It’s been a long time since we talked about the PLAY! Pavilion at Epcot. Disney hasn’t discussed the pavilion that will take over the former Wonders of Life building in quite some time. However, we can see that the construction walls outside were pushed back and the entrance path has been blocked by landscaping.
The area in front of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and the PLAY! Pavilion has been opened up.
Aerial photo showing that the construction fence has moved inward at Guardians of the Galaxy and Play Pavilion.
Notice how the Play Pavilion access is blocked by landscaping. pic.twitter.com/yfA3PTOQVw— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) November 26, 2021
Moving the construction walls back significantly improves guest flow in the area. But, it’s worth noting that the walkway into the PLAY! Pavilion is now blocked by new landscaping.
Current view of Play Pavilion. Construction fence recently moved inward. pic.twitter.com/kL8utcDCJg
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) November 27, 2021
The PLAY! Pavilion was originally supposed to open for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary. That obviously didn’t happen, so it was assumed it would open at some point in 2022. It’s unclear if that will happen, but it’s worth noting Disney did not mention it at all during their D23 Parks presentation.
Below is Disney’s most recent description of the PLAY! Pavilion.
“In this digital metropolis, you’ll discover an interactive city bursting with games, activities and experiences that connect you with friends, family and beloved Disney characters – both real and virtual – like never before. As part of this new pavilion, you’ll have the chance to help legendary fashion icon Edna Mode on her quest to rid the world of uninspired style, or make a splash competing in a water-balloon fight hosted by Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby.”
It looks like Disney has put the PLAY! Pavilion firmly on the backburner. They likely don’t want to move forward with interactive exhibits given the current health climate. With Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind scheduled to open in Summer 2022, Disney could sit on this project for the foreseeable future.
