Height test balloons over Epcot today as plans for Epcot's Future World take shape

Jul 18, 2016 in "EPCOT"

Posted: Monday July 18, 2016 4:35pm EDT by WDWMAGIC Staff

Plans to repurpose Epcot's Future World are taking shape, and early risers this morning may have got a glimpse of those plans.

We sadly don't have any photos to show, but early this morning before park opening, Imagineering conducted a height balloon test in Future World East.

Specifically, the balloons were floated near to the Universe of Energy, currently home to Ellen's Energy Adventure.

Those of you who have followed previous construction projects will know that height balloon tests are carried out to see how a building's sight-lines will impact the surrounding area.

Typically, high points and corners of the building are represented by balloons at the planned height of the structure, and then the visual impact is evaluated.

A Guardians of the Galaxy themed attraction is strongly tipped to be in the planning stages for this area of the park, and it may very well be that this attraction's structure was being evaluated today.

Unlike the recently opened Frozen Ever After that reused an existing ride system and building, the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction is thought to involve a new build, requiring the complete removal of the Universe of Energy ride system. The future of the actual building isn't clear at this point.

The closing and demolition of Energy would be a clear indication that management has a very different vision for Future World at Epcot, moving away from the original edutainment concept, and towards blockbuster franchises.

Disney has not yet made any announcement regarding Epcot's future projects.

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wdwmagicJul 15, 2017

Now continuing at http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/guardians-of-the-galaxy-attraction-confirmed-for-epcot.929265/

trainplane3Jul 15, 2017

Remember that internet point from yesterday? You have received it. Enjoy! Thanks for all the hints! Gotta ask, is that the "good" Epcot spine? Seems good to me.

RMichael21Jul 15, 2017

High Res versions:

Captain NeoJul 15, 2017

I never doubted you for a second! Wonderful!

marni1971Jul 15, 2017

Well? :cool:

trainplane3Jul 15, 2017

So my guess about making UoE spaceshippy...was right?! I'm kind of OK with the design of it. Sad about UoE.

Wishing StarJul 15, 2017

davis_unoxxJul 15, 2017

Confirmed.

davis_unoxxJul 15, 2017

Is it going to get announced?

Tegan pilots a chickenJul 15, 2017

Just about time is it not?

nor'easterJul 15, 2017

So? The classic Pirates of the Caribbean is at Disneyland. I still wouldn't want them to change the WDW version into a Marvel noisy mess.

Captain NeoJul 15, 2017

Right

iHeartDisneylandCatsJul 15, 2017

lol

FantasmicguyJul 15, 2017

But wait. An Epcot 82 fan would be upset that GOTG is coming. You claim with all your heart that it isn't happening. So for what reason would a classic Epcot fan be sour? Captain Neo what is the truth?