The re-imaging of Epcot continues with the closure of Spaceship Earth on May 26th
Disney Parks today announced a couple of major news items. First up the Spaceship Earth closure will be on May 26th for rennovation.
No timeline announced for the update, with the post going on to say the ride will be down “for a time”.
Other notable bits of information about the redevelopment were that the Egypt scene would be transformed via light.
Many of the moments you know and love will be updated in amazing ways, blended with brand-new scenes to tell a story about our human experience.
You’ll visit Egypt, which is part of the current version of the attraction, but it will be an Egypt like you’ve never seen before, transformed through the power of light.
As well as this brand new narration will be part of the new Spaceship Earth. No more Judi Dench thanking the Phoenicians for your A, B, C’s. Not sure who will be the new narrator yet but let’s hope its someone as equally iconic as Dame Judi Dench.
For more have a look at the Disney Parks Blog.
With the closure of the ride it leaves the Epcot ride line up looking even smaller. Luckily it should not be too long after May 26th that we see the opening of Ratatouille in the France pavilion. A much needed ride opening in a sea of construction walls.
When Spaceship Earth Does finally reopen, I think it will be about time we redid our oldest and first Expedition…..
Chapek in Charge
Another major announcement that came just before the Spaceship Earth news was that Bob Chapek has named Chief Executive Officer of the Walt Disney company effective immediately. Bob Iger will remain Executive Chairman through 2021. Iger will focus on Disney’s creative strategy for the rest of his tenure before he retires. Interestingly shares of Disney fell about 2.5% after the announcement which is however normal after a new CEO appointment.
With this news means there will need to be a new chairman of Disney Parks and experiences. Potential candidates could be George Kalogridis or even Josh D’amaro.
Quite an exciting time for the Disney Parks. Some though have not been too keen with Bob Chapek’s time in charge…
“So here’s to the next 30,000 years on Spaceship Earth. While no one knows for sure what we’ll see or do, I do know it will be quite an adventure—an adventure that we’ll take and make together. See you in the future!”
