While many said their tearful goodbyes to the Fountain of Nations on Saturday, it was still running yesterday for its last day, but has since been drained and surrounded by planters and construction walls along with the rest of the Future World area ahead of demolition.
These construction walls precede the demolition work that will take place to make way for Epcot’s new Festival Center and a portion of one of the new neighborhood concepts that will comprise the new Epcot: World Celebration.
Yesterday, September 7, Club Cool, Fountain View Starbucks, and the Mickey & Friends Character Spot closed so Walt Disney World could begin construction on the new Festival Center that is part of the Epcot transformation. Guests who arrived at the park this morning were met with construction walls and closing signage at each location.
According to the Walt Disney World website the Epcot Character Spot will only be temporarily closed:
“During the exciting transformation of Epcot, Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character Spot will temporarily close—beginning on September 8, 2019. Enjoy meeting some of your favorite Disney Characters at other locations throughout Epcot!”
We’re happy to report that Mickey & Friends are now meeting across the way where Baymax and Joy and Sadness were located.
The characters have been relocated to the following locations:
Although Fountain View, the home of Starbucks, is currently closed, it will be returning to a temporary location in the late fall according to the Walt Disney World website. In the meantime, you can visit any of the Joffrey’s kiosks around the park.
Unfortunately, Walt Disney World has not issued a statement on Club Cool and if it will be returning to Epcot. Where will we find sticky floors? The signs that are posted indicate a “reimagining” of the future of Club Cool so there is still hope!
Everyone’s favorite quiet and air-conditioned spot has been closed permanently.
The Fountain of Nations is also scheduled to close today, September 8, for the construction of the new entry.
Some of the biggest announcements at D23 have revolved around the ever-changing Epcot, including a Journey of Water interactive walkthrough maze inspired by Moana, the Walt Disney Imagineering Presents the Epcot Experience center, and even a new park logo:
Here’s a look at the overall concept art released.
As an overview, you’ll have a new Food and Beverage concept taking over the Electric Umbrella. Mouse Gear will also be getting an overhaul and remodel, so a new store/merchandise concept also makes an appearance in the art. As far as outdoor spaces are concerned, we’ll see the addition of a new Festival Center, as well as an Epcot garden. In keeping with the outdoor garden feel, the Journey of Water trail will lead guests over to The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion. In the middle of World Showcase Lagoon, you have the premiere of “Epcot Forever”, to be superseded by “A Celebration of Disney Music” in May of 2020.
Check out the Video of all the concept art straight from the Disney Parks “Imagining Tomorrow, Today” Pavilion below:
Who is excited for these new changes coming to EPCOT?