Mark Smith

VCOM-Auburn ‘27

[Jared Long @longjaredw]

In celebration of Test Track 3.0 opening today, take a look back at this concept imagining how the attraction could take shape at Shanghai’s 2nd gate.

[Jared Long @longjaredw]

Last week I posted the final to my idea for a 2nd park at Shanghai Disney Resort. Here it is in context with the surrounding resort area.

#ShanghaiDisneyResort #EpcotCenter
#ArmchairImagineering

[Jared Long @longjaredw]

Final: A 2nd Gate for Shanghai Disney Resort

Shanghai Disney Resort Epcot Center
#ShanghaiDisneyResort #EpcotCenter
#ArmchairImagineering

[Mark Smith @MarkSmith1619]

@longjaredw MERICA’

[Jared Long @longjaredw]

Winding out of the palms, we see the stern of a wood-hulled ship along the shore and a cluster of timber cabins nestled in the trees. As we round the bend, we step into Boston just after the inauguration of President George Washington.

#ShanghaiDisney #Epcot
#WorldShowcase #USA

[Jared Long @longjaredw]

Continuing along the waterfront, passing a glade, we approach a pavilion long rumored and eagerly awaited: Brazil

#ShanghaiDisney #Epcot
#WorldShowcase #Brazil

[Jared Long @longjaredw]

To create a robust, immersive experience, the pavilion is designed across multiple levels. Guests enter at the ‘Lower Level’ at the lagoon and ascend to the ‘Upper Level’ to reach the Pagoda’s Great Hall.

#ShanghaiDisney #Epcot
#WorldShowcase #China

[Jared Long @longjaredw]

Thanks for your patience, y’all. Back at it!

Behind our grand pagoda, the China Pavilion unfolds into a tapestry of regional subcultures, opening onto sweeping vistas that celebrate the country’s breathtaking natural landscapes.

#WorldShowcase #China

[Jared Long @longjaredw]

As we follow the coast, grand steps descend into the water beside monument-like forms. Beyond the canopy of treetops, an onion-shaped white dome rises into view. Our next destination: India.

#ShanghaiDisneyResort #EpcotCenter
#WorldShowcase #India

[Jared Long @longjaredw]

Crossing a bridge and through a pine forest we come to the ornate gates of the Russia Pavilion.

#WorldShowcase #RussianPavilion

[Jared Long @longjaredw]

Make a left past the Fountain of Nations and your path winds into the Polynesian Outpost, a vibrant island-inspired stop in the World Showcase.

#WorldShowcase #PolynesianOutpost

[Jared Long @longjaredw]

Continuing our journey through Shanghai’s Epcot Center, we now enter the World Showcase.

#ShanghaiDisneyResort #EpcotCenter
#WorldShowcase

[Jared Long @longjaredw]

Hey y’all! I’ll be back with more posts tomorrow. In the meantime, if you haven’t yet, check out the deep dive on Living with the Land—it’s the only attraction I went this far with up to this point.

Below is an early plan of the layout 🔽

#EpcotCenter #LivingWithTheLand

[Jared Long @longjaredw]

Shanghai Disney Resort’s Epcot Center

As stated, we’ve now explored all the elements of Epcot Center before our journey continues into the World Showcase.

#ShanghaiDisneyResort #EpcotCenter

[Jared Long @longjaredw]

The Land is a complex agricultural hub of greenhouses, dining spots, and sweeping atriums. This is exactly the kind of reimagining I’d love to see inspired by our Epcot. Here, it’s imagined for our Shanghai Disney Resort Epcot Center plan.

#ShanghaiDisneyResort #EpcotCenter

[Jared Long @longjaredw]

Exiting the attraction on the ground floor amid interactive exhibits, we ascend the atrium’s staircases—ready for our next stop: The Land, the grandest pavilion of Epcot Nature.

#EpcotNature #TheLand #TheAir

[Jared Long @longjaredw]

We become aerial storm chasers in pursuit of knowledge, soaring over the landscape into the heart of the storm—and back. Deciding we’ve challenged Mother Nature enough for one day, we return to The Air Pavilion.

#EpcotNature #TheAir

[Jared Long @longjaredw]

Moving to the angled glass monuments that rise above the treetops, you’re greeted by the hiss and swirl of steam from nearby geysers—nature’s welcome to the Air Pavilion.

#EpcotNature #TheAir

[Jared Long @longjaredw]

The Land, Air, and Seas pavilions each have glass monuments edged in copper that identify their location in the forest. I was inspired by forms at the Shanghai Expo, Futuroscope, and in Seattle.

#ShanghaiExpo #Futuroscope #TheSpheres

[Jared Long @longjaredw]

Through the gate to the left of the central plaza, we enter the more organic side of the park: Epcot Nature. Here, each pavilion is obscured behind a tree-covered berm with glass geometric forms rising above the canopy.

#EpcotNature