EPCOT's Anniversary and Changes Coming

On October 1, Epcot will have been open for 35 years! For much of this time, little has changed. Sure there were new rides - Finding Nemo at the Living Seas, and Soarin at The Land; Not to mention Test Track and Mission Space. But nothing really impactful. Well that is about to change. Here is a summary of the rumors we are likely to see taking stage in the next few years (and as part of Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary which is coming up soon too)....

New Illuminations fireworks/laser show. Remember the Flying Drones from the 2017 Superbowl? They will be taking flight as Illuminations is re-imagined and probably renamed...finally!

New neighbor! Brazil is moving in between the Germany and Italy pavilions at World Showcase. Rumor has it as well, that it might be Spain...either way, a new neighbor!

A new ride coming to World Showcase is being built. No word exactly what it will be .... Tron from Disney Shanghai? (nope it's going in at Magic Kingdom replacing Autopia), Guardians of the Galaxy themed? It's replacing Ellen's Energy Adventure. Yay!

And construction is already happening for a gondola transportation system linking EPCOT, Disney Hollywood Studios and the resorts of Caribbean Beach and Pop Century.

Given that 2019 will be Disney Hollywood Studios' year with the opening of Star Wars, and these attractions take time to build, my guess is 2022 will be EPCOT's year (and timed with WDW's 50th anniversary celebrations) with some things making their debut before then.