The Walt Disney Company is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023 with the Disney100 Years of Wonder celebration. The festivities kick off at Disneyland Resort in California in January and will make their way across Disney theme parks worldwide throughout the year. One of the highlights of the Disney100 celebration will take place at EPCOT in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida this fall. EPCOT is undergoing a historic transformation as part of the park’s 40th anniversary. The Disney100 festivities will coincide with the completion of some of these exciting changes. Here’s an overview of what guests can expect from the Disney100 Years of Wonder celebration at EPCOT:
New Nighttime Spectacular
The centerpiece of the Disney100 celebration at EPCOT will be an all-new nighttime spectacular over World Showcase Lagoon. This new show will replace the current Harmonious nighttime spectacular and is set to debut in late 2023.While details are still under wraps, Disney has said that the show will be one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park. It will feature new lighting, pyrotechnics, fountain effects, and music to celebrate 100 years of Disney storytelling and characters. The show promises to be an unforgettable experience as EPCOT lights up with a stunning display over the World Showcase Lagoon. It will pay tribute to classic Disney films and characters as well as the company’s history of innovation and imagination.
EPCOT Forever Limited-Time Return
Leading up to the debut of the new nighttime spectacular, EPCOT will bring back the EPCOT Forever show for a limited-time run starting April 3, 2023. EPCOT Forever originally ran as a temporary show in 2019 as part of the transition from IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth to Harmonious. The return of EPCOT Forever will give guests a chance to re-live the spectacular fireworks, lighting, and music that celebrates the history and spirit of EPCOT. It features the classic EPCOT tunes “One Little Spark” and “We Go On” as well as songs from classic EPCOT attractions.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Another exciting attraction debuting just before the Disney100 celebration is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. This new roller coaster will open in summer 2023 in EPCOT’s newly renamed World Discovery neighborhood (formerly Future World).This family-friendly storytelling coaster features a groundbreaking ride system with vehicles that rotate 360 degrees to focus your attention on the action. It will also feature the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster and a unique visual experience with over 2,200 LED screens lining the ride. The adventure starts in the Galaxarium planetarium before launching into an intergalactic chase through space and time alongside characters from the Guardians of the Galaxy films. The addition of this highly anticipated E-ticket attraction makes 2023 a monumental year for new rides at EPCOT.
Harmonious Final Performances
Before EPCOT Forever returns, guests will have a last chance to see Harmonious. The current nighttime show will have its final performance on April 2, 2023 before going on hiatus for the Disney100 celebration events. Harmonious has entertained guests since October 2021 with its mix of Disney music, fountains, lights, fireworks, and pyrotechnics. The show features songs from Disney and Pixar films interpreted in multiple languages. Seeing Harmonious one last time will let guests enjoy the sweeping spectacle over World Showcase Lagoon before the new Disney100 show debuts.
Special Entertainment
In addition to the new nighttime show, EPCOT will likely feature special entertainment and characters throughout the park to celebrate Disney100.Though details have not been released yet, there will likely be special character cavalcades, entertainment on the World Showcase stages, decorations, and more. Disney100-themed food and beverage and merchandise will also become available at EPCOT. Past anniversary celebrations have included special character appearances, dance parties, sing-alongs, photo ops with specialty props, and temporary food booths with unique food and drink.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
While not specifically tied to Disney100, the opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will coincide with the start of the celebration this fall. This brand new ride will open on October 1, 2023 in the France pavilion. This family-friendly ride shrinks guests down to the size of Chef Remy from Ratatouille as they scurry through Gusteau’s restaurant. The ride features an innovative trackless ride system with 3D effects and scenes inspired by the Disney Pixar film. The expansion of the France pavilion will also introduce a new restaurant, La Crêperie de Paris, opening late 2022. The timing of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure makes it a perfect addition to the EPCOT festivities.
Space 220 Restaurant
Space 220 is a new dining experience already open that virtually transports guests to a space station high above Earth. This immersive restaurant opened in September 2021 near Mission: SPACE in World Discovery. Dining at Space 220 feels like eating among the stars with views of Earth from 220 miles up and simulated daytime and nighttime scenes from space. This family-friendly restaurant serves up delicious dishes and drinks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Space 220 makes a fitting addition to EPCOT just in time for the Disney100 galactic celebration. Its “space elevator” entrance and sci-fi ambiance add exciting new layers to the park.
Ongoing Park Transformation
The Disney100 celebration will spotlight the ongoing transformation of EPCOT as part of the historic park changes happening for its 40th anniversary. The multi-year reimagining includes four new neighborhoods:
- World Discovery – Thrilling attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- World Nature – Themed around nature, with a Moana-inspired Journey of Water attraction coming
- World Celebration – Featuring Spaceship Earth and Dreamers Point
- World Showcase – The classic country pavilions
Other updates like the new Creations Shop and Club Cool are already open, with more on the way. Disney100 lands during an epic era for EPCOT as the park continues to honor its original vision while evolving for the future.
Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will also be happening from late July through November 2023. This popular annual event celebrates global food and drink with marketplaces and special events around World Showcase. The festival will offer guests a “Taste of EPCOT” through its diverse culinary offerings. Marketplaces featuring bite-sized foods and refreshing beverages will allow guests to sample flavors from around the world. There will also be special cooking demonstrations and opportunities to meet celebrity chefs. The festival is the perfect enhancement to the global culture of World Showcase. With the Disney100 celebration also highlighting the diversity of Disney storytelling, the festival’s international cuisine will complement the festivities. Guests can eat and drink their way around World Showcase while also taking in the new shows, entertainment, and décor of the Disney100 Years of Wonder event. It will be an unbeatable combination for foodies and Disney fans alike.
More Magic to Come
While these early details give a look at what’s ahead, there is certainly more Disney magic in store for the Disney100 Years of Wonder celebration at EPCOT. Disney is sure to have surprises and special experiences planned to make the centennial truly spectacular. As Walt Disney World’s most dynamic park, EPCOT is the perfect setting for the creativity and innovation that Disney100 will showcase. The future is bright as EPCOT moves forward with its unprecedented transformation while also honoring the company’s rich legacy of imagination. The Disney100 Years of Wonder celebration invites guests to step into their own journey of discovery, thrills, and enchantment at EPCOT. This world-class event will create lifelong memories and kick off the next 100 years of Disney wonder.
