It appears that the “countdown to extinction” has begun for the Universe of Energy pavilion in Walt Disney World’s Epcot.
According to WFTV 9, plans have been filed with the South Florida water management district that could potentially see the removal of the long-standing pavilion.
The permit application filed by the Walt Disney Company seeks approval to fill in the canal and pave part of the forest directly behind the attraction on the eastern edge of the EPCOT parking lot. Plan maps show the roughly 1.2 million square-foot project area includes the attraction within its boundaries. According to drainage design documents, the purpose of the project is, “to provide a more-contiguous area for possible future changes to parking capacity and back of house areas.”
What the plans do not mention explicitly is the demolition of the pavilion. Rather, they’re looking at filling in the canal to make room behind the show building. So it’s entirely possible that whatever is next might use the existing pavilion and ride system, but add to it. Might.
It’s been long-rumored that Ellen’s Energy Adventure was due for a replacement, as many guests feel the attraction is very, very dull and horribly dated. The rumor that had gained the most traction was a Guardians of the Galaxy themed coaster, which admittedly seems like an odd choice for Future World.
Just how long has the rumor been around? Below is a PNP Podcast episode dating to last Spring talking about potential changes for Ellen, and other things we’d like to “fix” in Walt Disney World.
The Future of Future World: What’s Next for Epcot?
A replacement for Ellen’s Energy Adventure is one on a long list of rumored changes coming to Epcot’s aging Future World. Also among the rumors is a new attraction in the Imagination Pavilion (with or without Figment and Dreamfinder), new missions for Mission: SPACE and a possible update to Spaceship Earth (which hopefully restores the descent, but doesn’t add any IP.)
It’s likely that more light will be shed on what’s in store for Epcot at this year’s D23 Expo.
Stay tuned to The Kingdom Insider for more news and rumors as we hear them.
[Source: WFTV 9]
One can hope universe of energy is gone soon. But a Guardian coaster seems odd for Epcot. Wouldn’t a Tron coaster be better? Computer science theme…
I’ve been skeptical about the Guardians coaster rumor that’s been floating around. It doesn’t really mesh with Future World. Even if they use some kind of Marvel / Disney / Pixar IP I can only hope it fits with the theme of the park and isn’t just another mindless thrill ride. Even Test Track has a basis in science and engineering.
They should do something with the wasted space of the Wonders of Life Pavilion before the Universe of Energy. They also have that wasted space of the old Odyssey restaurant.
I agree that Wonders of Life is a huge missed opportunity. And the Odyssey is only active during festivals and the occasional corporate event. Both locations deserve better!
My wife and I love Ellen’s Energy Adventure. It needs some updates, but we find it to be an entertaining and unique attraction with great characters. Lots of variety, humor, and detail – we notice new things almost every time we ride it. It fits the edutainment concept of Epcot very well.
While Universe of Energy is on the way out, why not add Inside Out IP to Wonder of Life and reopen that pavilion?