Walt Disney World has introduced two new lounges coming to the parks, together with one inside Spaceship Earth at EPCOT. This submit shares particulars, idea artwork, and all the pieces we all know concerning the plan–plus complete commentary about extra bars at WDW and whether or not we predict these are probably good or dangerous additions for the park. (Up to date December 3, 2024.)
This information was introduced through the “Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase” or Parks Panel presentation through the D23 Expo. Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro supplied a sneak peek at idea artwork for the longer term as well as and teased what was to come back in a couple of years, together with a number of tasks which are already underway. Amongst these had been over a half-dozen additions that may debut earlier than the tip of 2025.
In reality, there was a lot information through the D23 Parks Panel that Josh referred to as in associates Darren Criss and Skylar Astin for I assume what you’d name a rapid-fire montage track of smaller-scale updates earlier than persevering with on with the present. Throughout that, the dynamic duo introduced a model new lounge at EPCOT…
December 3, 2024 Replace: Walt Disney World shared a wide-ranging replace on what’s coming to the parks in 2025, and that included information concerning the opening of the lounge inside Spaceship Earth. Right here’s the the pertinent portion of the announcement:
Paying tribute to probably the most lovely EPCOT icon, our favourite geodesic sphere will likely be residence to a complete new expertise in late spring, welcoming an elevated lounge to the checklist of issues that make it completely gorgeous! This elegant lounge, honoring the intertwined historical past of Spaceship Earth and EPCOT itself, is ready to have a good time the legacy of the icon’s previous whereas admiring its future.
Our cooks have created scrumptious culinary creations to enrich the magnificence of this extraordinary, intimate setting. Whereas taking in breathtaking views of the park from a wholly special approach, you could be impressed by the tales and legacy of this iconic construction. With sweeping views of World Celebration Gardens and a singular perspective of the nightly fireworks, this secluded retreat invitations you to boost a toast to the enduring spirit of EPCOT.
Timing-wise, opening this lounge inside Spaceship Earth earlier than Summer season 2025 is smart.
Having it open in Late Spring 2025–after the push of Spring Break–additionally is smart. This can be a very low-capacity area, and it’s higher to debut that in shoulder season when demand (and thus disappointment amongst everybody getting shut out) isn’t as excessive. It’s nonetheless going to be a troublesome ADR it doesn’t matter what, however having it open later is a brilliant resolution.
Of the venture updates Walt Disney World simply shared, that is far and away the least bold. As famous within the commentary beneath, that is already a lounge area. Accordingly, the reimagining is actually a matter of giving it a brand new aesthetic and making no matter back-of-house modifications are obligatory to make sure the area can deal with a gradual stream of visitors and never simply company shoppers.
Most likely probably the most notable factor about this opening date is that it closes the door on a much-needed and lengthy overdue refurbishment of Spaceship Earth earlier than the lounge debuts. Had right this moment’s information been that Check Observe 3.0 is reopening in Spring 2025 and the Spaceship Earth Lounge is opening in Late 2026, my rapid conclusion would’ve been that the lounge had been pushed again to accommodate a reimagining in between.
Alas, that isn’t what occurred. It actually makes me marvel what, if something, the plan is with Spaceship Earth. The attraction wants to go down for a prolonged refurbishment sooner or later within the not-too-distant future. I suppose that would nonetheless occur in 2026, nevertheless it’d be an odd transfer to open this lounge solely to shut it ~6 months later for over a yr.
This leads me to imagine that the plan (assuming there’s one–daring assumption) is both a scaled-back refurbishment of simply what’s obligatory versus a reimagining, which permits the lounge to stay open, or that Journey into Creativeness is subsequent on deck. Both of those outcomes can be completely positive by me. However then there’s the third possibility, which might be the most certainly: nothing is scheduled for refurbishment/reimagining at EPCOT in 2026.
No future plans for the previous Future World can be pretty according to the corporate’s angle in the direction of EPCOT. For these retaining rating at residence, this was the solely brand-new EPCOT information through the D23 Parks Panel. Check Observe was additionally touched upon through the above-referenced replace track montage, and people had been the one two EPCOT tasks mentioned in any respect.
