A large section of land is currently being cleared behind the Africa section of World Showcase. The land, which is next to where the globe barge is stored for the current Illuminations: Reflections of Earth show, may be used as a staging area for development of Epcot’s new nighttime fireworks show.
The photos of the area – courtesy of @bioreconstruct – show how the area has been cleared. Some have speculated this is where a new pavilion could be built, but that seems unlikely at this time given the lack of permits and its location next to the current fireworks staging area. Using the location as a development area for the future nighttime entertainment is more realistic.
As of now, it’s believed that Epcot will transition to a temporary fireworks show before the new long-term show later debuts, though it’s possible that could change. That new long-term show is believed to have drones that will require a staging area with easy access to the lagoon. It’s possible this land is being cleared for future drone (and whatever else) testing.
Below is a satellite view from Google showing what the area used to look like. Aside from some grass and gravel, there wasn’t much there.
It’ll be interesting to see what shows up on this plot of land over the next several weeks.
