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Disney World Confirms End of Classic EPCOT Icon, Demolition Date Set

Epcot Rope Drop
Credit: @bioreconstruct via X

A revalation regarding the impending demolition of a classic EPCOT icon has stirred a mix of emotions within the Disney Parks fan community. But this piece of EPCOT history isn’t where you might think…

The nostalgia for this piece of EPCOT history comes after years of concern over fear that the park’s historical essence has been deluded. Many Disney Parks fans were disappointed when, as part of Walt Disney World Resort‘s 50th anniversary, Walt Disney Imagineers added more Disney characters to the World Showcase and split Future World into the World Discovery, World Celebration, and World Nature neighborhoods.

Historical Significance of the EPCOT Icon

A large geodesic sphere illuminated in purple and orange hues at night, surrounded by palm trees and a modern pavilion. The structure sits against a dark sky, creating a striking contrast.

Credit: Disney

EPCOT changed its logo in 2019 for the first time since 1996. The modernized logo was controversial, especially as Walt Disney World Resort replaced signs and merchandise throughout the Central Florida Disney Resort.

Still, there was one location where vintage Disney Parks fans could reminisce about classic EPCOT. On the rafters outside Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park lives a sign reading “When in Florida be sure to visit EPCOT”–with the theme park’s previous logo.

TikTok user @stuckinneverlandco recently shared a video of the sign, informing other Disney Parks fans that it would disappear as part of DinoLand U.S.A.’s upcoming transformation.

@stuckinneverlandco

no but fr im also devastated about dinoland 😭🫶 #epcot #dinoland #disneyparks #wdw #animalkingdom #distok #disneyadult #epcot

♬ Da’ Dip (ORIGINAL) – Freak Nasty

“RIP my heart,” one Disney Parks fan wrote.

“I hope they keep the building somehow and leave that up,” said another. “They’ll need a gift shop in that area anyways.”

Future Vision for DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Developments are already underway for the transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. At D23 2024, Chairman of Disney Experiences Josh D’Amaro announced the new Pueblo Esperanza area, revealing exciting new attractions inspired by Encanto (2021) and Indiana Jones.

Animal Kingdom Dinoland replacement concept art

Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Construction is set to begin later this year alongside phased closures throughout DinoLand U.S.A. DINOSAUR is said to be the last attraction to close, as it will not be bull-dozed but rethemed to Indiana Jones.

Follow Disney Tips for updates on this and other Walt Disney World Resort construction projects!

Are you happy about the transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into Pueblo Esperanza? Share your thoughts with Disney Tips in the comments. 

About Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

4 comments

  1. William Farinholt

    Walt Disney would not do this. But someone else would. It is not broken. So do not fix it.

  2. Not Good At All .For years we always go to planet earth .We loved it .Really disappointed.

  3. There seems to be no mention of what will happen to the Boneyard. Is that being removed also?

  4. So what is being removed in Epcot ?? Not planet Earth 🌎 ! I don’t believe it !

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