Last weekend we lost the Universe of Energy to the big Jeopardy dream in the sky. A new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction is slated to replace it and be open by 2021. Mission: Space has reopened after being closed for a much needed refresh during the summer. The Orange, more intense mission now has improved graphics created by Industrial Light and Magic. The Green side finally has its very own mission traveling around the Earth. The height requirement for the green side has been reduced by 4 inches as well so smaller children can now ride, thanks to the use of new “booster” seats. The preshow videos have been completely redone and the ride entrance has been reconfigured.
While we were at the park we also checked out the progress (or non-progress) of the new Choza de Margarita in Mexico. Most of the food booths for the upcoming Food & Wine Festival have been set up and decor is starting to go up around the park. The gondola station construction has started near the back entrance to park. And we look at where the new Ratatouille ride will be going in France. Check out the video and full photo report below and stay tuned for more theme park updates coming soon!
Photo Update
Welcome to Epcot during the rare time between festivals!
Universe of Energy closed permanently last weekend
A single sign is out front to let guests know the ride is now closed
Plants are blocking the entrances
And empty sign by the main entrance
Construction noise can be heard inside as they make way for Guardians of the Galaxy
Mission: SPACE has reopened after a brief refurbishment
Earth and Mars seen on sign now represent the two missions
New warnings sign with new rules for updated green mission
Height limit for green side has been decreased so smaller children can ride
Updated height stick
New signage for new mission outside the attraction
Entrance gates have been reconfigured so each mission has its own entrance
Green entrance
Orange entrance
Queue has been altered to accommodate two entrances plus Fastpass lines
Lighting has been toned down on the wheel (which still no longer rotates)
Mission Control looking good and nicely refreshed
Preshow briefing videos have been completely remade
Gary Sinise has been replaced by Gina Torres
New safety footage was shot as well for second preshow
Graphics for the Orange Mars mission have been completely re-done by ILM
The Green mission has been completely re-done, now around the Earth
The green mission uses “booster” seats for children between 40″ and 44″ inches so they can ride
Checking in on Choza de Margarita construction
There still hasn’t been any announcement on an opening day for this Magarita stand
They wanted it open in time for summer, but unfortunately it’s taking longer than planned
Mexico pyramid and accents were recently repainted
Pyramid is looking good as new now
Future World West path to World Showcase closed for Food & Wine prep
Lots of Food & Wine booths showing up around World Showcase
Lots of temporary work walls up around the park for festival prep as well
Ducks!
Quick check in on Gondola station construction near International Gateway
Work walls are up near the boat drop-off and resort walkway
Currently looks like their just clearing land to begin foundation work next
This giftshop at the International Gateway entrance may get a bit busier soon
Before we go, let’s check in on the France Pavilion
Ratatouille ride will be built behind pavilion and this path on the right might be one of the entrances to the new area
This backstage gate may someday soon be expanded and become one of the entrances to a new street behind France
Oh boy. This might need to be updated. That’s all for now! Subscribe to the news feed for more updates!
That’s all for this construction update.
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Alicia Stella has been covering new attractions since 2015, with her work cited by The New York Times, USA Today, CNN, and more. She specializes in reporting on new attraction development, and always looks forward to upcoming changes to the Orlando theme parks. She is also co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando.
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