New Permits Show Epcot’s Hotel Location

Back in October we talked about some geothermic tests being done at Epcot and how that might indicate an Epcot Hotel is coming.  Well looking at the latest permits filed by Disney for work in the area that certainly looks to be much more likely now, and the new permit also show Epcot’s Hotel location.  Let’s dive in:

The latest permits indicate a 3 Phase Plan in the expansion of Epcot.  Those phases are likely as follows:

• Phase 1 – Part of Retention Pond and Guardians of the Galaxy attraction
• Phase 2 – Finish Retention Pond and Epcot Hotel
• Phase 3 – Future World Updates

So the original permits were interesting because of the proximity to Epcot the tests were being run and the sheer size of the project.  Supposedly Disney was/is considering 2 locations for an Epcot hotel: One could be close to The Seas pavilion, but the more likely would be located just to the left of the main entrance to Epcot, possibly even being connected to the monorail.  Of course the primary concern for this would be that the view of Spaceship Earth would be blocked by some coming to the park, but if done right imo would still be fine.  Views into the park would be phenomenal, in a similar way to the Disneyland Hotel in Disneyland Paris.

In the map below from the latest permits you’ll see the Epcot divided into sections which are color-coded.  There is a lot of Realestate available that is now currently being utilized as swampland or forest.  The large green patch to the top left is where a retention pond will be put in.  Why is this important?  New stormwater management is needed to balance all the construction projects for Epcot that Disney has on the table.  The grey area is mostly parking, the orange is Future World and World Showcase, and the yellow patch is the one that’s most intriguing for an Epcot Hotel.

In the following map you’ll see those same areas broken down into areas labeled A-D.  The Guardians of the Galaxy Coaster will mostly be taking place on the northeast part of Area B, and a little of it spilling out onto Area C.  In the map below you see the Retention Pond will be partly done in Phase 1 and the second half in Phase 2.

The development of Area A right above the entrance is listed in the permits for development as part of Phase 2 and is the most logical spot for the Epcot Hotel.

Of course if part of Area A gets flattened and is the Epcot Hotel location, that means some of the parking lot which is currently in that area will disappear.  That’s why it’s noted in the permits that part of Area C on the right which is now a wooded area, will be cleared and leveled for development, including more parking.

Here’s a better shot highlighted in blue of the Epcot Hotel location:

We’re so excited for these improvements to Epcot, including the France Pavilion expansion which is bringing a Ratatouille attraction to the park!  Having a 3 Phase Expansion/Upgrade of Epcot is certainly an exciting undertaking, and we’re looking forward to bringing you more updates on the construction and plans as more information comes out.   Disney still hasn’t officially commented on an Epcot hotel yet, but as you can see here in the permits something big is coming, and we’re anticipating Disney’s announcement!

This won’t be the only Disney World hotel right next to one of the parks, we’re also waiting for the Star Wars hotel coming to Hollywood Studios, which will open sometime after Galaxy’s Edge does in 2019.

UPDATE – 5/9/18: 27 New Permits were filed by Disney having to do with a big Epcot Expansion project, part of which will be the Future World Hotel.

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