Although Disney World has reopened, Disney has confirmed that they will still be pausing work on the Mary Poppins-inspired attraction planned for Epcot’s World Showcase and the reimagining of Spaceship Earth.
With guests once again visiting the parks it was noticed that mentions of the Mary Poppins ride and “Spaceship Earth” refurbishment had been removed from the ‘Epcot Experience preview center’ where guests can watch a video about the changes coming to the park.
“As with most businesses during this period, we are further evaluating long-term project plans. The decision was made to postpone development of the “Mary Poppins”-inspired attraction and Spaceship Earth at this time,” Disney said in a statement.
The new changes coming to Epcot were first announced in August 2019 at the D23 Expo, the company’s annual conference. “Every inch of every park should be magical, and that’s why I’m so excited about this transformation,” Bob Chapek, Chair of Parks, Experiences and Products, said at the time.
During the event, Dick Van Dyke, who played chimney sweep Bert in the 1964 version of Mary Poppins, helped Chapek announce that the company’s first-ever attraction themed to the classic film would be built on Cherry Tree Lane, inside Epcot’s U.K. pavilion.
Though the company had not yet announced an opening date for the two attractions, guests who attended Epcot’s reopening on Wednesday told the publication that the ride was still open in its previous form.
Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom parks both reopened on July 11 after being closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, while Epcot and Hollywood Studios reopened on July 15.