“So It’s Just a Big Open Space?” Here’s Why I’m Not Surprised at the Internet’s Reaction to EPCOT’s New Attraction

Disney4me · June 17, 2024

Just a few days ago, Disney World finally unveiled CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza, the last pieces of the EPCOT expansion.

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CommuniCore Hall

This is part of what has been behind those construction walls for YEARS, and everyone was super excited to see it, basing the design off the concept art Disney had released previously. Again, we all knew these were concept art drawings and that things could change…but let’s just say a lot of people are VERY disappointed with what Disney actually created.

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To begin, let’s take a look at some of the concept art Disney released for CommuniCore Hall and Plaza, which are described as being flex spaces to be utilized during EPCOT’s many festivals throughout the year. CommuniCore Plaza is the outdoor area that is designed to be used for band performances, and is currently home to the new ¡Celebración Encanto! show.

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CommuniCore Plaza ©Disney

CommuniCore Hall is the indoor area that is mainly the flex space for festivals, and also includes a new meet and greet with Mickey and friends.

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Communicore Hall ©Disney

The space looked very colorful, lively, and had so many moving pieces. So what did the final product look like and why has it made so many so angry? Well, in the words of one commenter, “So, it’s just a big open space?”

CommuniCore Hall

Right now, there’s no festival happening in EPCOT. And that means, we’re not gonna lie, Communicore Hall really does just look like a large open space with chairs and tables, and some banners. One of our reporters was sitting in the area and noticed that 90% of the people she saw walked in, looked disappointed, and walked back out.

It is pretty…empty right now

Now, to be fair, this is WITHOUT a festival, so this is its base level. We’re hoping to see it really transform when EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival starts August 29th, and we’ll really see what this space can become. So we still have hope! But what about outside at CommuniCore Plaza? Well…

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CommuniCore Plaza

…that’s kind just a big open space right now, too. Just like inside, there are some tables to hang out at, but there’s not a ton of shade, even when you’re watching shows on the stage!

Looking out from the stage to the audience

And in the Florida heat and sun? That’s not great. We’ve seen some commenters specifically be frustrated over the fact that Disney didn’t think at all about how guests will likely want to take a seat and watch a show under some shade instead of out in the blazing sun.

Another look at the stage

And we can’t argue with that complaint, because it IS hot, and we love to sit down and rest our feet. Now, when it’s later at night and the sun has gone down, listening to a band likely won’t be too bad (heat wise), but finding one of those rare picnic tables around the area will likely be hard to come by.

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There are some fun games to play though!

The main thing we HAVEN’T heard many complaints about is the new Mickey and Friends meet and greet, because hey, it’s Mickey and Friends, and who doesn’t love that?