epcot's World Showcase. Following the popularity of Frozen Ever After, thoughts go to what other countries could have rides. So far, the rumors we have heard include; an Alice in Wonderland dark ride in the UK pavilion, a Ratatouille ride (similar to DLP) in France, and a boat ride coming to the Canada pavilion. There is plenty of room to install these rides, and the Canada boat ride was actually in the original World Showcase plan.
These are just 5 of the rumors which sound feasible at Epcot. If you have heard of any other rumors which you wish to share, please do so below or on Twitter..
