A Mary Poppins attraction in Epcot has been rumored for what seems like years now. Earlier today that rumor became official as Disney announced that guests will take a ride down Cherry Tree Lane in the World Showcase’s UK Pavilion.

It’s left unclear what this attraction will be. Many believed it to be a carousel but that doesn’t seem to be the case based on concept art. The press release said that the attraction will be an entirely new neighborhood. What does seem clear is that this new ride will be open for WDW’s 50th anniversary in 2021.

Along with that exciting news, Disney updated guests on the three new films coming to World Showcase in the Canada, China and France Pavilion. The first two showcase the countries pavilion they are in with titles “Wondrous China” and “Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 3D.” The Canada film will open in January 2020 and it remains unclear when the China film will begin showing. The Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along will open in the France Pavilion in January 2020, as well. It will join the same theater as Impressions de France, alternating showings. Here’s a link to the Disney Parks post with the news.

Commentary

When Frozen Ever After was added to the Norway Pavilion in 2016, there was a good amount of outrage over those characters fitting into that pavilion. Whatever your thoughts on the subject, a new precedent was set and that precedent involved more and more characters coming to World Showcase.

That isn’t stopping with the addition of Mary Poppins. Frankly, the Poppins and Ratatouille additions to Epcot make a lot more sense to World Showcase than Frozen Ever After. Mary Poppins does feel distinctly British and the architecture in the film that will now be in Epcot should blend in well to the UK Pavilion. If we hadn’t crossed that Frozen Ever After line then I might be more hesitant on my excitement for a Mary Poppins ride but the line is crossed and I do think this will fit in nicely.

As for the actual ride, I wouldn’t expect much. Rumors were that this was going to be a carousel (and it still might be) but the concept art points to a possible dark ride. I hope that’s the case but will be pleased either way. The addition does seem more substantial than rumors assumed and it should be another strong addition to World Showcase.

We already knew about the film additions to Epcot and I’m excited about the Canada and China 360 films. Both were in need of updates and it’s nice to see those taken care of. The name of the Canada film, Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 3D, is really bad though… The Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along is not for me but as long as it doesn’t actually replace Impressions de France eventually I won’t complain.

Overall, I’m very pleased with the World Showcase additions. While there isn’t a game changing addition, all of the things announced will be solid additions to one of Walt Disney World’s best areas.

What do you think of the additions to World Showcase? Let us know in the comments below! For all of our reactions to the D23 Expo announcements, click here. If you enjoy our blog then please subscribe to the blog and like our social media accounts. You can do both of those things on the right side of this page. Have a great day!