Epcot expansion
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Permits filed for the new hotel close to Epcot entrance and changes to the land due to unannounced additions in the future.

We are speculating that this will be used for cast parking and backstage support functions for the new hotel to be built at the entrance of Epcot, in the area designated Zone A which is to the east of “Area 1” on the map. Whether the hotel will straddle the monorail beams or be located just to the west, we still don’t know, but either way, it appears the bus stop and bus parking area will need to be relocated.

Most of the current Guardians development is actually taking place in the northeast portion of Zone B, with some encroaching onto Zone C. Of particular note is the “Area 2” designated in Zone C. This is currently a wooded area but is planned to be cleared and leveled for development, according to the permit. It is likely this will be used for additional parking lots. Woodpecker Lane, which is an unpaved road that connects the eastern corner of the parking lot with the backstage areas, currently runs through Area 2, but as you can see, will be rerouted around the perimeter of the new parking lots.

The permits provide a nice overview of the current land use in this area. Red is buildings, pink is impervious (paved) areas, light green is pervious (i.e. undeveloped) areas, and dark green is wetlands.

Source: https://wdwnt.com/2018/02/new-permits-reveal-location-epcots-future-world-hotel/

Aerial images of Ratatouille ride site at Epcot:





Sources: https://twitter.com/bioreconstruct/status/967454061430624256 and https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/ratatouille/news/23feb2018-photos---aerial-pictures-of-the-ratatouille-construction-site.htm

New tidbit of information about Epcot's upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy-themed roller coaster:

This one-of-a-kind family attraction will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters when it’s added to Future World at Epcot. It’ll feature a unique story currently being created by Walt Disney Imagineering and include a new innovative ride system that’s guaranteed to “wow” guests.

Source: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/02/d23j-update-guardians-of-the-galaxy-at-epcot/

Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster:





Ratatouille ride:



Sources: https://twitter.com/ORLParkPass/status/954424669884551169 and https://twitter.com/ORLParkPass/status/954428024069468160/

Bottom right arrow is site of upcoming tall show building for Guardians of the Galaxy. Far away from the ride entrance (left arrow) so Spaceship Earth is not diminished.

Source: https://twitter.com/bioreconstruct/status/952636111771156480

Latest progress on Guardians of the Galaxy ride



Source: https://twitter.com/bioreconstruct/status/944339449487409152

Rumors/reports of a new resort being built in the front area of Epcot continue to gain traction

Check out the latest details of what may be happening here: http://www.wdwthemeparks.com/rumors/2017/02/18/new-resort-coming-to-epcot-resort-area and here: http://wdwnt.com/blog/2017/11/rumor-epcot-adding-future-world-hotel-will-stand-parks-entrance-front-spaceship-earth/

Source: http://wdwnt.com/blog/2017/11/permits-ratatouille-attraction-expanded-france-pavilion-reveal-new-details-epcot-project/

The majority of the land in the below photo will be used to create ponds for stormwater runoff displaced by the removal of the canal. A little less than 1/4 of the cleared site will be for the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction building.

Source: http://blogmickey.com/2017/11/photos-latest-aerial-update-guardians-galaxy-site-epcot-november-2017/