Last week, the Art of Disney location in EPCOT’s Future World closed its doors and moved into The American Adventure.
We heard about this change in location back in October, when Heritage Manor was announced that it would be the new permanent location for Art of Disney in EPCOT.
The closure and relocation is all a part of the Project Gamma expansion for a new Future World.
However, back in World Showcase, Heritage Manor has been transformed into an all-new Art of Disney location.
The entire shop has been modified with new displays and shelving units to hold all of the various artwork.
After months behind construction walls, the stage for the Winged Encounters – The Kingdom Takes Flight bird show has finally debuted a new, permanent space. For months now during its refurbishment, the show has taken place over by the rocks surrounding the edge of the overlook for the Tree of Life, but now the stage is set for a magnificent return to its former location.
Winged Encounters used to have a series of temporary poles with rings at the top for the birds to perch and fly off from, but now it seems a series of branches will form their new playground. While at the base, this is the same stage that was there before, much more has been added to it throughout its refurbishment.
The stage area features carved wood chameleons, otters, and a ram, among other animals. A series of branches jut out over the top to act as perches for the birds when they are on stage.
Warm, recessed lighting is tucked away along the bottom of the stage for nighttime illumination. From this angle, it practically looks like an extension of the Tree of Life itself, with similar carved animal motifs. This is the perfect example of how to properly enhance a space during refurbishment, tying in to the themed elements in the space seamlessly.
If you’re looking to catch a showing of Winged Encounters, morning shows take place daily at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 11:30 AM, and afternoon encounters take place at 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, and 3:30 PM.
On September 8, 2019, we saw many closures at Epcot to make way for construction for the reimagined Epcot that will be ready in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary in 2021. After one side of the Epcot Character Spot closed, Mickey moved to a temporary location with Goofy and Minnie. Disney has announced a new and exciting location for Mickey.
The exciting transformation of Epcot has begun, with groundbreaking attractions and other unforgettable experiences debuting in the coming months and years. Among them will be new places to meet and interact with some of your favorite Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse himself!
Mickey will soon be making appearances in a new location at the Imagination! pavilion, as part of the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival. Just inside the entrance, you’ll discover Mickey greeting his fans and celebrating his on-screen stardom.
Mickey’s imagination has led to a career in the movies for 90 years and counting, featuring roles in dozens of short films such as “Get A Horse” which you can enjoy as part of the festival. Look for Mickey to arrive at the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival in early 2020!
