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Disney World Building Abandoned Amid Constant Safety Risk

A bustling crowd of people walks along a tree-lined outdoor path, possibly in an amusement park or public space. The scene is in black and white, with various individuals engaging in different activities. Small structures and lamp posts line the path.
Credit: Inside the Magic

Disney Parks fans are buzzing about the fate of EPCOT’s Wonders of Life Pavilion, which has remained unused for years despite its prime location in the World Discovery neighborhood. Once a vibrant hub of interactive learning, the pavilion now faces an uncertain future due to ongoing safety concerns.

The Wonders of Life Pavilion opened in 1989 as part of EPCOT’s original vision of blending education and entertainment. It was home to fan-favorite attractions like Body Wars and Cranium Command. The pavilion officially closed in 2007 but was repurposed as a Festival Center until 2018. Plans to transform the space into the Play! Pavilion were announced in 2019, but progress was halted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inside the Wonders of Life Abandonment

EPCOT Play Pavilion concept art, which would've taken over wonders of life

Original concept art for the Play! Pavilion. Credit: Disney

Recent discussions among Disney Parks fans on Reddit shed new light on the state of the Wonders of Life Pavilion. Redditor u/ElectricalState258 asked:

“Anyone know what is stored in the old wonders of life building at EPCOT? I am super curious and would love to know if any CM’s have any insiders as to what’s stored in there or why it’s not being used.”

The responses painted a grim picture.

“Never say never but that pavilion will never re-open,” u/sparty219 claimed. “It’s been gutted and the roof has been leaking. If Disney didn’t deal with it during the re-imagining of EPCOT over the past few years, it’s not on the horizon that anything will happen with it. Not even worth tearing down since Disney has no intention of using the space for something else.”

A historic photo of the entrance to the Wonders of Life pavilion.

Credit: D23

Another user, u/1clockworkechoed, corroborated these details: “I was in there 2 years ago and they weren’t storing anything. I was told it’s not being used because they’ve attempted to fix the roof numerous times and it continues to leak. I’m surprised it hasn’t been demolished for a new attraction.”

A Forgotten Disney Landmark

The pavilion’s abandonment has disappointed Disney Parks fans, many of whom have fond memories of its heyday. Located near popular attractions like Mission: SPACE and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the building has high visibility but remains a shadow of its former self.

A futuristic sign with the words "MISSION SPACE" in bold letters is mounted diagonally above a large Earth globe backdrop, set within an interior space with a modern design.

Credit: Disney

Walt Disney World Resort has not issued an official statement about the building’s condition or future, leaving fans to speculate whether it will remain abandoned or eventually be demolished.

Did you visit the Wonders of Life Pavilion before it closed? Share your memories with Disney Tips in the comments. 

About Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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