The 2021 Renovation of EPCOT continues and this time the entrance plaza sees the addition of new flags, nighttime lighting, music, and more!

On Wednesday, March 3, Imagineer Zach Riddley shared all kinds of exciting news about EPCOT’s entrance plaza.

The Walt Disney Imagineering EPCOT project team raised a total of 12 flags in front of Spaceship Earth. Each flag, of course, has a special meaning.

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If that isn’t enough, new nighttime lighting will soon debut. Oh, and there’s even an updated soundtrack.

These additions are part of the main entrance changes that Disney announced in February 2019, including moving Leave A Legacy right outside of the park’s gateway.

The new design pays homage to the original park entrance by adding a fresh spin on the classic elements. The following concept art for the entrance plaza was also released at the time of the 2019 announcement:

The concept art released in February 2019 for EPCOT’s new entrance plaza. Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

As for the latest updates, here’s what you need to know.

The Flags

Again, there are a total of 12 flags flanking Spaceship Earth, which feature six original EPCOT icons.

As Riddley explained on Instagram, “These icons go back to the original design philosophy of the park and represent pavilions and attractions in a vibrant new palette that is inspired by the new EPCOT neighborhoods.”

Check out how the new EPCOT lands will be laid out! Image Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

If you didn’t know, Future World will eventually be completely transformed with four new neighborhoods: World Showcase, World Discovery, World Celebration, and World Nature.

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Updated Background Music

That’s right, there is a brand new main entrance soundtrack that “brings energy and optimism to the revitalized architecture, lush landscape and flowing fountain of the re-imagined guest entry experience.”

If you’re a lover of the old background music, well, that appears to be long gone. But, don’t worry, you can still listen to it online.

As for the new music, the soundtrack isn’t original music, but rather a mix of tunes that are uplifting and powerful, including, as tweeted by Scott Gustin, the above song “Reach the Sky” by Mark Petrie and Andrew Prahlow.

If you’d like to create a playlist of the updated music, here’s a list of most every song courtesy of both BlogMickey.com and Twitter user @Schmoofy.

New Nighttime Lighting

There’s no beating EPCOT’s nighttime lighting. Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Finally, there’s also some new nighttime lighting that officially debuts on March 3.

We were there to see the new entrance lights this week! Check out our photos of all the new entrance lighting.

The lucite pylons change color in a matter of seconds. Photo by Todd Turner

Guests will be able to enjoy a “color-coordinated light ribbon around the entire rim of the plaza.” It is said to be in “connection with our recently revealed fountain lighting.”

This light ribbon is not to be confused with the new lights resembling stars in a nighttime sky that will project across Spaceship Earth for Walt Disney World’s 50th celebration.

Riddley followed up to share this post of the nighttime lights:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Zach Riddley (@thezachriddley)

Actually, this particular projection will become a “permanent” nighttime fixture on the park icon come Oct. 1, 2021.

On Feb. 29, Riddley also shared on Instagram about Spaceship Earth’s nighttime transformation, “Her classic look will be maintained and accentuated through new colors and intensity in programmed expressions that extend into the new main entrance fountain and the entire World Celebration area that continues to take shape before our eyes.”

The 2021 EPCOT Renovation Continues

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Zach Riddley (@thezachriddley)

Stay tuned, because there are still some small details that need to be finished in the entrance plaza, but the area is certainly coming together.

What do you think of the latest additions to the EPCOT entrance plaza? Tell us in the comments on our Facebook page!

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