WELCOME
TO THE GRID
TO THE GRID
When the Wonders of Life pavilion permanently closed in 2009 the opportunity arose to bring a new modern experience to EPCOT. The film TRON Legacy was entering post production and the world built for the film was perfect for the theme of a new EPCOT pavilion. Development went full steam ahead and even though the film under performed construction began in summer 2010. While redressing the interior a new building was erected behind the pavilion completely out of the view of guests. Unfortunately for Imagineering the new gravity building for the TRON coaster would be built on their East Coast headquarters and they would relocate to the former Walt Disney Animation Studios Office Behind Hollywood Studios. The New pavilion opened to guests in phases. The first phase opened in summer of 2013 and included two attractions: Battle Over The GRID simulator attraction and the Disc Wars Arena stunt show, a merchandise location, and a quick service window. The second phase was the TRON Lightcycle Power Run coaster, it is the main draw of the pavilion and EPCOT's first roller-coaster. The second phase would open just under a year later than the first in late spring 2014 to much fanfare and media coverage.
This map showcases all the attractions, dining, and merchandise locations, in the pavilion. It is not in scale.
The exterior of the pavilion is refurbished with new blue tiles replacing the yellow tiles on the dome. A new sign is installed featuring the pavilions new name and a lightcycle based on the retro design. Multiple trees are also removed to make the pavilion and its dome more visible.
The entry way of the pavilion is decorated in pulsing LED lights representing guests being transported to the grid. The effect would be best viewed at night. The picture is of a similar effect at Space Mountain Hong Kong.
Once guests round the bend in the path they enter the dome or main pavilion space. The windows that formerly shined down on the space have been removed and a beacon of light from the center of the pavilion is the primary source of light in this space. The dome is utilized as a projection space and guests can view ships, reconizers, and more fly by.
After being lost imn the visuals of the dome the next thing guests may notice is the roller coaster that rockets past above their heads about every 45 seconds. This is the lightcycle rollercoaster and along with the projects one the dome it makes the pavilion come alive with kinetic energy.
The floor is composed of a glossy black material with grid like light up squares and circles breaking it up. Lightcycles and other TRON vehicles break up the space and also allow guests to get some awesome pictures.
Daft punks killer movie score comprises the back ground loop for the pavilion. The music and all the dynamic lighting truly makes guests forget they're at EPCOT and believe they're on the grid.