In the weeks leading up to the D23 Fan Expo, Disney has filed new permits with Orange County that could tip their hand on new attractions coming to Epcot. These permits essentially outline Disney’s plans as it relates to the impact of storm water and standing water. The permits are required when dirt is shifted in a way that may change the way water impacts the environment. What these permits don’t do it outline the work that is being done on the land. Therefore, we have to rely on rumors as to the actual use of the land.

Guardians of the Galaxy

First up is the long-rumored Guardians of the Galaxy attraction. The plans call for all of Ellen’s Energy Adventure to be part of a construction zone that extends through backstage areas and into swampland near the parking lot.

While the exact use of the space remains officially under wraps, rumors have been suggesting a Guardians of the Galaxy attraction in the current Ellen’s Energy Adventure space for over a year.

Officially dubbed “Canal Modifications” the permit filed with the South Florida Water Management District details a construction zone that spans from backstage areas straight into the park and encompasses Ellen’s Energy Adventure.

Here’s the construction area, highlighted in green.

Here’s Ellen’s Energy Adventure, highlighted in light blue, and the current parking lot, highlighted in red.

Finally, a look at the permit, merged with a satellite view.

Ratatouille in the France Pavilion

The next permit highlights a construction area near the France Pavilion in World Showcase. Dubbed “France Back of House Stormwater Management”, this permit utilizes an expansion pad next to, and behind, the France Pavilion.

Here’s a look at the area in question.

For a better visualization, we’ve highlighted the current “on-stage” areas in yellow below.

Here’s a rough look at the construction area as seen on top of a satellite view.

D23 Expo

In conclusion, it’s worth noting that neither of the above attractions have been announced by Disney, but are the leading contenders in the rumor mill for the spaces. It’s expected that Disney will use the D23 Expo, July 14-16, to announce the new attractions as part of a much larger overhaul and new vision for Epcot over the coming years.

We’ll be covering all of the news coming out of D23 here on Blog Mickey.