Rumors had been swirling for quite a while that the 21-year-old Ellen’s Energy Adventure was on it way out at Epcot, with the likely replacement being an attraction themed to Guardians of the Galaxy. That rumor was finally confirmed by Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek at the D23 Expo, calling the forthcoming E Ticket attraction “more timeless, more relevant, more family, more Disney.”
The story of the attraction and why the Guardians have come to Epcot is that Peter Quill actually visited the park as a child. From the concept art you can see that this appears to be a unique attraction unlike the re-imagining of Tower of Terror at California Adventure (that’s not say that Mission: Breakout is not incredibly awesome, because it is).
The exterior concept art image shows some obvious changes for the Energy Pavilion, notably a Nova Corps Star Blaster ship parked front and center, and Groot, Rocket, Gamora, and some other species from the Guardians universe walking around. Could character meets be part of the re-imagining?
I take a somewhat “controversial” view of welcoming Guardians of the Galaxy to Epcot. I’m a huge fan of the films and I can’t wait to see what Imagineering and Marvel are cooking up for this new attraction and how they make it fit with the original spirit of the park as they claim it will.
Chapek says that Disney is working to have this attraction open by Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2021. With so many amazing announcements for the resort at the expo, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but I think this might be mine, not counting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, of course.
Ellen’s Energy Adventure will welcome its final guests on August 13. Will you make the time for one last 45-minute ride before then? Are you excited to see the Guardians come to Epcot or do you think it might clash with the original vision for the park?