I’m truthfully not stunned. Walt Disney World has advised us in no unsure phrases that the EPCOT overhaul is completed. However my response has been: you certain ’bout that?
CommuniCore Corridor and Plaza are a large disappointment, World Celebration is an underwhelming placemaking venture at greatest, and there are a number of rides in want of refurbishment after Check Observe. And that features Spaceship Earth, which was overdue for refurbishment in 2020, when it was slated to shut for reimagining. (Idea artwork beneath is for that shelved Spaceship Earth reimagining, NOT this new lounge.)
Greater than another venture, EPCOT’s overhaul was a sufferer of the COVID-closure. The modifications and cancellations made on account of that massively scaled again the dimensions and scope of that transformation, and we’re simply now seeing the ‘fruits’ of that.
With the advantage of hindsight, I’m guessing nobody at Disney is proud of how the overhaul turned out–particularly when a less complicated placemaking venture (just like the entrance entrance–which is relatively improbable) would’ve been cheaper, quicker, and perhaps even higher.
The excellent news, I assume, is that EPCOT attendance is constant to languish. So even when Walt Disney World has declared the EPCOT overhaul over, they’re going to wish to do one thing else. This can’t be the established order by 2028, extra reimaginings and smaller scale tasks should be on the horizon. And never simply low-capacity lounges. However I digress.
Again on subject, this new lounge impressed by Spaceship Earth appears like a promising addition. In case it’s not clear, that is going to be situated within the sponsor lounge inside Spaceship Earth that was previously occupied by AT&T and Siemens. It’s the glass home windows above the Walt the Dreamer statue within the picture above.
I’ve been on this lounge a couple of occasions through the years, and it’s pretty sizable. Not as massive or cool because the Normal Motors lounge above Check Observe, however I hope that one by no means turns into a public area as a result of GM is probably the most useful sponsor to EPCOT, and with out that firm, there’s no approach we’d be getting Check Observe 3.0 this decade. (I assume it signifies that Disney Company Alliances has given up on a brand new sponsor for Spaceship Earth, which doesn’t precisely bode properly for the reimagining.)
However, all of those company lounges are pretty small relative to demand. This lounge has simply sufficient elevation and a location to make it good for sweeping views of the remainder of the previous Future World and again to World Showcase, which means it’ll provide an incredible perspective on Luminous: The Symphony of Us.
My prediction is that Advance Eating Reservations for the Spaceship Earth lounge immediately develop into the #1 most troublesome ADR in all of Walt Disney World, dethroning the Area 220 Lounge within the course of. Despite the fact that this could have barely increased capability and fewer in the way in which of themed design, the view and novelty of being inside Spaceship Earth will likely be like catnip to Disney diehards.
As for the inside model of the lounge, it’s no matter. Jogs my memory of the rooftop eating places at Gran Destino Tower or the lounges on the Want-class of the Disney Cruise Line ships. That’s probably not a dig. I believe these areas are elegant and chic and, within the case of Gran Destino, the primary draw is the views.
The same strategy with the Spaceship Earth lounge additionally is smart. There are design particulars that evoke the geometric panels on the outside of the geodesic sphere–that’s just about good. Showcase the massive views and let these be the spotlight, with a vaguely futurist and splendid sensibility to the model. That ought to hopefully discourage visitors from taking off their sneakers within the lounge ( you, DVC members within the Creativeness lounge.) Ah, who am I kidding–that’s wishful considering!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study inns on our Walt Disney World Resorts Evaluations web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations. To save cash on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Suggestions for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a singular have a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, one of the best place to begin is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the pieces that you must know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Are you excited for the Spaceship Earth lounge at EPCOT or Pirates of the Caribbean tavern at Magic Kingdom? Or are you upset that Disney is including extra bars and lounges to the parks? What plans from the 2024 D23 Expo have you ever most and least excited? Something you’re hoping does not find yourself coming to fruition? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Any questions we may help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
